Neck Pain and Stress Occurs More In Women

BY Debbie Nicholson

Women have more neck pain than men, regardless of occupation or age. Women who are young and stressed develop more neck pain than the opposite sex. Women also view everyday life as more stressful. At least that is what a thesis from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden reveals.

Researchers have had a continual dispute among themselves as why muscle and joint pain such as neck pain is more dominant in women than men noted by Anna Grimby-Ekman, postdoctoral student and statistician at the Sahlgrenska Academy's Department of Public Health and Community Medicine. Ms. Grimby-Ekman states that it is known physical work which requires heavy lifting or assembly work involves great amounts of arm raising above the shoulder which can produce neck pain. By the observation of a group with less physically demanding work, we can more easily determine other factors which possibly be linked and possibly could explain the generally high rate of neck pain.

A questionnaire was given out to university students in Sweden, consisting of 627 women and 573 men had shown that neck pain is more usual in women than men that had developed neck pain for the four year duration of the study.

Questionnaires were given out to a second group, consisting of 870 women and 834 men who comprised a typical selection of computer users from the Swedish workforce. Women once again, had noted more neck and upper back pain spread out across the occupations covered. It was apparent in both computer users and students that neck pain is caused by psychosocial factors which included the demands of work and studying.

Observed stress was more usual among women students than the men and it seemed to play more of a part for the developing of neck pain in young women more than men.

A seven year long study had shown that some alternative therapies are the best choices for the management of neck and back pain. Below are the three top choices for neck and back pain.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic care has been rated as the number one alternative treatments most people use. Especially in the areas of chronic pain.

Chiropractic care uses hands on manipulation of the spinal column and other parts of the body. Chiropractic bases their theory on that disease starts from disruptions of the nervous system, misalignment of the vertebrae causes an interruption in the nervous system.

Chiropractic treatments provide pain relief, restore mobility and treat neuromusckuloskeletal disorders. Chiropractors use many forms of treatments among them spinal manipulation which removes the stress from tissues, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Many physicians refer patients to chiropractors for neck and back pain.

Cervical manipulations are used for the neck. Chiropractors do not twist the neck. The adjustments done are a gentle and precise therapy. The main goal is to return motion to the restricted joints and improve overall movements without pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been noted as a very effective treatment compared to conventional treatments which usually prescribe pain killer medications.

In a study conducted on acupuncture and neck pain, people who had received acupuncture treatments for one week at five treatments had show a significant decrease in neck pain. Acupuncture has been shown just as effective in the area of back pain.

In the treatment the acupuncturist places needles to assorted depths and certain points on the body. This is done to balance the flow of energy known as Qi, which flows through the meridians in the body. Acupuncture is believed to release endorphins the body's own natural pain killer. It is a totally safe and effective treatment.

Massage Therapy

One of the most effective massage therapies for back pain is trigger point. The theory is that trigger points develop in the muscles.

The therapy involves the therapist locating the muscle by recognizing its pain pattern. Light pressure applied to the area seems to lengthen the muscle, relieve pain and release pressure off the spinal nerve.

In the area of neck pain a massage therapist can use a variety of treatments. Such as Swedish massage to release the tension by applying pressure to the surface muscles. Other therapies which have been proven effective for neck pain are deep tissue massage, trigger point and Shiatsu.

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