Neck

Many factors can cause body stress
in the neck including whiplash

There are various factors that may cause body stress in the neck area -

Mechanical causes - jarring or jerking the neck as in a fall or a whiplash in a car accident; working or reading with the head tilted downwards for lengthy periods; twisting the neck, as in reversing a car.

Mental/emotional causes - Emotions like intense anger, anxiety or shock can cause a person to hunch the shoulders and tighten the neck muscles. A state of ongoing depression will also bring about postural distortions. In addition, the physical discomfort resulting from the body stress will reinforce the negative emotions and lead to a vicious circle.

Chemical causes - Exposure to harmful chemicals may severely irritate the nervous system and cause the neck muscles to tighten, e.g. chemicals may be inhaled, such as car fumes and insecticides; substances may be absorbed through the skin, such as cleaning materials and certain cosmetics. Some people react adversely to certain foods and to preservatives and additives. Very often an infection, such as the flu or cold virus, may also result in neck stress.

The body stress stored in the neck may cause pain and stiffness and an inability to fully turn the head.

Body stress stored in the neck
may cause pain and stiffness and an
inability to fully turn the head

As the lower neck supplies the nerves to the arms, there may be pain or numbness in the shoulder, arm or hand. Muscles may be weakened, resulting in difficulty in grasping objects.

The tension in the neck may cause headaches or pain in the face or jaw. There may be sensations of dizziness or nausea. The pressure may irritate nerve pathways, which connect with the eyes, nose and mouth and this could adversely affect vision and the senses of smell and taste. Another effect may be a burning, dry mouth or excess saliva.

Body stress in the neck area may also have an impact on the nerve connections to internal organs, such as the heart, lungs and digestive system, undermining normal function.