You really find out how much you move your neck during the day when you can't do some simple movements. The head weighs 14 to 16 pounds and there are relatively few muscles supporting the neck, which means that the neck is very susceptible to injury.

Problems in the next can also contribute to:

• headaches
• muscle spasms in the shoulders and upper back
• otitis media (inflammation in the middle ear, often mistaken for ear infection in children)
• temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
• ringing in the ears
• restricted range of motion
• chronic tightness in the back
• chronic tightness in the upper back

Whiplash is the most common form of injury to the neck. It results from the sudden movement of the head in any direction that results in damage to the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back.

Whiplash injuries need to be taken very seriously.

Poor posture is another cause of neck pain which sometimes results in headaches and is often the result of the body being misaligned. Slumped shoulders, reading in bed, more weight on one leg then another, and sitting incorrectly are just a few of the factors that can cause neck pain.

See a chiropractor if you have been in any type of auto accident. You may have hurt your neck (whiplash) and you may otherwise not have known for years to come. Contact us immediately.