Neck pain is a major public health problem. Over 90% of the population has reported suffering from neck pain at least once in their life. Our neck, also known as the cervical spine, supports the entire weight of your head, which tends to weigh about 12 pounds. Although the cervical spine can sustain the 12 pounds and move your head in nearly every direction, the weights and flexibility make the neck very prone to pain and injury.
Causes of Neck Pain:
- Injury and accidents: An unexpected forced moment of the head or neck in any direction is known as “whiplash.” The “whipping” motion can cause injuries within the surrounding and supporting areas of the head and neck. The surrounding and supporting muscles react by tightening and contracting, resulting in pain, aches and stiffness.
- Old age: Osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease are common medical conditions within senior citizens. These medical conditions directly affect the spine and can cause neck pain.
- Daily life: Do you sit at a desk for long periods of time? Maybe you lift heavy equipment at work? No matter what type of activities you day consists of, poor posture, obesity and weak muscles can disrupt the spines balance, causing neck pain. Stress and tension can cause the muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain, aches and stiffness.
Whether your neck pain is caused from an injury or accident, old age, a medical condition or daily life, regularly visiting your chiropractor can reduce these chronic neck aches and pains, and allow you to return to a pain-free life.
Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain
During your appointment, the chiropractor will ask you a series of questions prior to beginning treatment. These questions include, but are not limited to:
- When did the pain start?
- Have you done anything prior to this for your neck pain?
- Is your neck pain causing any other pain throughout your body?
- Have you noticed anything that reduces the pain or makes it worse?
After the source of pain is located, the chiropractor will do a physical and neurological exam. During the physical exam, your posture, range of motion and physical condition will be assessed to note anything that causes pain. The neurological exam will test your refluxes, muscle strength, nerve damage and pain map. This form of practice involves absolutely NO drugs or surgery.
Along with treating the source of the pain, the chiropractor will treat the whole person, not just your specific symptoms. We may offer tips on nutrition, managing your stress and lifestyle goals during your treatment session.
Neck Adjustments
Your adjustment may consist of a multi-faceted approach as part of your treatment for neck pain. A few techniques your chiropractor may use include:
- Specific spinal manipulation to restore joint movement.
- Trigger point therapy to relieve tight and painful areas.
- Manual joint stretching to help reduce pain and other symptoms.
- Therapeutic exercises may also be recommended to continue to improve range of motion and avoid your neck pain from continuing or progressing.