Are you experiencing neck pain? You’re not alone. Neck pain is a common complaint experienced by one out of every three individuals yearly (InformedHealth.org). Neck pain causes can range from muscle tension and strain to sleeping in an awkward position, with most neck pain being nothing more than a nuisance.
However, there are situations when severe neck pain, or that which is accompanied by other symptoms, can indicate a serious underlying condition.
This guide will help you explore chiropractic treatment options to help you reduce, eliminate and prevent neck pain.
Neck Pain Causes
Neck pain can be caused by a myriad of issues. Below we’ll cover some of the most common reasons individuals experience neck pain.
Overused, Strained or Weak Neck Muscles – Sports, sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time, and any activity that involves the tilting of the head or neck can cause undue strain and muscle tension.
Cervical Spine Damage or Wear – Normal aging and overuse or abuse can cause damage, wear or tear in the spine. Spinal disks can flatten, and spurs (small bone growths), as well as osteoarthritis, can all be contributing factors to neck pain.
Whiplash or Physical Trauma – Car or vehicular accidents are a major cause of whiplash as is participation in contact sports. Rapid jerking movements forward and backward, or abrupt head and neck movements in contrasting planes of motion can cause damage to related connective tissue and muscles in your neck.
Slipped Disk or Narrowing of the Vertebral Canal – Disk tissue inflammation, bulges or narrowing of the vertebral canal can result in increased pressure on nerve roots causing radiating neck pain that shoots to arms or shoulders.
Inflammatory Conditions – In other cases, neck pain can stem from inflammatory conditions of the spine.
Non-Specific Causes – In some cases, no “smoking gun” can be found as it relates to a specific cause of discomfort. In such cases, your pain may be referred to as “non-specific neck pain”.
Types of Neck Pain
From a clinical standpoint there are two types of neck pain:
- Axial Pain
- Radicular Pain
Axial Pain – is typically felt in the “cervical spine” (part of your spine that includes your neck), and can radiate to the shoulders. This type of pain is often the result of strain and tension in the neck, spine, and shoulders. Office workers who sit hunched over desks are especially prone to axial pain.
Radicular Pain – as the name suggests, this pain often “radiates” along nerve pathways such as those that spread from your neck to your head, shoulders, and arms. This type of neck pain commonly stems from spinal disk displacement or inflammation that aggravates nerves.
Neck Pain Treatment
Those suffering from neck pain are often eager to make it disappear as soon as possible. If you’re on the search for “how to get rid of neck pain” then you’ve come to the right place. According to Harvard Health and the American College of Physicians, spinal manipulation by way of chiropractic treatment is a recommended and effective alternative to pain medication.
Chiropractic Therapy: How Neck Pain Is Addressed
Chiropractic therapy utilizes a range of specialized techniques to apply pressure and make adjustments aimed at improving the use, function, and mobility of muscles and joints as well as to reduce, eliminate or prevent pain. Adjustments typically involve applying precise and controlled pressure to joints. As it relates to neck pain, chiropractors use cervical manipulation to adjust and loosen cervical vertebrae in the neck, relieving pressure, improving localized circulation and bringing things back into alignment.
Chiropractic therapy and care is a time-tested, safe and highly effective method to reduce, prevent or eliminate neck pain. From chronic to severe neck pain, chiropractors are highly trained and capable of providing relief for many individuals.
How to Get Rid of Neck Pain
Cervical Mobilization – This technique involves the patient lying on their back while the chiropractor carefully and strategically mobilizes the vertebra in a controlled and precise manner. Alternating motions side to side and in a figure-eight are commonly employed.
Cervical Manual Traction – This approach involves the patient sitting or lying face up while the chiropractor carefully pulls the neck aiding in stretching tense connective tissue and associated musculature. These motions contrast between extension (backward) and flexion (forward movements).
Cervical “Drop” – Lying in the prone position (face down) or on their site, a head-drop piece is placed and set into a locked position. The chiropractor then utilizes therapeutic touches and pressure to adjust the spinal segment needing adjustment.
When Should You Consider Chiropractic Care?
If you are suffering from chronic or acute neck pain absent of other symptoms, consulting with a chiropractor for an assessment can put you on the path to a pain-free life in no time. A chiropractor will be able to accurately assess your situation, identify underlying causes of pain, and recommend therapies to address these concerns.
Reach out to us today for and get the relief you deserve. We’re standing by and ready to help.
