While chiropractic care is largely focused on the health of the entire musculoskeletal system, the well-being and alignment of the spine are of the utmost importance. According to the chiropractic philosophy, this central supporting structure has a hand in nearly all bodily functions. This is because the spine is also the superhighway by which important messages are sent between the brain and the nerves. When problems with alignment exist in one area of the spine, various joints, muscles, ligaments, and other structures must compensate for these damages. This leads to tension, stress, and serious problems in the brain to nerve communication among other issues. Given the vast number of people who are currently leading increasingly sedentary lives, and who are also spending extraordinary amounts of time craned over their mobile devices, neck pain is a very common concern. Fortunately, if you currently have a pinched nerve in your neck, there are many different ways in which a chiropractor can help.
Unlike most conventional medical doctors, chiropractors go beyond addressing mere symptoms. Whereas your regular physician might recommend getting more rest and using over-the-counter pain medications, a chiropractor will work to correct the underlying musculoskeletal issues to promote expedited healing. When a person has a pinched nerve at the top of the spine, alignment issues across this structure are frequently the culprit. Understanding that each patient and each neck injury can be different from the next, however, chiropractors always take an individualized and needs-specific approach when establishing treatment. The typical treatment for a mild to a moderate injury involving a pinched nerve in the neck can include:
- A thorough initial assessment and consultation
- Diagnostic imaging as needed to determine the source of the problem
- Spinal adjustments or spinal manipulation for correcting subluxations or misaligned areas
- Therapeutic massage for relieving primary and secondary stress
- Acupuncture or acupressure
- Computer-assisted spinal adjustments
- Inversion therapy
- Recommendations for lifestyle changes
- Postural correction services
All of the different services performed in the chiropractic environment share the same overarching goal: to restore balance and alignment to the spine, and to the entire musculoskeletal system. The therapies used are largely intended to promote progressive improvements. As such, many patients experience significant increases in their comfort levels, mobility, flexibility, and balance following each appointment. Moreover, given that the physical pain of problems like a pinched nerve invariably decreases with each session, these services also make it possible for many clients to gradually wean themselves away from potentially addictive, prescription pain medications.
How To Know If Your Neck Pain Requires The Help Of A Chiropractor
In addition to being excruciating at times, the sharp, shooting pains that people feel as the result of having a pinched nerve in the neck can also make it virtually impossible to engage in everyday activities or complete simple tasks. The related joint dysfunction usually makes it quite difficult for people to turn their heads. Due to this fact, even driving a car and safely making lane changes can be a real challenge. If you have pain in your neck that’s hindering your ability to live your life to the fullest, working with a chiropractor could be your best bet.
Chiropractic services are also recommended for anyone who is ready to move beyond simply muting the symptoms of their musculoskeletal issues with pain medications. Chiropractic adjustments and other therapies can naturally alleviate neck pain by eliminating inflammation, stress, and general joint dysfunction. More importantly, these services also resolve any secondary issues that have developed as a result of surrounding muscles overcompensating. For instance, if you’ve been dealing with a pinched nerve in your neck for quite some time, you may find that you are also carrying a considerable amount of undue stress in your shoulders, or in the muscles at the back of your head. People who suffer from neck pain frequently experience secondary issues such as recurring headaches, and jaw or facial pain. Chiropractic doctors know that the surest way to resolve secondary issues such as these is by first resolving the underlying problems that have caused them.
Many patients seek chiropractic care for neck pain after being in car accidents, slip, and fall accidents, and other jarring, impact events. This care might be needed if you are using a mobile phone or tablet too frequently, and are guilty of craning over your device while keeping your neck at an unnatural angle. Not only will your chiropractic doctor help you deal with the problems that you’re facing now, but this professional will additionally share advice for preventing the development of new musculoskeletal issues in the future. Are you ready to get started on the path to wellness? If so, we can help. Call us today at 205-637-1363.
