If you are dealing with neck pain, you are in good company. It is estimated that up to 75 percent of the people in the world have experienced chronic or acute neck pain at some time. In North America, chronic neck pain stems from the technologically heavy and sedentary lifestyle most people live.
Most people are content to sit in front of a computer screen or a mobile device for a good portion of their day. They work in front of a computer, live on their phones, and entertain themselves with the screen. Sedentary lifestyles put a lot of strain on the neck. They contribute to posture issues that further exacerbate neck pain.
What Is the Source of Neck Pain?
Your neck, also referred to as the cervical spine, starts at the base of your skull. It is comprised of seven vertebrae. Cervical vertebrae carry the weight of your head, which on average weighs 12 pounds. Your neck is flexible. You can move your head in just about every direction. This flexibility and mobility makes the neck susceptible to injury and pain.
Common sources of neck pain include:
• Muscle strains
• Bone spurs
• Osteoarthritis
• Herniated disc
• Injuries
• Pinched nerves
Can a Chiropractor Help Me with Neck Pain?
Yes. Chiropractic neck adjustments, which are called cervical manipulations, can loosen the joints of your cervical vertebrae. This may lead to pain reduction. Chiropractic adjustments may treat strains, muscle spasms, and other factors that contribute to your pain.
Most neck injuries are the result of poor posture coupled with the wear and tear that comes with age. A chiropractor will manually manipulate your neck so that the vertebrae are in alignment. This can offset many of the effects that posture and other factors can have.
Neck pain is not always concentrated in the neck. Pain from pinched nerves can travel through the shoulder and down the arm. Chiropractors may be able to minimize this pain by repositioning bones that are out of alignment and relaxing muscles to reduce the pressure on your nerves.
In addition to the adjustments you receive from your chiropractor, they may ask you to do continual stretching exercises at home. These can keep your neck pain at bay. The massage therapy can address the soft tissue in your neck, loosing up tight muscles in your shoulders and neck to relieve pain.
Is Neck Chiropractic Care for Pain Safe?
Chiropractic care for your neck is safe if it is performed by a licensed, experienced, and trained chiropractor. Routine chiropractic care offers a nonaddictive, safe, and noninvasive alternative to prescription and over-the-counter medications, which are typically used to manage pain and swelling.
Chiropractic adjustments can minimize misalignments or restrictions in the spine and other joints. This can lead to a reduction of inflammation and improve the function of your joints and nervous system. All of this gives your body the ability to better handle pain in your neck.
The exact chiropractic treatment plan you will receive will vary based on your situation. If you were in a car crash, have a sports injury, or are dealing with arthritis, you may require long-term care. If you have an issue caused by bad posture or a pinched nerve, your chiropractor may be able to resolve these issues in just a few visits.
Neck Pain Should Not Be Ignored
Neck pain can range in severity from a mild discomfort that you can easily ignore to something that is debilitating and excruciating. If neck pain is accompanied by other symptoms, it could indicate the need for prompt medical care.
Most people experience neck pain now and again. But it is not something that you should tolerate. Neck pain may be caused by sleeping in an awkward position, injuring yourself, or poor posture. It can also be the result of tumors, abnormalities, infections, and even cancer.
Chiropractic care is an awesome way to manage and relieve the discomfort caused by neck care. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle, noninvasive, and do not cause addiction. Adjustments increase joint mobility, giving your nervous system what it needs to function in a healthy manner. This allows your body’s healing mechanisms to kick in and manage discomfort in your neck.
Chiropractic care for neck pain can lead to an improved lifestyle and a better range of motion. You may experience a reduction in inflammation, discomfort, and pain. Are you dealing with neck pain? Would you like to see if chiropractic care is the right choice for your condition? If so, contact us today at 205-637-1363.
