At least once in everybody’s lifetime, you will experience neck pain. Most of us are guilty of wishing away the pain, which often doesn’t go so well. Here’s where chiropractors come in; their work is to relieve pain and address the sources of the throbs, aches, pulls, and twinges. According to statistics, there has been a growing number of licensed chiropractors in the United States owing to the rising demand and growing confidence in chiropractic care for neck pain. According to similar surveys, the percentage is higher compared to other alternatives such as acupuncture and massage.
Significant concerns revolve around how chiropractors manage to solve neck pain issues. What approaches do chiropractors use to treat neck pain? Let’s find out.
Diagnosis
Why are you experiencing neck pain in the first place, that won’t go away with home remedies? Chiropractors are well trained to evaluate your spine starting from the cervical region (neck), mid-back (thoracic), and lower back (lumbar). The chiropractor must determine the cause of neck pain before deciding what approach to use to relieve your pain. He or she might request for imaging tests such as an MRI or X-Ray. Physical exams and analyzing your medical history are mandatory as part of the diagnosis process.
These diagnostic results will offer more information about your neck, allowing your chiropractor to create a customized treatment plan. The process also rules out neck pain conditions that need invasive procedures such as surgery.
Neck adjustment
Also known as cervical manipulation, the technique applies gentle and precise pressure to the neck, manually. Neck adjustment sessions aim to improve the mobility of the spine and redeem a range of motion. The manipulation also enhances the movement of the adjacent muscles supporting the cervical vertebrae. In doing these, you will reduce neck pain, stiffness, and soreness and enjoy the improved capability to tilt and turn the head. You will need a few sessions to experience the maximum effects of the neck adjustment procedures.
Depending on your condition, your chiropractor might use the following techniques under spinal adjustments.
- Cervical mobilization- the chiropractor basically moves the cervical vertebrae from left to right with calculated speeds.
- Cervical traction- you will lie on the traction table facing upwards, and the chiropractor will apply gentle pulls and stretches on the cervical region to improve mobility and offer pain relief.
- Cervical “drop” approaches- the chiropractor uses anywhere from low, medium, or low velocity thrusts to apply calculated pressure to the neck regions. Your chiropractor will place his or her hand to the spinal region after lying on your back and consequently apply the downward pressure until the drop section table comes to level.
Due to the complexity of these approaches, you are advised to seek quality chiropractic care and attention to avoid any detrimental injuries.
Therapeutic exercises and stretches
Moreover, your chiropractor will guide you on self-therapy techniques to use to help alleviate the neck pain when at home. Due to the exposure and experience collected over the years, your chiropractor will teach you how to exercise and stretch your neck without causing further harm.
Your chiropractor might encourage you to take frequent breaks to stretch your neck. You could turn your neck to the right and stretch your head for ten seconds before turning to the other side for ten seconds, all in about four cycles.
Other therapeutic exercises and stretches such as chin tucks, rotating shoulder blades, and not staying stationary, will help you improve your neck’s mobility and relieve neck pain.
When is it appropriate to seek more treatment other than chiropractic care?
Without a doubt, chiropractors are experts in the musculoskeletal system and treating pain and misalignment associated with the structure. However, you may need to see a different specialist if:
- A chiropractor determines that your neck pain is complicated and needs more intensive care, such as surgery. Your chiropractor will recommend a neurologist who will help with the complicated spinal problems.
- Your neck pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or headache. You might also find yourself wincing at light. These are signs of more problematic issues such as meningitis or infections of the spinal cord and brain. Your chiropractor will recommend urgent medical assistance.
- You are numb from your neck, running down to your legs, back, or shoulders. This might be a sign of a severe spinal cord injury that requires some invasive treatment.
Has your neck pain become problematic that you can’t find sleep or comfort? Struggle no further. Contact us today at 205-637-1363 to book an appointment and let us help you redeem your neck’s stability and painless nature.
