How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Neck Pain‍

Causes of Neck Pain

As we age, our bodies begin to change in a variety of ways. One common change that many of us experience is neck pain. This can be caused by a number of factors including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and even lifestyle choices like obesity and poor posture.

Degenerative disc disease occurs when the intervertebral discs begin to lose their elasticity and stiffness. As the years go by, these discs can herniate, resulting in numbness and pain that extends into the arms. Spinal stenosis is another common cause of neck pain in older adults. This condition occurs when the nerve passages narrow, causing the nerves to lose function and resulting in pain in the neck, shoulders, or arms. Finally, lifestyle choices like obesity and poor posture can also lead to neck pain. Obesity can disrupt the balance of the spine, causing the neck to bend forward in an attempt to compensate. Poor posture puts unnecessary strain on the muscles and ligaments of the neck, which can lead to pain and discomfort. How Neck Pain is Diagnosed

When you visit the chiropractor, they will first want to know the story of your pain. This means answering questions about how long you have been experiencing the pain, what activities make it worse, and what home remedies you have tried. The chiropractor will also perform a physical exam, testing your range of motion and feeling for tenderness or swelling. In some cases, they may order X-rays or MRI scans. Once the source of the pain has been located, the chiropractor will develop a treatment plan. This may involve manipulative therapy, exercises, and lifestyle changes. With each visit, the goal is to reduce your pain and restore normal function.

When you visit the doctor for neck pain, they will likely perform a neurological and physical exam. This will involve testing muscle strength and reflexes, as well as observing any changes to your nerves or pain spread. The doctor may also order an X-ray, MRI, CT or CAT scan to get a closer look at the discs in your spine and check for bulging, fractures, arthritis or bone spurs. These imaging tests can help to identify the root cause of your neck pain and determine the best course of treatment. In many cases, simple lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medication can provide relief. However, if your pain is severe or persistent, you may need to see a specialist for further evaluation.

Treatments for Neck Pains

Anyone who has ever had a sore neck knows how debilitating the pain can be. Many people turn to over-the-counter or prescription drugs for relief, but these come with their own set of risks and side effects. Cervical manipulation is a safe and effective alternative that can provide lasting relief. The procedure is quick and relatively painless, and the results are often immediate. In addition, cervical manipulation is beneficial for overall neck health, as it helps to increase range of motion and improve functionality. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to relieve neck pain, cervical manipulation may be right for you.

Instrument assisted manipulation: Applying force on the spine with a handheld instrument.

Flexion-distraction technique: A hands-on spinal manipulation that involves pumping action on the intervertebral discs rather than direct force.

Therapeutic massage: Helps relieve pain, reduce stress, and work on a specific problem—such as a frozen shoulder.

Ultrasound: Sending ultrasound wave signals into your muscles eases stiffness and helps alleviate neck pain.

Trigger point therapy: Technique used effectively to relieve painful points on the muscles of the neck.

Therapeutic exercises: This alleviates pain and improves the general motion and functioning of your neck.

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