Neck Pain and Chiropractic
Neck Pain
What Causes Neck Pain?
Your neck is the most vulnerable part of your spine. Not only does it support your 10-12 pound head, maintain a gentle forward curve, and permit head rotation, but it must also allow the free flow of nerve impulses to the head, face, hands, and the rest of your body. Besides discomfort and annoyance, chronic neck pain is a sign that something is wrong.
Many everyday things can cause neck pain, such as watching TV, using your computer, reading a book, or falling asleep in a chair or airplane. The temporary pain that results can resolve on its own, especially when the offending activity is discontinued. When it doesn’t, a more serious underlying problem may be indicated.
A thorough examination can determine if you’re a good candidate for chiropractic care. These tests may involve your ability to turn and bend. The muscle tone of the supporting muscles in the neck may be tested. Diagnostic imaging to reveal the underlying structure of the spine may be requested. These and other tests are designed to identify the cause and location of your neck pain.
The most common cause of neck pain is functional distortions in the spine resulting from vertebral subluxations. These subluxations are seen in reverse cervical curve, whiplash, and joint instability cases. The body responds by tightening muscles in the neck, “splinting” the joint to protect it from further insult. Chiropractic care can help.
Most pain-sensing nerves in the neck are located in the pairs of facet joints on the back side of each vertebra. These smooth, interlocking surfaces allow you to rotate your head and bend your head up and down. If these joints become locked or fixated, neck pain can result. Chiropractic care can help restore proper joint motion.
A more difficult problem to correct is the degenerative changes that result from neglect. Years of uncorrected spinal problems can cause bone spurs, disc thinning, and other forms of spinal decay. These problems respond more slowly, and some ongoing supportive chiropractic care may be necessary.
Stress shows up there if the weakest link in our bodies is our neck. While chiropractic care cannot reduce the stress of your busy life, it can help improve your ability to handle and tolerate it. Without drugs or surgery!
Why did the chiropractor take pictures of my lower back?
Many patients are surprised when their chiropractic examination involves other areas of their body besides the local site of their symptom(s). Some neck pain cases can compensate for problems in the feet, knees, hips, and lower back. Your chiropractor sees you as a whole person, not just a collection of “parts.”
Will I have to have neck adjustments?
If your problem results from abnormal motion or the position of spinal bones in the neck, cervical adjustments can be effective. There are many ways to adjust the neck, and your chiropractor has become an experienced master. Years of practice make these spinal adjustments safe and effective. Much safer than common aspirin or muscle relaxers!
How long will I need chiropractic care?
Some patients see quick improvement and then immediately discontinue their care. They often suffer a relapse since muscles and soft tissues have not had time to heal fully. Others discover that degenerative changes to their spines make periodic checkups a worthwhile investment. We‘ll make recommendations, but how long you benefit from chiropractic care is up to you.