Neck pain can be caused by several factors, from poor posture to everyday stressors to injuries, and many people seek chiropractic care to relieve their symptoms. Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating issues with the neck and spine, so they may be able to offer the pain relief you deserve.
Here’s how a chiropractor could help with your neck pain:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: A chiropractor’s first step in treating neck pain is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This normally includes reviewing your medical history, completing a physical examination, and, in certain cases, conducting diagnostic imaging using X-rays or MRIs. Understanding the underlying cause of neck discomfort is critical to devising an effective treatment plan.
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Spinal manipulation, or adjustment, is one of the key treatments that chiropractors use to treat neck pain. These adjustments attempt to improve spinal alignment and increase joint mobility, in addition to alleviating discomfort.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Chiropractors frequently use soft tissue therapy to supplement spinal adjustments. Massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release are all techniques for relaxing tight muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. This comprehensive technique treats both the skeletal and muscular aspects of neck discomfort.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Chiropractic therapy for neck pain includes teaching patients about specific exercises that help stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the neck. These exercises can help with posture, range of motion, and pain prevention.
- Posture and Ergonomics Advice: Poor posture and inadequate ergonomics are common causes of neck pain. Chiropractors can teach patients how to maintain proper posture throughout the day and can suggest ergonomic changes to their workstations or daily routines. Simple changes, such as lowering a computer screen’s height or utilizing a supporting pillow, can greatly minimize neck pain.