Several muscles and ligaments support your neck's seven vertebrae. It enables head
movement by serving as a bridge between the torso and the head. Irritation or inflammation of
the neck's joints, muscles, and ligaments is the most frequent cause of neck pain.
Neck pain can range from insignificant and unnoticeable to excruciating and debilitating. It might
also suggest a pressing need for chiropractic care if combined with further symptoms.
Here's an overview of how a chiropractic treats neck pain:
Diagnosis and Tests
Before deciding on a treatment method for your neck pain, the chiropractor will thoroughly
examine your discomforts precise source.
During the physical exam, your doctor will assess your posture, condition, and range of motion,
noting any painful movements. Your physician will check your spine, taking note of its curvature,
alignment, and any muscular spasms. Additionally, a shoulder examination may be performed.
During the neurological exam, your physician will assess your reflexes, muscle strength, other
nerve abnormalities, and pain distribution.
In addition to the physical examination, the chiropractor will review your medical history. In
certain instances, a chiropractor may prescribe diagnostic tests to aid in diagnosing a patient's
ailment. X-rays detect compressed disc space, fractures, bone spurs, and arthritis.
A Computed Axial Tomography (CT or CAT scan) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
examination can reveal disc protrusions and herniations. If your doctor suspects nerve damage,
they may perform an electromyography (EMG) test to check how rapidly your nerves respond.
These diagnostic processes will offer your chiropractor more information about your neck
discomfort, enabling them to develop an individualized treatment plan.
However, their scope of practice does not involve pharmaceuticals or surgical procedures. If
your chiropractor finds a neck fracture or organic disease, this conservative treatment may not
work.
In that case, they will recommend you to the proper medical doctor or expert. To ensure that
your chiropractic and medical care are coordinated, they may also request permission to inform
your primary care physician of your treatment.
Neck Adjustment
Also known as cervical manipulation, neck adjustment is a precise, manual technique done on
the neck joints. It can promote the spine's mobility and range of motion, as well as the mobility
of the surrounding muscles. Patients typically experience an improvement in their ability to turn
and tilt their heads, along with a decrease in discomfort, soreness, and stiffness.
Of course, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that may include more than one
treatment based on your unique needs. In addition to manipulation, the treatment plan may also
involve mobilization, massage, or rehabilitation activities. Depending on your condition, your
chiropractor may recommend you continue treatment with exercises and stretches.
Therapeutic Stretches
Your chiropractor will instruct you on self-care procedures that can be performed at home to
alleviate neck pain. Your chiropractor will advise you on how to safely exercise and stretch your
neck through their exposure and experience.
Your chiropractor may recommend that you regularly extend your neck. In approximately four
cycles, you could bend your neck to the right and stretch your head for ten seconds before
simultaneously turning to the opposite side.
Other therapeutic exercises and stretches, such as chin tucks, shoulder blade rotation, and
avoiding immobility, will help you enhance neck mobility and alleviate neck pain.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care is an effective way of treating neck pain. It involves the manipulation of the
nerves and muscles to help reduce stiffness and tension, as well as improve mobility. With
professional treatment from a chiropractor, you can be sure that your neck pain will be alleviated
over time. If you experience neck pain, it is best to consult a chiropractor to find out if
chiropractic treatment could help.
If you're experiencing neck pain and need to consult a chiropractor, look no further than the
Performance and Recovery Clinic! Our experienced practitioners are experts in diagnosing the
cause of your neck pain and can develop an individualized treatment plan to address your
specific needs. Contact us now!