The neck acts as the bridge between the head and the torso and enables us to move our head. It is also one of the most vulnerable parts of the spine. As such, it is susceptible to injury. Neck pain can range from a minor discomfort that can go away after a few days to debilitating pain that may require immediate treatment or even surgery. Having neck pain now and then is a common experience for most people, but it is something that you shouldn’t dismiss, especially if your pain is getting worse or manifesting more frequently than before.
What is Neck Pain?
The neck consists of seven vertebrae, with muscles and ligaments supporting it. Neck pain frequently occurs when the joints, muscles, and ligaments around the neck become inflamed. The usual causes of neck pain include:
- Falls or injuries
- Wear and tear
- Poor posture and sleeping position
- Degenerative diseases, such as arthritis
If not attended to immediately, neck pain can spread to other parts of the body, such as the head, shoulders, back, arms, and hands. A medical examination is necessary to diagnose and identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment. The common symptoms of neck pain include:
- Limited range of motion
- Concentrated sharp pain
- Radiating pain
- Soreness
Most of the time, treatments for neck pain are non-surgical, such as pain medications, physical therapy, and adequate rest. One of your best options is chiropractic care.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Neck Pain?
Patients suffering from neck pain often turn to chiropractic care for treatment. Chiropractic is a gentle, non-surgical alternative medicine specialty, which focuses on treating mechanical disorders in the musculoskeletal system, specifically in the spine. It involves spinal manipulation as well as spinal decompression that can address conditions of the neck, back, and other joints. Chiropractic treatment also affects the nervous system, as the spine houses the spinal cord.
Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and treat neck pain and other types of spinal pain. Cervical manipulation is a type of chiropractic adjustment that targets the joints of the neck. Your chiropractor may perform the procedure using their arms and hands or with the help of instruments. Chiropractic care restores the range of motion of the neck and the mobility of the spine. Aside from improved range motion, chiropractic care for neck pain also addresses the inflammation of the affected area.
Your chiropractor can develop a combination of programs depending on the type of care you need. Before deciding which specific treatment options can address your neck pain, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination to specify and diagnose the cause of the neck pain. The chiropractor will examine your spine as a whole because there is a chance that other regions are affected, as well.
When is Chiropractic Treatment For Neck Pain Not Appropriate?
The treatment for neck pain varies depending on the cause and severity. Chiropractors can perform conservative treatment for your concerns. They may not be able to address your concerns for cases outside their specialty. Likewise, if there are other underlying conditions or serious structural injuries, you may need to see another medical specialist alongside a chiropractor for more comprehensive care. This may be applicable for the following situations:
- You have a spinal cord injury or a herniated disc
- The pain is caused by another medical condition, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia
- The pain or numbness reaches your shoulder, arm, or leg
- It is accompanied by headache, fever, or vomiting
Chiropractic Care in Grand Junction, Colorado
Neck pain can affect your productivity and daily performance. If not appropriately diagnosed and treated with the appropriate medical care, the pain may get worse. One of your many options is chiropractic care.
At WorkPartners Occupational Health, we offer chiropractic treatment that can help relieve your neck pain and alleviate your worry. Our chiropractic specialist, Dr. Christopher Angello, is highly-experienced and ready to help you.
To inquire or schedule an appointment, call us today at (970) 241-5585. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to giving you the best care!
