Do you suffer from agonizing neck pain? You're not alone - it's the second most common complaint brought to a chiropractor.
CAUSES OF NECK PAIN
The human neck, aka cervical spine, is composed of structures that are responsible for moving the head in a wide range of motions. It supports the weight of the human head which averages 12 pounds! These cervical structures are delicately designed and thus, are inherently prone to injury.
Some of the most common reasons for neck injury and pain include whiplash, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis and normal degeneration that comes with aging.
Whiplash is the most common accident-related neck injury. It is caused by a sudden whipping motion of the head leading to inflammation and pain.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal containing the nerve roots leading to compression, pain and numbness.
Osteoarthritis, a common joint condition, is when cartilage to deteriorates causing your body to form painful bone spurs.
How a Chiropractor Can Help with Neck Pain
A chiropractor has more than 150 proven techniques for pain relief and healing that is non-invasive. A whole-body approach to health care often eliminates the need for addictive pain medication and/or surgery for these issues.
To determine a treatment plan, essential information about any recent accidents and your health history will be gathered. The chiropractor will then conduct a physical and neurological examination to determine the extent of your injuries and whether the neck pain could be referred from another location in the body. Imaging tests such as x-rays, CAT scans, and/or MRIs may be ordered as well.
A treatment plan may include:
- Therapeutic massage
- Manual adjustment of the spine
- Mobilization to break down scar tissue and release restrictions
- Spinal decompression
- Corrective and rehabilitative exercises
A chiropractor gets to the root of the problem and will get you back on the road to recovery!
