How Chiropractors Treat Neck Pain

What a pain in the neck! There’s a reason we use this expression to refer to things that are bothersome and painful – neck pain can really put a damper on your day.

Our neck, also known as the cervical spine, is an incredible structure in the body. It supports and moves our big ol’ 12 pound head and serves as a conduit for nerves, blood vessels and intricate muscles. But because of this complex design, it is very prone to injury, strain and damage.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Many diverse factors can create neck pain or stiffness, and understanding these causes can help with treatment, prevention and overall neck wellness. The most common causes are:

Poor posture

Prolonged time sitting or standing with improper posture can strain the neck muscles and lead to pain. Become more aware of your posture and make corrections throughout the day.

Injury

Whiplash from a car crash, a fall or a sports-related injury can cause the head and neck to be forced into hyperextension, stretching and sometimes even tearing muscles, discs, nerves and tendons in your neck.

Degenerative disc disease

The natural aging process can lead to wear and tear on the discs between the vertebrae in the spine which causes neck pain and reduced mobility.

Herniated discs

When the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer, it can compress nerves and cause neck pain.

Osteoarthritis

This painful condition involves the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions joints. When cartilage in the neck joints degenerate, it can cause pain and inflammation in the neck.

Pinched nerves

Pain in the neck that often radiates to the shoulders, arms and hands can be caused by a compressed or pinched nerve in the neck.

Spinal stenosis

This condition is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord and nerves. Cervical spinal stenosis can cause neck pain, along with other symptoms that may radiate into the arms, shoulders and hands.

Stress

Emotional stress can contribute to muscle tension. Over time, this can lead to pain and discomfort in the neck. By better managing your stress, you can lessen pain all throughout your body.

Tech neck

As you tilt forward, the muscles and tendons in your neck and spine have to work overtime to support your head. This frequent strain and poor neck alignment can do a doozy on your neck. Learn how to hold your phone properly to avoid neck pain.

Sleeping positions

Using an unsupportive pillow, too many pillows, sleeping on your stomach or falling asleep while watching TV can result in neck pain upon waking that lasts all day.

Driving

Improper headrest position, gripping the steering wheel tightly for extended periods and poor driving posture can lead to neck pain, especially during long or frequent drives.

Treatment Options for Neck Pain

As you can see from the above, many types of neck pain are temporary and can be treated by correcting the root cause such as bad posture or chronic stress. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to alleviate your pain and bring relief.

Rest

Simply taking it easy and resting your neck in proper alignment can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Heat and cold therapy

At first sign of neck pain, applying ice packs can reduce swelling and inflammation as well as numb the pain. After a day or so, using heat or taking warm showers can relax the muscles that may be tensing up and causing the pain.

Temporary immobilization

Chiropractic for Neck Pain

Chiropractors are especially adept at treating neck pain as they are extensively trained in the musculoskeletal system including the spine, joints and surrounding tissues. Chiropractic’s non-invasive, conservative, holistic, drug-free approach to pain has proven to be an effective solution for many neck pain patients. In a study of almost 1,000 patients with acute neck pain the NIH reports, “The mean Neck Disability Index scores were 36 at baseline and 9.8 at the final evaluation; the Characteristic Pain Intensity scores were initially 55.3 and were 24.5 at the final evaluation.” Pretty great results, huh?

Chiropractic care for neck pain may involve:

Neck and spine adjustments
Therapeutic massage
Rehabilitative exercises and stretches
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy
Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy
Joint stretching
Ergonomic, exercise and lifestyle change recommendations

Chiropractic for Neck Pain in Maryland

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek the services of Levi Chiropractic. Dr. Levi has been assessing, diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions like cervical spine pain since 1991. If your daily activities are being affected by neck pain, make an appointment for an evaluation with us today.