Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain

Chiropractic care for neck pain can effectively treat a multitude of issues and injuries that cause neck pain.

How A Chiropractor Can Help Those Suffering from Neck Pain

The neck is a complex section of the spine housing multiple vertebrae, ligaments, and tendons. It is susceptible to neck pain, limiting your range of motion and causing immense discomfort.

Instead of popping a pain-relieving med, try chiropractic care for neck pain. The all-natural, non-invasive treatment focuses on your spine to effectively treat neck pain. Here's how a chiropractor can help those suffering from neck pain and why you should visit a chiropractor.

What Causes Neck Pain?

When your bones, ligaments, or tendons become inflamed or injured, you experience neck pain. The origin of the pain may be in the neck or other parts of the spine. The causes of neck pain include:

Vertebral Subluxation

A vertebral subluxation is a change in the alignment of your vertebrae that decreases the function and movement of the neck while causing pain. Sustained postures, whiplash, stress, or poor posture can cause vertebral subluxation.

Cervical Herniated Disc

Herniated discs in the upper cervical region press on nerves and cause sharp or dull pain that can even radiate to the arms.

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

CDDD is a condition that describes your cervical discs' wear and tear. The pain is radicular, and CDDD can cause herniated discs or pinched nerves that cause stiff neck and neck pain.

Fracture

A neck fracture occurs after trauma. Car accidents, falls, high-impact sports injuries, and sudden twists can cause one of the vertebrae to fracture, leading to neck discomfort.

Inflammation of the Windpipe

Viral or bacterial infection can inflame the windpipe or trachea, translating to neck pain at the base of the neck. Tracheobronchitis could also result from whiplash or poor posture that causes inflammation.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are bony projections in your neck that press on the nerve endings, causing pain. Bone spurs commonly occur with osteoarthritis.

Dislocation

A dislocation is similar to a fracture, but the ligaments of adjoining bones tear and forcefully separate them.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where new bone formation doesn’t keep up with old bone removal. It can cause fractures and pinched nerves in the neck.

Irregular Spinal Curvature

The general curve of the cervical spine may warp beyond its normal state. Scheuermann disease, poor posture, and arthritis may cause irregular spine curvature or scoliosis, resulting in neck discomfort.

How Does a Chiropractor Diagnose Neck Pain?

Chiropractic diagnosis employs a range of spatial motion tests, mobility evaluation, and spinal alignment assessment. The chiropractor may order an X-ray, MRI, or other imaging tests to pinpoint the cause of neck pain.

A complete spinal analysis includes the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sections since neck pain may be a symptom of complications in the rest of the spine. After an accurate diagnosis, the chiropractor will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Neck Pain?

Chiropractic care for neck pain employs chiropractic treatments that differ from traditional chiropractic adjustment. The treatments are subtle but effective. They reduce inflammation, ease pain, improve central nervous system function, and reinstate your neck's range of motion.

Chiropractic Treatments for Neck Pain

Here are some chiropractic treatments that work best for neck pain:

• Cervical Mobilization: The chiropractor employs smooth manual adjustments on the neck, performing spinal manipulation by moving the vertebra from side to side and oscillating forward and backward to move the neck in the restricted direction. The non-thrust treatment realigns your upper cervical region to eliminate neck pain.
• Cervical Manual Traction: The patient lies on their back while the chiropractor employs an adapted form of manual therapy called the flexion-distraction technique. The forward and backward extension realigns your spine, relieving neck pain.
• Mechanical Traction: Mechanical traction relies on a device and specialized table to administer measured chiropractic adjustment to decompress the spine and realign it, improving range of motion and easing neck pain.
• Cervical “Drop” Techniques: The method uses a unique table with a drop piece where the patient lies either sideways or on their stomach. The chiropractor will apply medium to high pressure on the neck region until the piece drops. You may hear a cracking sound with this technique.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to chiropractic treatment. The chiropractor may employ one or multiple techniques to treat neck pain and use complementary therapies, like massage therapy, soft tissue therapy, and ultrasound stimulation.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain?

Neck pain should be treated with urgency. You should immediately see a chiropractor when you notice neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and radicular pain, especially after an auto accident injury, a hard fall, or sudden movement.

Also, as you age, it is imperative to visit a chiropractor for spinal manipulation to avoid degenerative disc disease that is common with old age.

Don't see a chiropractor if you take blood-thinning medication or have cancer, significant bone deformations, or aggravated osteoarthritis.

What Are the Risks Associated With Seeing a Chiropractor for Neck Pain?

The risks include stroke, worsening a herniated disc, soreness, and compression of nerves. A chiropractor who uses instrument-assisted devices and focuses on realigning your spine rather than cracking reduces risks.

Are Chiropractors Covered by Insurance for Neck Pain?

Most insurance plans cover chiropractic treatment costs. Some insurers foot the total bill while others cover chiropractic neck pain treatment up to a certain percentage. Before seeking chiropractic treatment for neck pain, please consult your insurance agent to understand what costs they cover. Most vehicle and medical insurance provide enough coverage to offset your chiropractic bill.

Conclusion

Neck pain stops you from enjoying your hobbies and impacts your quality of life. Chiropractic care for neck pain is your safest bet when looking for effective neck pain remedies. Chiropractic adjustments have many benefits that transcend noticeable pain relief. Get tailored solutions for your neck pain by scheduling an appointment with a qualified chiropractor.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.