Consider Chiropractic Care First for Neck Pain Relief

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek chiropractic care. The causes of neck discomfort can vary. In some, the cause may be unknown, or it can be due to an accumulation of years of bad ergonomics and poor posture. In others, it may be due to trauma such as a whiplash event from a rear end automobile collision.

Neck Pain

A misalignment of the cervical spinal bones will irritate the joints of that part of the spine. Those joints are called the facet joints. The facet joints can have improper alignment or may become fixated and locked up.

A pinched nerve may occur in the neck area. When this happens, it is due to a misalignment of the cervical spinal bones, which are called vertebrae. If the vertebrae are improperly aligned there can be an impingement of the nerve exiting the cervical spine which is a painful condition known as a "pinched nerve."

Degenerative discs are usually a condition in the neck, that occurs over a longer period. The cartilage in the disks can wear down and create a "bone on bone" situation. This is a form of arthritis.

A disc herniation of the cervical spine is when the rear portion of the cervical intervertebral disc bulges or protrudes and compresses the spinal cord, the spinal nerves, or both.

A whiplash injury occurs when there is a rear end automobile collision. The passengers head and neck "whip" forward and then backwards. This causes tearing of supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Chiropractors are healthcare practitioners that are trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat neck pain.

Pain Relief

There are several methods chiropractors utilize to bring patients neck pain relief.

Manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment, is a safe way to bring about realignment of abnormally positioned cervical vertebrae. It is very safe and typically brings a good deal of neck pain relief to the patient.

Another treatment approach is mobilization. Mobilization is a slow gentle stretching of areas that is also designed to induce proper cervical vertebrae alignment.

Chiropractors use other methods to bring about healing such as electrical muscle stimulation, instrument assisted adjustments, and the use of cold packs.