Chiropractic care helps with neck pain

Chiropractic care helps with neck pain

Chiropractors have been successfully treating their patients for neck pain for over 100 years. Neck pain can start in many ways. Some people injure their neck in an accident, such as a fall or whiplash. Others get neck problems from prolonged posture such as desk work or awkward sleeping. There are people whose neck pain starts for no apparent reason.

Neck pain may also be associated with a reduced ability to turn the head right and left or look up and down. Many people will find that the muscles of the neck and upper back contract or spasm, limiting their normal range of motion.

A painful neck is a common musculoskeletal complaint that is both costly and disabling. It is not uncommon for someone with neck problems to be unable to fully turn their head while driving, unable to exercise or clean their house, or do yard work. Some may have to stop work because of their symptoms.

This article explains how chiropractic care can help with neck pain and introduces the reader to a recent research study that confirms how treatment with a chiropractor helps improve neck discomfort and mobility.

The research study, found in the October 2018 Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, found that patients receiving cervical mobilization, a method chiropractors can use to treat neck discomfort, helped improve the patient's pain and improve the ability to move the head and neck more fully.

Chiropractors are trained to diagnose the cause of the patient's neck problem and to safely and effectively treat the underlying cause of the condition. The chiropractor has determined that most musculoskeletal neck pain is due to misaligned and/or improperly moved joints of the spinal bones of the neck. Some might refer to this as a “pinched nerve.” Chiropractors are trained to be able to feel the different anatomical aspects of the spine. For example, muscles may feel excessively tense or cramped. There may also be swelling and inflammation associated with the painful area. Chiropractors can also feel if the joints of the spine are misaligned or not moving properly.

When this type of spinal abnormality is identified, a chiropractor can skillfully and gently mobilize, manipulate, or adjust the area to correct the problem. Chiropractic care is very safe and should be considered for those suffering from musculoskeletal neck pain.

Inspired by James Schofield