Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain: Here's What to Expect

The neck, also known as the cervical spine, has seven vertebrae and begins from beneath the skull. It supports the entire weight of the head, an average of approximately 12 pounds. 

The neck is flexible enough to move the head in different directions. But due to this, it has an increased susceptibility to injury and pain. Biomechanics increases its risk of being susceptible. Activities such as falling, sitting for an extended period, or repetitive movements affect the biomechanics of your cervical spine. Aging and wear and tear also contribute to it.

Neck pain can cause a lot of pain. Most times, taking painkillers may not be a long-term solution for relief. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help treat the pain and remove the stiffness of the cervical spine.
 

Initial Chiropractic Visit

Your first appointment with your chiropractor will be like any initial visit to the doctor. They will ask you various questions about your family health history and your medical history. Your chiropractor will ask you where you feel pain. 

Once the specialist gets all the information they need, they will perform a physical examination. They will assess your strength and range of motion. Sometimes, you may need comfortable clothing to move in and lie down. The physical exam will assess your overall posture and back alignment. Doing so helps determine the root cause of your neck pain, which may not be your neck.

Your chiropractor may order X-rays to check whether you have fractures or disk degeneration, among other abnormalities that may lead to the pain. After the physical examination and assessment, your specialist will develop a treatment plan using the results. 
 

Treatment Plan

The treatment plan your chiropractor gives you depends on the following:

·      Your future health goals.

·      The underlying condition of your posture, spine, and cervical spine.

·      The discomfort and pain you have.

·      Strength improvement.

·      Addressing conditions and lifestyle habits that may have contributed to the neck pain.

Manual Neck Adjustments and Manipulation

Your chiropractor can perform a neck adjustment for treatment to improve your spinal mobility and restore your range of motion. The procedure is precise and uses the hands to apply pressure to the joints in your neck. It also improves adjoining muscle movements. You will begin noticing improvement in your ability to tilt or turn your head as soreness and pain reduce.

Spinal Decompression

Most times, the causes of neck pain are not obvious. You may experience it due to spinal compression and pinched nerves. Your chiropractor may perform spinal decompression to reduce the pressure in your spinal discs for neck pain relief. The treatment is controlled by a computer to give you painless and gentle decompression of the discs in your spine.

Corrective Stretches and Exercises

Your chiropractor can give you various corrective stretches and exercises to improve your flexibility and relieve your neck pain. You can do them at home and begin experiencing relief.

Posture Improvement 

Extended periods of poor posture can lead to neck pain. Your chiropractor will advise and recommend ways to adjust your posture, like using ergonomic support.

Massage Therapy

Muscle knots in your neck and shoulders can result in neck pain. Chiropractic care through massage therapy can loosen the knots to provide release and remove the tension. Your body will relax and be pain-free.

Your chiropractor will treat your neck pain by combining various types of treatments to suit your individual needs. As a result, your neck pain relief will be long-term, and you will not need medication.

For more about chiropractic care, visit Brookdale Health, Experts in Auto Injuries, at our office in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Call (763) 561-4045 to book an appointment today.