If you experience discomfort, pain, or stiffness in the neck, you are not alone. In fact, according to statistics, 16 to 75% of people suffer from acute or chronic neck pain around the globe. Many people are interested in finding an alternative to medication for neck pain relief.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Your neck, also called the cervical spine, is the most superior portion of the vertebral column that begins at the base of the skull and consists of seven small vertebrae. The cervical spine holds and supports the full weight of the head, which is 12 pounds on average. The neck is flexible and can move the head in every direction. Neck pain is a common problem, especially if you sit for several hours a day, or bend your neck to use the phone or if you have poor posture.
Some common causes of neck pain include
· Muscle strains due to poor posture
· Injuries from sports or accident
· Degenerative disc disease
· Pinched nerve
· Osteoarthritis
· Bone spurns
· Herniated disc
· Worn joints
Chiropractic treatment is a great approach that works on joints and the spine to relieve back and neck pain. It is a great non-surgical treatment option that can help to reduce neck pain and related symptoms.
What is Chiropractic Care?
It is a form of non-invasive, patient-centered procedure in which chiropractors focus on your spine, joints, muscles, and the nervous system. The chiropractors, through clinical expertise, diagnose the issues with your body's movement and treat them without surgery or medication. Chiropractic care improves the quality of life and promotes health. It also alleviates the pain.
How Can Chiropractors Help Treat Neck Pain?
Chiropractic neck adjustments loosen up the joints of cervical vertebrae in the neck. It helps to reduce the pain caused by muscle strains, spasms, and pinched nerves. A chiropractor helps ease your neck pain by realigning the spine and easing tension in the neck muscles. The chiropractor uses their hands to manage the neck position and place vertebrae into alignment.
Discomfort in the neck can be due to various reasons, including pinched nerves that can radiate throughout the shoulder down the arm. A chiropractor relieves the pain by relaxing the muscles, repositioning the bones, and reducing the pressure on nerves.
A 2012 study showed that 12-week spinal manipulations were much more effective than using medication for treating neck pain in a group of 272 people. In concurrence with your chiropractor's treatment plan, the stretching and home exercise helps to ensure that neck pain stays at bay. Chiropractors loosen the muscle knots in the neck and shoulder to relieve the pain.
Chiropractic adjustments reduce joint restriction in the spine and other joints, which reduces muscles soreness and inflammation. It also improves the function of the nervous system and affected joints, which gives your body the ability to manage the discomfort in the neck.
How Long do I need to Visit Chiropractor for My Neck Pain?
Your chiropractor's treatment plan depends upon your situation. If you are experiencing neck pain due to sports injuries, accidents, or arthritis, you may need long-term care. However, people who experience neck pain from postural issues or muscle strain may only need short-term care.