subject: Chiropractic Care Helps With Neck Pain [print this page] Unfortunately, neck pain is a common condition in the Charlotte NC area, and the rest of the country. Throughout some point in all our lives we will most likely experience some sort of neck pain. Women are at a higher risk of neck pain than men, and they report a slightly higher instance of chronic neck pain. While pain medication can provide some instant relief, pain medication does not solve the underlying problem and can even cause annoying side effects. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option when administered by a gentle chiropractor.
Chiropractors will take comprehensive medical history before treatment
If you are fed up with traditional neck pain treatment options, and you decide to visit a chiropractor for you neck pain, you will find that the chiropractor will ask many questions to determine the cause and severity of your neck pain. They will want to understand how intense your neck pain is, and how long it lasts. Some people complain of neck pain that is mild and slightly uncomfortable, while others report serious neck pain that hinders their daily lives. Additionally, neck pain that is severe is a sign of other issues like scoliosis, an injury, or even progressive deterioration related to age.
Chiropractors and physicians often ask some of the same questions when asking about a patient's neck pain. However, a chiropractor will ask other questions relating to general health because they focus on the fact that the neck is one part of the human spine. Often if there is pain in the shoulder or arm, that could be an indication of the underlying problem that is causing the neck pain.
Treatment for neck pain
While you may get pain medication from a traditional doctor, a chiropractor will focus on drug-free therapy. This means, that the chiropractor will use spinal manipulation and adjustments as part of a treatment program. The chiropractor will use their hands to treat subluxations. Subluxations occur when one or more vertebrae are out of position - this creates pressure and irritation of the spinal nerves. Spinal manipulation can fix the subluxation. This can help relieve the neck pain - all without medication.
Chiropractors practice precise and gentle treatment
Many people think that spinal manipulation and spinal adjustments to treat subluxation are painful. Actually, chiropractors are trained to be precise and gentle. They are professionally trained and are not just popping or cracking bones like many people might think. Chiropractors may also use ultrasound to treat neck pain because it can increase blood circulation. Swelling, stiffness and any painful muscle spasms are all reduced when the blood circulation is improved.
In addition to treatment in the office, a chiropractor may suggest home-based care. Often, this includes an ice pack used at home to reduce inflammation. This is something that can be done easily at home, and often is helpful when combined with chiropractic care. In addition to using ice packs, a chiropractor may suggest changes to exercise routines; diet and even lifestyle changes that can prevent painful relapse of neck pain.
