Chiropractic care has been shown to relieve acute neck pain and improve range of motion, and can be effectively combined with other non-invasive treatments.
The anatomy of the neck is complex, and includes cervical vertebrae, ligaments, muscles, and nerves, but also blood vessels, lymphatic and other structures.
Pain can be characterised as sharp, dull, pinching, electric-shock like, or patients may present with stiffness & restricted movement along with pain. Neck pain can be debilitating and affect your work, sleep, and day-to-day activity such as exercise, family time, and driving.
Neck structures are also directly responsible for causing certain types of headaches.
Chiropractic care has been shown in a 2021 review to effectively treat acute neck pain. Moreover, it was also found to reduce the likelihood of filling an opioid prescription by half. 1,2
However, it is important to note that adjusting the cervical spine does come with some (rare) risks. These risks will be thoroughly explained to you before treatment. Nevertheless, if you are uncomfortable with the idea of adjustment or simply dislike the sensation, you can opt for other gentle forms of treatment. These alternative methods can still provide significant benefits and address your neck pain effectively.
1. Chaibi A, Stavem K, Russell MB. Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Acute Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. J Clin Med. 2021;10(21):5011. 2. Whedon JM, Toler AWJ, Kazal LA, Bezdjian S, Goehl JM, Greenstein J. Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain. Pain Med. 2020;21(12):3567-3573. doi:10.1093/pm/pnaa014
It is essential for your chiropractor to conduct a thorough history and examination before commencing any treatment. This initial step is crucial in order to rule out serious causes and, consequently, determine the root of the problem.
This approach creates movement in the restricted joint, which in turn helps to improve range of motion and mobility in that joint. For instance, one of the most common restricted joints is the cervical facet joint, which can impair your ability to move the neck in various planes. Therefore, adjustment, when performed safely and combined with soft tissue therapy, significantly enhances neck range of movement. As a result, this treatment tends to have a positive impact on day-to-day activities, such as looking over your shoulder while driving.
We use silicone cups applied to the affected muscle. Certain movements are performed by the patient with the cups in place which creates suction that stimulates blood flow in these areas.
This includes movement of joints through their range without reaching the point of adjustment. Gentle traction, done safely, helps release the muscles at the base of the skull, which are notorious for causing persistent headaches.
Strengthening weak musculature, not just of the neck but surrounding structures, will reduce neck pain. Why? The head weighs around 5kg. The more flexed your neck is (the more you look down at your phone), the more likely you are to have neck pain.3 Strengthening the surrounding muscles makes this task easier.
3. Namwongsa S, Puntumetakul R, Neubert MS, Boucaut R. Effect of neck flexion angles on neck muscle activity among smartphone users with and without neck pain. Ergonomics. 2019;62(12):1524-1533. doi:10.1080/00140139.2019.1661525
.Speak to the team today and see how we can help you with your neck pain treatment
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