Can a chiropractor help with neck pain?
The neck supports the head, enabling it to move, and is the gateway for the communication between the brain and the rest of your body. This is why the curve in your neck is referred to as the “Arc of Life”. The neck consists of Seven cervical vertebrae. However, because the neck is less protected than the rest of the spine, it is vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion. Loss of motion in the neck will result in arthritis and breakdown of the joints. This is why people seek out neck pain chiropractors for treatment for arthritis in the neck.
How does neck pain develop?
A strain or spasm of the neck muscles or inflammation of the neck is often what causes us to feel neck pain. It can often be described as a pinched nerve in the neck because of the intense neck and shoulder pain that accompany it. This pain may be caused by a sudden, acute injury like whiplash, a blow to the head or neck or strangulation. A neck pain chiropractor can determine if this is caused by cervical disk degeneration, a pinched nerve, meningitis, influenza, a heart attack or torticollis. Poor posture or sleeping on a pillow that is too high, which place stress on the muscles in the upper body and arms. This sort of problem will manifest as intense neck pain in the shoulder and arms.
Chronic neck pain, like back pain can be a result of osteoarthritis related to abnormal structure and alignment.
The most common reason for early degeneration or development of arthritis in the neck is the loss of normal curvature in the spine.
Every single human being on the planet should have a spine that is straight up and down from the front and has a curve from the side.
Loss of these normal curves will result in abnormal wear and tear of the spine- eventually causing damage and the development of pain.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
Individuals with minor neck pain may be experiencing the earliest symptoms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can begin in those as young as thirty, and may progress for many years before symptoms appear. Other symptoms of neck pain include headaches; pain in the shoulder, arm or hand; reduced range of motion in the neck; neck spasms, neck pain or discomfort, numbness; weakness; and slower reflexes in the arms, hands, legs or feet.
What are the common treatments of neck pain?
Conventional medical treatments help relieve the symptoms of neck pain but they do not address the root cause of the problem. Traditional neck pain treatment includes the use of over the counter medications, prescription medications, steroid injections and physical therapy.
Physical therapy or the strengthening of the functional weaknesses in the neck, can help to alleviate chronic neck pain. However, true neck pain correction can only occur when both the structure (spine alignment) and function (muscular weakness and imbalances) have been restored. There are no simple remedies for neck pain.
Think Corrective Chiropractic may be for you? Call us!
To experience Family Health Chiropractic for yourself or your family, schedule a consultation or call us at 512-347-8881.
Family Health Chiropractic is a full time natural medicine doctor’s office. We have successfully treated all of the conditions we write about. The difference is in the care, technique, and experience you get with Dr. Daniel and his team at Family Health Chiropractic.
