Chiropractic Care of Neck Pain is a non-invasive procedure that may help ease discomfort in the neck region. This technique relieves the pain and can also alleviate the cause and address the twinges and the throbs. Other methods also help correct joints that are functioning improperly.
According to a recent survey, there are about 60,000 chiropractors in the US today, and 8% of adults and 3% of children have had chiropractic visits. This percentage is higher compared to other alternative therapies such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture.
Typically characterized by spasm of the muscles in the neck area due to prolonged awkward position of the neck, some sports injuries, anxiety, or turning head repeatedly during an activity.
Happens when a sudden force is encountered, and the neck moves in a strong, forceful manner causing it to rebound. This is often a result of car accidents or sports injuries.
A reduction in the elasticity and height of joints between the vertebrae. This can lead to bulging and herniation of the intervertebral discs resulting in pain, numbness, and tingling.
A condition in which the nerve passageways within the vertebrae start to narrow, causing the nerve endings to be trapped and compressed. Spinal stenosis can cause numbness, tingling, and discomfort around the neck region, back, and arm.
Occurs when the ligaments around the cervical vertebral joints become inflamed or irritated. This condition is often caused by sleeping in an awkward position, whiplash injury, poor work ergonomics, and other neck injuries.
Prior to performing any intervention, the doctor or chiropractor will do a thorough evaluation and physical exam. From the neck region to the lumbar area, the whole spine will be assessed for alignment, restricted movement, and pain. The doctor will check your posture and the way you walk. In addition, he or she will complete a past medical history taking and may request for imaging procedures to be done first to visualize the bones and joints properly. This is to determine the cause of the neck pain and to check whether there are any other underlying conditions such as bulging discs,
All these steps are necessary for your doctor to create a treatment plan individualized for your needs. He or she may also rule out any neck issues that require surgery, the doctor will do a referral to a spinal surgeon.
Neck adjustments are specific techniques applied to the cervical area (neck region) joints using the hands. This is a precise procedure that aims to improve mobility of the neck, reduce or eliminate discomfort, and restore range of motion. This can also help with the movement of the adjoining muscles.
The doctor may use a combination of manual therapy, spinal manipulation, and other techniques to alleviate your symptoms. Below is a list of spinal manipulation techniques that the chiropractor performs for neck pain.
With the patient lying on the back, the chiropractor will manually move the spine gently from left to right and vice versa. This is done in an alternating manner from side to side and figure of 8 movement. The goal of this technique is to reduce the fixations or areas where there is restricted motion between the cervical segments.
With the patient commonly lying face up or (sometimes in a prone position lying face down), the doctor will gently pull on the neck to stretch the cervical spine. He or she may often vary the angle either forward or backward. While doing this, the chiropractor will locate the most efficient angle to reduce tightness and obtain comfort.
A head-drop piece is placed on the neck area with the patient lying either face down or on the side on a specialized table. The chiropractor will then put his or her hand or finger over the spinal portion that needs adjustment and apply a gentle thrust until the head of the table drops at a short distance. The table is specially designed to reduce restricted motion of the neck joints and promote mobility.
With the help of handheld instruments, the chiropractor can apply force to the affected area without using forceful thrust along the spine.
A manipulation technique that involves a gentle application of force within the spinal area using a pumping action on the discs between the vertebrae.
A technique that uses hands or devices to apply controlled trust to the spine to restore movement.
On top of manipulation techniques, the doctor will also educate about nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes to improve the condition and treat neck pain. Our team at Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center is devoted to providing holistic and individualized chiropractic care of neck pain. Book your consultation now.
References:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/
https://www.acatoday.org/
https://www.spineuniverse.com/
https://www.spine-health.com/