Do you suffer from neck pain? If so, you know the persistent discomfort it can bring. Your neck is an integral part of your body. It supports your head and encases many vital biological features, such as the esophagus and the spine. It also helps you see in different directions by allowing your head to turn. Yet, your neck can also become injured. When this happens, the muscles often tighten, and you lose some of your range of motion. Many people see a chiropractor for neck pain. Chiropractors often alleviate pain related to the skeletal system, but some people are wary of them. If your neck pains you, however, visiting a chiropractor might be what you need. Not sure how to tell when you need a chiropractor? Keep reading to learn more!
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors work with people’s musculoskeletal structures. At the center of the chiropractic philosophy lies the theory that proper spinal alignment enables the body to heal many injuries and maladies. Chiropractors receive years of training to make gentle manipulations to the spine when it’s out of alignment. When clients complain of pain, chiropractors perform assessments on them and tailor their adjustments to alleviate their pain.
Causes of Neck Pain
Before you make that first chiropractic appointment, do some research into the likely causes of your neck pain. This will help you understand your injury’s nature better and help you describe it to your chiropractor. There are a few primary neck pain causes. They include the overuse of your muscles, such as when you sit hunched over a computer for extended periods, worn joints, pinched nerves, injuries from accidents, and pain from diseases. Don’t know the cause of your neck pain? Don’t worry. Your chiropractor will perform a series of assessments on you to determine the source of the problem. They will then perform adjustments to relieve your pain. However, chiropractors do not treat all forms of neck pain, which is actually for the best. If you have a fracture in your neck, for instance, your chiropractor will refer you to a doctor. If you suspect you have a fracture or another condition needing emergency attention, do not ask a chiropractor or anyone else to manipulate your neck. Instead, seek the care of a medical doctor at your local clinic or hospital.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain?
If you don’t consider your neck pain cause for immediate emergency treatment, you might wonder whether you should see a chiropractor. While chiropractors treat various pains, not everyone has the funds to see one at the first sign of an injury. Yet, there are ways to determine whether or not you need a chiropractor for neck pain. Let’s go into them below.
Your Neck Pain Doesn’t Go Away.
Sometimes, neck pain appears after we’ve spent too long holding our head in a certain way or sleeping in a specific position. Many of these pains bother us for a few hours or sometimes even a day or two, but most of it goes away. In these cases, you may not need a chiropractor. In some cases, though, the neck pain persists or grows worse. You may also struggle to turn your head or experience stiffness in your muscles. If any of this happens, find a chiropractor and make an appointment. Often, these pains come from your skeletal structure being out of alignment. This can cause your muscles to tense up. A chiropractor’s manipulations of your spine correct any misalignments and alleviate your pain.
Your Neck Pain Spreads
Has your neck pain spread down your neck and into your arms and hands? This happens for one of two reasons. You either have a pinched nerve or pain from the trigger point in your neck might be causing your other muscles to tense up. How do you tell the difference? When you have a pinched nerve, you may have sharp pain in your arms or neck, and you could experience a pins and needles sensation in your joints. You might also notice your arm weakening or your shoulder hurting. When you have a tight trigger point in your neck, your muscles usually tighten, and you might lose your range of motion. Chiropractic manipulations will help restore your neck to its original condition, causing your muscles to relax and taking the pressure off your nerve.
You Were in an Accident
Have you been in an accident? Our bodies aren’t meant to take jostling involved in accidents. Even the most minor fender benders can cause persistent neck pain. Depending on the type of injury, you might experience pain right away or even days after. If you’ve suffered any pinched nerves or other spinal injuries, your pain might be immediate. Should you suspect your problem might be related to a severe or life-threatening injury, make sure to see your physician before seeking chiropractic care. Yet, if your injuries are not threatening, chiropractic care can help. Whiplash, one of the most common accident injuries, causes your muscles to tear and become inflamed. A chiropractor works on reducing the inflammation by gently stretching your neck and assessing the affected area.
You Sit A Lot Of Time
Many of us spend a lot of time on our computers. This causes us to hunch our shoulders and strain our necks, leading to poor posture. This poor posture puts undue pressure on your neck and shoulders, leading to pain. Chiropractic adjustments help correct bad postures and get rid of the pain.
Ready to Get Rid of Your Neck Pain?
Have you suffered from persistent neck pain? Are you ready to find a chiropractor for neck pain and get some relief? Chiropractors can treat many different neck pain types, including those that come from accidents and poor posture. If you have persistent pain, it’s time to go in. Ready to make an appointment with one of our chiropractors? Click here to get on a chiropractor’s schedule today!