Causes Of Neck Pain And Treatments

If your neck is hurting, it's a good idea to consult with a qualified chiropractor. The neck's susceptibility to pain and injury is caused by bio-mechanical problems that chiropractors specialize in. There are many types of activities or occurrences that can cause these problems. Below is a little more detail on how these injuries happen and what chiropractors can do to address them.

The Pain in Your Neck

These are some of the things that can cause that pain you're feeling in your neck.

• Accidents and Injuries: If your head experiences a sudden movement in one direction and a rebound in the other direction, this is known as whiplash. Whiplash can damage the muscles and supporting tissues of the head and neck (including nerve roots, discs, ligaments and intervertebral joints), often resulting in stiffness and severe pain.
• Getting Older: A number of degenerative conditions, including osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis have a direct impact on an individual's spine.
• Daily Life: Many things in your daily life can contribute to your neck pain. Your spinal balance can be thrown off because of weak abdominals, obesity or poor posture, which in turn can force you to bend your neck forward. Emotionally based stress and tension can cause frequent tightening of neck muscles, often resulting in pain.

Chiropractic Examinations

When you visit a chiropractor, he or she will do both a neurological and physical exam. In the neurological part of the exam, the chiropractor will check your muscle strength, reflexes, pain spread and nerve changes. During the physical exam, your doctor will check your posture and range of motion, looking for any movement that causes pain. Your spine will also be checked for its alignment and curvature.

The chiropractor might also order a number of other tests (including x-rays or CAT scans) designed to reveal things like arthritis, bone spurs and fractures. MRIs are often used to reveal herniations or bulging discs. Since chiropractors practice conservative care, they do not offer surgery or drugs. If your chiropractor decides that your condition warrants it, you will be referred to an appropriate medical specialist.

Cervical Manipulation

Cervical manipulation (also known as neck adjustment) is a procedure the chiropractor applies to your neck joints, most often by hand. The purpose of this procedure is to restore your range of motion by improving the mobility of your spine. Patients will generally experience a reduction of pain, stiffness and soreness. They will also usually have greater ability to tilt and turn their head. Other treatments your chiropractor might try include massage, mobilization and rehabilitation exercises.

If you want to learn more, try contacting a company like Moss Chiropractic for more help.

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