For many Australian adults experiencing neck pain, chiropractic care can be very beneficial for neck pain relief. Chiropractors approach neck problems and pain using their expertise in the nervous and musculoskeletal system to find the root cause of your pain and the best approach for treating it.
The cervical spine (neck) is a complex network of vertebrae (bones), muscles, joints, nerves and ligaments designed for movement, stability, strength and nerve communication. The cervical spine extends from the base of the skull to the upper torso (C1-C7 vertebrae), supports your head, and allows for motion. The neck is a highly mobile, intricate part of the body and is susceptible to injury. It is estimated that annually, up to 15% of Australian adults experience some level of neck pain. Neck problems and pain experienced can range from tenderness or soreness in the general area to sharp stabbing pains in some cases.
Some causes of neck pain and neck stiffness:
- Neck abnormalities
- Neck injuries such as a fall or contact sports
- Overuse of the neck
- Poor posture
- Whiplash
In some instances, neck problems can be a marker for serious illness or injury.
Experiencing problems with your neck can negatively impact many aspects of your everyday life from your sleep, and getting dressed to your work productivity.
What are some common neck pain symptoms?
Pain in your neck can occur slowly, over a period of time or it can come on suddenly. This pain may occur immediately after an injury or the onset of symptoms can be delayed over time.
Some of the most common neck pain symptoms you may experience are:
- Stiff neck
- Sharp pain in your neck
- Pain radiating down to your shoulders and arms
- Pain radiating up to your head and face
- Tingling and numbness
- Weakness
- Headaches and migraines
- Feeling unwell
What are some common causes of neck pain?
Your neck is considered the most vulnerable part of your spine. Your neck supports the weight and movement of your head and allows the free flow of nerve impulses to the rest of your body. When it comes to experiencing pain in your neck an assessment is conducted by your chiropractor through a series of questions and examinations, this is to assist with the causes surrounding your neck pain.
The pain you are experiencing could be caused by a number of contributing factors around the neck. Some common causes of neck pain can include:
- Whiplash syndrome
- Post-surgical pain
- Bulging discs
- Wear and tear
- Injury and accidents
- Contact sports
- Neck muscle pain
- Neck joints
- Myofascial pain
- Cervical spondylosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Nerves in the neck
How can a chiropractor help me with neck pain?
The most important thing a chiropractor will do for your neck pain is to diagnose your neck problem. No matter what your specific neck complaint may be, a chiropractor like Toorak Chiropractor, can provide you with a detailed diagnosis and determine the source of your neck pain. These diagnostic results will offer more insight into your neck, allowing your chiropractor to create a tailored treatment plan. The diagnosis process also rules out neck problems and pain conditions that may require invasive procedures such as surgery.
Depending on the type of pain you are experiencing, chiropractic neck care may include some of the following 5 treatments:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Soft tissue techniques
- Posture correction
- A specialised exercise programmes
- Behavioural and lifestyle changes
Chiropractic neck adjustment – a neck adjustment involves gentle movements of the joints in your neck that are restricting your neck’s ability to move by using hands or an activator instrument. These adjustments can help reduce tension in your neck and increase your neck’s range of motion.
Soft tissue techniques – muscles in your neck can tighten to protect your neck from movements that will cause you more pain. A chiropractor can perform specific soft tissue and muscle release work to reduce the tension and pain in your neck. Soft tissue work paired with an adjustment; can give you the best results for your neck pain.
Exercises – specific exercises and stretches can be performed on your neck to increase and lengthen tight muscles, building strength and reducing tension within the neck. A chiropractor can perform these techniques as a part of your chiropractic care plan.
When to see a chiropractor for neck pain?
When you are suffering from pain in your neck getting professional help is the normal solution. Seeing a chiropractor could be the right choice for you and your pain if you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:
- Pain in your neck that is progressively getting worse
- Pain in your neck that comes and goes
- Pain in your neck with the addition of tingling pain in your arms and fingers
- When neck pain is limiting your movement – range of motion
- When neck pain comes with headaches and migraines
- When pain is reduced by medication, but reappears when the medication wears off
Make an appointment with Toorak Chiropractor for neck pain.
If you are experiencing neck pain and think that chiropractic neck pain treatment is the best solution for you, call today or book online for your neck pain assessment with Toorak Chiropractor.
