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Neck Pain

Chiropractic Patient Request

Neck pain is a common form of pain that affects one in three people at least once per year and includes anything from a minor inconvenience to a debilitating ordeal. It becomes increasingly common with age and is more common in women than in men.

We see many patients at Vital Wellness Center with neck pain that either occurs as part of a more complex pain issue or just occurs on its own. The following information has been assembled by our neck pain chiropractor and will provide some key facts about neck pain and what solutions we can offer to our patients.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can have several causes. Although neck pain can be caused by diseases, most of the neck pain we see at Vital Wellness Center stems from wear-and-tear related to aging, lifestyle habits, or injuries. The neck pain we treat in our office is caused by some of the following issues:

  • Whiplash and other trauma
  • Bulging or herniated discs
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Tech neck is caused by looking down at smartphones and other screens

With the help of several ligaments and muscles, the neck plays a significant role in balancing the relatively heavy head on only seven vertebrae, so these issues are not surprising to us. Neck muscles can quickly become strained since we rely on them to perform so many complex and different movements.

Irritation of the nerves can easily happen since the spine in the neck is often forced out of alignment causing nerve compression. Painful nerve inflammation and irritation can even be caused by mild nerve compression, also causing pain.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

Pain has a variety of expressions; therefore, each one of our patients at Vital Wellness Center is different. Some patients have pain that radiates from the neck outward to the head, shoulders, arms, and fingers. Others report sharp, stabbing pain, and some just feel their neck is sore and tender. Whatever the case, neck pain has limited the range of motion of many of our patients.

How Doctors of Chiropractic Diagnose Neck Pain

A detailed assessment is the first step in chiropractic care for neck pain. We ask our patients a range of health questions to learn about their current health habits and medical past during this initial appointment. We also perform functional movement testing and conduct a physical examination which helps us to pinpoint the underlying causes of neck pain.

Chiropractic for Neck Pain

Searching for a “neck pain chiropractor near me” reveals many philosophies, therapies, and other treatment options. The comprehensive goal in our approach to treatment is to improve function and reduce pain through a combination of in-office treatments and supportive care at home.

Chiropractic Adjustment

A hands-on therapy, chiropractic adjustment reduces pain and restores nerve function for our patients at Vital Wellness Center. The purpose of this therapy is to correct spinal misalignment or subluxation and is also known as spinal manipulation.

Inflammation, accidents, disease or even everyday movement can be the cause of subluxations. The vertebrae that form the spine can shift out of their optimal position and cause pressure on the nerves. Compression of the nerves can cause pain because it restricts movement. Nerve compression can also alter how the brain interprets sensation, exacerbating the pain. A misaligned spine can develop arthritis if left untreated.

Cervical Spinal Decompression

The therapy we use to gently stretch the portion of the spine in the neck, also known as the cervical spine, is referred to as decompression. Compression between the neck vertebrae is reduced by this strategic stretching. Consequently, pressure on the discs between the vertebrae and the nerves in that portion of the spine is reduced. This enables relief for symptoms such as neck pain, pain that radiates into the arms, and additional inflammation which can make the pain worse.

Soft Tissue Work

Neck stiffness and pain can be caused by tight muscles but can be relieved by soft tissue work such as massage. Massage increases the flow of blood that provides nutrients and healing oxygen to the area as it removes additional waste products and lactic acid that cause an increase in muscle pain.

Some of the soft tissue techniques we offer at Vital Wellness Center in addition to massage include the following:

Trigger Point Therapy

Sensitive areas in the body that can cause pain directly or in other parts of the body when they are pressed or triggered are known as trigger points. Locating and putting manual pressure on trigger points is known as trigger point therapy. 

Pressure applied to trigger points will eventually relax the muscle or muscles that are affected. Although some patients report feeling better as they feel the tension in the muscle melt away, this therapy can be rather uncomfortable for other patients.

Technologies for Relief

We use several high-touch therapies at Vital Wellness Center as well as a few preferred high-tech options. Ultrasound is offered by our chiropractor for neck pain and works by sending sound waves through the muscles to relieve neck pain and stiffness. Interferential electrical stimulation uses low-frequency electricity to similarly warm the neck muscles.

Another tech-focused treatment we use for neck pain is Deep Tissue Laser. This painless five-to-ten-minute therapy directs laser energy over areas of damaged neck tissue. Moving to the cellular level, Deep Tissue Laser stimulates cellular energy production. This energy is used to diminish pain, reduce inflammation, and heal the cells.

Specialized Neck Exercises

Exercise can enhance the healing process by increasing blood flow to the neck. It can also be used to improve neck flexibility for increased range of motion and to strategically strengthen the muscles that support the neck.

Postural issues can also be corrected by adhering to prescribed movement. Modern-day life includes many head-down postures and tends to be sedentary. These habits can alter proper alignment of the neck and lead to stiffness, pain, and imbalanced muscles. Exercise that focuses on posture can aid in the correction of such issues and restore upright and relaxed posture.

Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Neck Pain

Several benefits can be obtained by getting care from our neck pain chiropractor. Vital Wellness Center will discover the issues behind a painful neck because chiropractic care begins with a comprehensive assessment. Pain and inflammation are reduced by our treatments while enhancing flexibility and range of motion.

Treatment for neck stiffness is just the beginning of what we offer to our patients. Promoting overall health without utilizing risky surgical procedures, potentially addictive prescription painkillers, and symptoms-focused treatments is the goal of chiropractic care. Instead, our focus is on guiding our patients to live a healthier lifestyle by adding mindfulness-based relaxation techniques to their days, adopting an exercise program, and eating a more nutritionally balanced diet. 

Neck Pain Solutions For You

Neck pain can significantly impact everyday life, but so can our chiropractic care. We understand that it can be simple to disregard a stiff neck as the result of a stressful job or a poor night of sleep; however, it can likewise be an indication of deeper issues. Our neck pain chiropractor at Vital Wellness Center encourages you to schedule a neck pain consultation or call with any questions.

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