Neck Pain – Does Chiropractic Care Help?

It’s common to have a stiff neck once in a while but when the neck pain doesn’t subside, something could be wrong. Chiropractic care has been used for many years to offer relief for neck pain. Sleeping in a good pillow and exercising regularly are good ways to prevent neck pain. However, if the pain is too much, chiropractic care can help.

Signs that you need to see a chiropractor

If you have a neck stiffness that doesn’t subside after a few days, a chiropractor can help. Severe neck pain can make it difficult to move your neck or force you to rely on over the counter medication. Sometimes the neck pain causes numbness or tingling in your hands. There are people who suffer from neck pain after being involved in an accident.

Consultation and examination

During the first exam, the chiropractor will ask you a series of questions in order to try and determine the cause of your neck pain. You’ll need to answer questions about your symptoms, the history of the pain as well as the types of movement that you are unable to make. A physical examination will also be done to identify any swelling or tenderness on the neck and arms. Going through this first session is always important because it helps the chiropractor to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Common causes of neck pain

When you have a poor posture or you stick your neck in an awkward position for a long time without moving it, you may suffer from serious neck pain. What happens is that the vertebrae which make up the neck shifts out of alignment? This shift of the vertebrae pinches the nerves in between the vertebra causing pain and discomfort. Spinal adjustments can be done to align the vertebrae. An injury to the neck commonly known as whiplash can also lead to pain. It causes the tendons and ligaments in your neck to move or overstretch.

Preventing neck pain

Neck pain can be prevented by maintaining a good posture. If you use your computer often, move it to eye level so you don’t have to strain your neck. Sleeping in a firm pillow can help prevent neck pain. One major cause of neck pain is stress so you need to learn how to prevent and relieve stress of everyday life. Exercising your neck regularly throughout the day can help to prevent stiffness and pain.

At Preston Chiropractic and Acupuncture, we put your Cary chiropractic care first! Call us and schedule an appointment with us.