Understanding Neck Pain: 3 Things Every Patient Needs to Know

From whiplash injuries to poor posture, neck pain is an increasingly common complaint affecting millions of Americans. If you are experiencing stiffness, soreness or reduced mobility in your neck, know that this pain is not a “normal” part of aging. Chiropractic adjustments are an effective treatment option that relieves neck pain without the need for medication.

Chiropractic Care Relieves Neck Pain

Considering chiropractic adjustments for your neck pain? Here’s what you need to know:

#1: Poor posture causes neck pain.

If your neck pain is not due to a traumatic accident injury, like whiplash, poor posture is a likely cause. The most common cause for neck pain is abnormal forward head posture. Thanks to our sedentary lifestyles and long hours in front of computers, it is increasingly common for the head to shift forward in front of the shoulders, placing stress on the vertebrae in the lower neck and contributing to degenerative disc disease. The shoulders often move forwards as well, which further strains the lower cervical spine.

#2: Chiropractic care relieves neck pain without the need for medication.

The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. Since the neck must be incredibly flexible to move the head, this also means the vertebrae are at increased risk for misalignment. A whiplash injury or poor posture can strain the cervical spine and cause a misalignment, placing pressure on nearby nerves and muscles. Chiropractic adjustments are an effective pain management technique that restores proper alignment and relieves pressure on the nerves.

#3: Neck adjustments are safe and effective.

Cervical spine manipulation is a precise procedure that safely and effectively manipulates the joints in the neck. In addition to relieving pain, a neck adjustment improves mobility of the cervical spine and helps to restore a full range of movement to the neck. Following adjustments, patients benefit from both mobility improvement and a reduction in pain, soreness and stiffness.

Do you have questions about how chiropractic care can relieve your neck pain?