Neck pain can occur for various reasons, ranging from minor
issues to more serious underlying medical conditions that
require a professional evaluation and treatment plan.
Fortunately, the noninvasive care provided by chiropractors
offers an effective way to manage existing issues and prevent
future neck pain.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Pain emanating in the neck region may occur for the following
reasons –
- Years of Poor Posture
- Muscle Strain
- Whiplash Injury
- Pinched Nerve(s)
- Disc Herniation
-
Certain Medical Conditions -
- Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Cervical Spondylosis.
- Tension/Stress.
Professional Guidance for Neck Pain
To reduce neck pain or proactively help prevent it from
returning professional chiropractors typically offer the
following guidance-
Stretching/Strengthening Neck Exercises
Chiropractors often recommend specific exercises -
-
Gentle stretching helps prevent stiffness and pain. It can
help relax and relieve tension while enhancing flexibility
in the affected area.
-
Strength-building exercises improve spine support for the
upper back and neck.
Keep Stress in Check
21st-century life can be complicated and stressful. Stress can
cause muscle tension, especially around the neck and
shoulders. Chiropractors often suggest these techniques with
decades of research shown to help relieve tension and stress –
- Deep breathing.
- Meditation.
- Yoga.
Cryo/Heat Therapies
An ice pack applied to the neck helps numb the pain and lessen
inflammation. This is especially helpful when applied
immediately after an acute injury. Conversely, once
inflammation is under control, heat is soothing. Heat
therapies relax tightened muscles and improve blood flow,
bringing nutrients to the affected area. Heat packs and ice
packs should not be applied for longer than fifteen minutes at
a time, and should be applied with fifteen-minute intervals.
Maintain Correct Posture Whenever Possible
Posture advice is vital in the prevention of neck pain. A
chiropractor can offer guidance on how patients should stand,
move, and even sit (avoid slouching, etc.) to prevent neck
pain.
Many people spend hours in the same position at work each day.
Adjustments to your workplace desk, monitor, and chair height
can help reduce neck pain by encouraging appropriate posture
throughout the workday.
Adding the strategies noted above into your daily routine can
play a crucial role in reducing current pain and preventing
future neck issues. However, being mindful of your body
position and simple modifications to daily routines can also
help, as noted below -
Lifestyle Modifications
-
Be careful with activities that may cause pain, such as
lifting heavy loads or not using both backpack straps.
- Take breaks to move and stretch frequently.
-
Keeping your head in an unnatural forward pitch, like when
reading or working on a computer, can contribute to neck
pain.
-
Awkward sleeping positions can cause neck pain, especially
for those who prefer to sleep face downward. Find a
comfortable position on your back or side (with a side
pillow that provides appropriate support).
-
Choose a diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods. These
include various vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in
Omega-3s. It is also important to avoid processed foods, as
studies suggest processed foods contribute to pain.
Appropriate hydration helps prevent spinal discs' natural
loss of elasticity over time and reduces your risk of disc
degeneration.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
Professional chiropractic practices provide spinal adjustments
designed to realign the cervical spine or the neck’s
vertebrae, which helps reduce pain while improving restricted
movement.
Chiropractors can help reduce and even prevent neck pain as
they have a unique and critical role in healthcare. Their
noninvasive services help to enhance spinal alignment, correct
posture, and optimize the function of the patient’s
neuro-musculoskeletal system and overall well-being.
Chiropractors may also provide or recommend specialized forms
of therapeutic massage, which can help reduce tension by
relaxing the muscles and improving one's circulation
Visiting a chiropractor regularly can help keep your spine
healthy and avoid potential problems.
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