Prevalence rates for general neck pain in the US range from 13 to 16%. If you’re struggling with chronic neck pain, don’t wait to seek help. A chiropractor can help ease your pain, improving your quality of life.
After all, nearly 13% of people who visit a chiropractor have complaints about neck pain.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care? What tips can a chiropractor provide for use to ease your pain at home?
Read on to find out!
Chiropractic Care
Before scheduling an appointment for chiropractic care, make sure to look for a licensed, experienced chiropractor.
Chiropractors treat approximately 35 million Americans every year. About one million chiropractic adjustments are completed each day in the US. There are over 70,000 registered chiropractors across the country.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care has a much lower injury rate than general primary care. In addition to easing your pain, it could help you avoid complications in the future.
Visiting a chiropractor regularly could lower your pharmaceutical expenses by 85%, too. In fact, choosing chiropractic care over medical doctors could save Medicare nearly $83.5 million annually.
About 77% of people also describe chiropractic care as “very effective.” Many people claim it out-performs:
- Prescription medication
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Deep tissue massages
Manual adjustments led to a 30% reduction in pain for 94% of patients. Treating your neck pain could ease your headaches and migraines, too. In addition to improving your pain and flexibility, it could reduce your number of hospital visits by 60% as well.
Here are a few ways your local chiropractor can treat your chronic neck pain.
Manual Manipulations
During your initial consultation appointment, your chiropractor will take the time to complete a full physical assessment. They’ll also ask if you recently sustained an injury. Let them know if you were recently in a car or sporting accident.
In addition to taking your medical history, the chiropractor might also order an imaging test. For example, they might X-ray your neck or schedule an MRI.
This information will help your chiropractor determine the root cause of your chronic pain.
For example, they might realize lifestyle factors like poor posture are contributing to your pain. You might also develop neck pain due to a condition, such as a:
- Cervical sprain injury
- Whiplash
- Degenerative joint syndrome
- Cervical intervertebral disc injury
- Facet joint sprain
Pinpointing the root cause of your pain will help your chiropractor develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.
For example, they might determine you’ll benefit from manual manipulations. Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most common forms of treatment.
Your chiropractor will use their hands or a device to apply a controlled amount of force to your neck. Then, they’ll bring your spine back into alignment. Ensuring proper alignment could put an end to your chronic pain.
Proper alignment will also ensure blood and oxygen can flow through your body. Your blood is responsible for carrying nutrients to injured areas. These nutrients can help you heal.
When your blood flow is compromised, inflammation can occur. Ending your chronic inflammation could end the pain and swelling you’re experiencing.
Ultrasounds
Your chiropractor might also recommend therapeutic ultrasound treatments.
An ultrasound can help increase blood circulation throughout your body. Proper circulation will improve your body’s natural healing abilities.
These ultrasounds work by heating sore muscles and soft tissues. Then, it’s able to ease your pain.
Your chiropractor might place a probe against your neck during your ultrasound treatments. The probe will then send high-frequency sound waves to your injured muscles and tissues. Don’t worry; treatment isn’t painful.
You might notice gentle heat or a slight tingling sensation.
Massage Therapy
If you’re still struggling with neck pain, consider asking your chiropractor if they offer massage therapy services. Massage therapy could help loosen tight muscles in your neck. Regular treatments can:
- Ease your neck pain
- Promote relaxation
- Help blood flow to injured areas
A regular massage can also help reduce your stress levels, which might minimize any tension you’ve developed. They can also ease stress while boosting your energy levels.
Physical Therapy
Your chiropractic care might also involve physical therapy. Certain exercises can strengthen the muscles in your back. Using these exercises regularly can improve your flexibility and range of motion.
Tips for Managing Neck Pain at Home
Your chiropractor might also recommend you make changes to your lifestyle and routine. Here are a few tips for easing your pain at home or work.
Rest
Talk to your chiropractor to determine what’s causing your neck pain. For example, perhaps your busy, hectic lifestyle is causing tension. Your chiropractor might recommend you rest a little.
Sit back, relax, and take some time to unwind.
Try to find a neck pillow that eases tension on both the shoulders and back. Otherwise, place a rolled-up towel under your neck.
Try to avoid lying back too long, though. Immobility might decondition the muscles supporting your neck. Resting too often could make your pain worse over time.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Your chiropractor might also recommend hot and cold therapy.
When you first experience neck pain symptoms, ice the affected area. Make sure to wrap the ice in a towel before applying it to your skin.
After 48 hours, use heat therapy to minimize stiffness and loosen sore muscles.
Apply your hot or cold pack for 20 minutes each time.
Strength Exercises
Remember, exercising can help reduce your neck pain. It can also help strengthen the muscles in your neck. Meanwhile, exercising can boost your mood, reduce pain perception, and ease your stress levels.
It could improve your pain threshold as well.
Ergonomic Furniture
If bad posture is causing your neck pain, talk to your chiropractor about improving your work environment. They might recommend you start using ergonomic furniture (like a standing desk).
End Your Chronic Neck Pain: Visit Your Local Chiropractor Today
Ready to say goodbye to your chronic neck pain? Make sure to schedule an appointment with your chiropractor right away. Routine appointments will help keep your pain at bay.
Then, you can start enjoying your daily life without additional aches or stress.
Eager to get started? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to get started.