When To Visit a Chiropractor for Neck Pain Treatment

Neck pain is a common concern among adults. When it becomes a recurring problem, it may be a good idea to seek neck pain treatment from a chiropractor. A sore, painful neck does not have to be a fact of life. A chiropractor will first determine the cause of the pain — such as poor posture, physical strain, or a herniated disc — and then develop a treatment plan to bring lasting relief.

Causes of neck pain

Also known as cervicalgia, neck pain can come in many forms. This pain can include aching, burning, or shooting. Shooting neck pain can extend into the shoulders and arms (radicular neck pain). The Cleveland Clinic states that either type could result from:

• Physical strain: Poor posture, repetitive or strenuous movements, poor abdominal strength, being overweight, and uneven weight distribution can lead to neck pain. A common example is lifting boxes incorrectly or spending long periods of time hunched over a computer for work.
• Mental stress: Stress can cause a person to hunch over and tighten their neck muscles without realizing it. Incorporating stress management techniques into chiropractic treatment may help relieve this type of neck pain.
• Neck, head, or spine injuries: Whiplash, concussions, neck sprains, herniated discs, soft tissue injuries, and other injuries can bring neck pain. Sometimes, the pain will not manifest for weeks or months after the initial injury. 
• Aging: Aging can bring a variety of aches and pains, including cervicalgia. Sometimes, this pain is rooted in osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions.
• Growths: Cysts, bone spurs, and tumors may lead to neck pain if they push on the nerves within the neck. Note that growths can be benign.

If neck pain results from an injury, growth, or health condition, it is recommended to consult a medical doctor in addition to a chiropractor. This ensures that the patient gets medical treatment for the underlying problem. In these cases, chiropractic treatment may often supplement treatment from a medical doctor.

Signs you should visit a chiropractor

Any pain that does not go away is likely to get worse without treatment. Consulting a chiropractor is recommended when neck pain becomes a constant problem or is accompanied by other symptoms. Here are three of the most common signs that a patient should visit a chiropractor for neck pain treatment:

1. Pain is chronic or spreads

It is normal to wake up every now and then with neck pain. However, it becomes a problem when that pain persists and spreads to other parts of the body. If neck pain lasts more than three months, it is considered chronic. Patients do not need to wait this long to seek treatment, however. Pain with a sudden onset (acute neck pain) may also improve with the help of a chiropractor.

2. Frequent headaches

When headaches accompany neck pain, it can be difficult to engage in everyday activities. This motivates many people to see a chiropractor for help. Tension headaches, which are the type most people experience, can make it hard to focus on tasks, make a person irritable, and cause insomnia. Less common but more painful types of headaches associated with neck pain include migraines (severe, throbbing headaches that last for long periods) and cluster headaches (bouts of intense, painful headaches).

3. Stiffness and limited mobility

Both acute and chronic neck pain can severely limit one’s mobility or range of motion. Examples include difficulty getting dressed, completing daily chores, or turning the head to one side. A stiff neck with limited mobility can greatly interfere with one’s life. Many patients report having trouble making it through the workday, maintaining a social life, and even getting a good night’s sleep. A chiropractor will use techniques to relieve stiffness and restore mobility in the neck and shoulder.

Chiropractic neck pain treatments

There are several chiropractic treatments for neck pain. Chiropractic adjustments are the most common, focusing on loosening the joints and realigning the spine. They typically involve cracking the neck, back, and shoulders. Chiropractic massage therapy or soft tissue massages may help relieve tension in the neck. There will also be an emphasis on strengthening the muscles and stretching the joints to achieve long-term relief.

Consult a chiropractor for neck pain relief

Neck pain treatment may help with both acute and chronic pain. Since neck pain can vary so much in how it presents itself, our Ooltewah chiropractor customizes treatment plans for each patient. We are proud to help patients manage their pain so they can get back to what matters most. Call (423) 910-2302 today to schedule a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://spine-chiropractic.com or call Spine Chiropractic at (423) 910-2302 for an appointment in our Ooltewah office.

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