Chiropractic Treatment of Neck Pain
There are many causes of neck pain such as muscles strain, worn joints, nerve compression, injuries, etc. Moreover, neck pain can range from being quite minor and easily ignored, to being excruciating and debilitating. When this kind of pain becomes too much to self-manage there are a number of treatment options depending on the cause of the pain. One treatment option patients should consider is seeing a chiropractor as we commonly treat people with this condition.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Those with Neck Pain?
Chiropractic care can be a great way to manage and relieve swelling and discomfort caused by neck pain. A chiropractor can provide patients with a safe, non-invasive and non- addictive way to treat neck pain. We do so by using chiropractic adjustments that reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body. This can in turn reduce inflammation and improve functioning of both the affected joint and nervous system.
Common Gentle Chiropractic Techniques
Chiropractors have a huge arsenal of treatments for neck pain. Examples of commonly employed gentle chiropractic techniques include but are by no means limited to:
Cervical mobilization: With this treatment an oscillatory movement with the hands is utilized during cervical spine mobilization.
Cervical manual traction: This technique is often combined with mobilization, switching between the two and/or doing both simultaneously.
Cervical “drop” techniques: The goal here is to reduce the fixation or restricted motion of the cervical vertebra assisted by use of a special table.
Prevention
Most neck pain is associated with poor posture combined with age-related wear and tear. Thus, there are many ways to prevent neck pain from taking control of your life. Some simple changes in your daily routine may help. Consider trying to:
Use good posture.
Take frequent breaks when doing strenuous work
Adjust your desk, chair and computer so that the monitor is at eye level.
Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk.
Quit smoking.
Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder.
Sleep in a good position.
Neck back pain is a universal human experience. To see if chiropractic care is right for you, the chiropractors at Living Well Chiropractic will perform a consultation, examination and if necessary, refer you out for diagnostic imaging such as x-ray or MRI. Your doctor of chiropractic may elect to co-treat your neck pain with other healthcare professionals including massage therapists, physical therapists, etc. We are also skilled at back pain relief in Thousand Oaks. So, if you need a chiropractor in Thousand Oaks just contact us to make an appointment.
