Chiropractic Techniques For Neck Pain

Having neck pain is simply awful for anyone to suffer with on a daily basis. Medications do not always work best to eliminate the pain, and they can also give someone unhealthy side effects. That’s when it is a good idea to visit a chiropractor that will use techniques to relieve the neck pain safely and even permanently.

There are several causes of neck pain that include aging, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, accidents or injuries, degenerative disc disease, poor posture, and many others. No matter what causes the pain, a chiropractor will know the proper method to eliminate the problem. It is important for the chiropractor to first find out what causes the pain so that he can perform the correct treatment.

Before beginning any form of treatment, the chiropractor will perform steps in a diagnostic process. There may be a need for an MRI or x-ray to locate and diagnosis the cause of the neck pain. A complete physical exam should also be performed before attempting any techniques. Once all of these are complete, the chiropractor can then try the different methods of treatment.

The chiropractor may use low-force traction. Another technique is a specific spinal manipulation which is done by thrusting gently to restore the movement of the joints.

The flexion-distraction method is a gentle spinal manipulation done by hand. This technique is done by without direct force on the intervertebral disc and is done by a pumping action.

There are also manual techniques that may be used instead. One is a soft tissue therapy done with an instrument. These are special instruments used to relive muscle tension in the neck. Resistance techniques and manual joint stretching are also used to reduce or eliminate neck pain and even other symptoms that may exist.

Trigger point therapy or therapeutic massage may be used and will relax and relieve muscles that are tense, tight and painful.

Therapies may also include inferential electrical stimulation. This method can stimulate the neck muscles by using an electrical current with a low frequency. Ultrasound can also be utilized. This technique will reduce neck pain and stiffness by sending sound waves directly into the muscle tissues.

A chiropractor may also recommend therapeutic exercises that can be done at home as well as in the office. These exercises will not only reduce or eliminate neck pain but may even prevent the pain from getting worse. They can also improve the overall range of motion since the neck muscles have a lot to do with basic everyday movements.