According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 15% to 44% of adults aged 18 years and over experience neck pain. It is estimated that neck pain costs the Australian economy around $5.1 billion yearly. This includes costs such as healthcare, lost productivity, and absenteeism from work.
Neck pain can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting your range of motion and causing headaches. In some cases, it can also lead to depression and anxiety.
In some cases, neck pain may result from an injury or accident or be due to poor posture or arthritis. Neck pain may indicate a more serious condition, such as a herniated disc or cervical spondylosis.
If neck pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in the arms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for neck pain varies depending on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include physical therapy, massage, ice or heat therapy, and professional chiropractic treatment.
Should I Go to a Chiropractor for Neck Pain Relief?
While over-the-counter painkillers can temporarily relieve neck pain, they do not address the underlying cause. Surgery is another option, but it can be invasive and risks complications. Chiropractic for neck pain is a safe and effective alternative that can provide long-lasting relief.
Does Chiropractic Care Help With Neck Pain?
A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that chiropractic care may effectively treat neck pain. A literature review found that chiropractic care was more effective than placebo treatments at reducing pain and improving function in adults with neck pain.
Other studies have shown similar results, with chiropractic for neck pain providing significant relief for those suffering from chronic neck pain. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the available evidence suggests that chiropractic care may be a safe and effective treatment option for those struggling with neck pain.
Chiropractic Treatments for Neck Pain
When you see a chiropractor for neck pain, the first step is to take a medical history and perform a physical examination. The chiropractor asks about the nature and duration of the pain, any precipitating factors, and any other relevant medical information, such as previous surgeries or illnesses, before proceeding with any chiropractic care plan.
Next, the chiropractor assesses your range of motion and performs various orthopedic and neurological tests. Based on this information, your chiropractor develops a personalised treatment plan.
Chiropractic treatments are highly individualised, so each patient’s plan will be unique, though it may include:
Flexion-Distraction Technique
Flexion-distraction technique is used to treat issues related to the spine, including neck pain. The technique involves applying gentle pressure and traction to the spine while you are lying down. It may involve a specialised flexion-distraction table.
This helps to stretch the spinal column and relieve pressure on muscles and joints. Flexion-distraction also helps improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
Instrument-Assisted Manipulation
Instrument-assisted manipulation is a massage therapy that uses tools to help loosen muscles and soft tissue.
The most common tool used is a small, hand-held massager known as a Percussion Instrument. This instrument helps break up any knots or trigger points in the muscle tissue, often leading to pain relief. It can also help improve circulation and range of motion. While instrument-assisted manipulation is often used to treat neck pain, it can also benefit other areas of the body, such as the back, shoulders, and legs.
Specific Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is a manual therapy that involves applying controlled thrusts to the spine to relieve pain and improve the range of motion. The goal of spinal manipulation is to restore normal alignment and function to the spine.
When properly performed, it can help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase mobility. Spinal manipulation is generally considered safe when performed by a trained healthcare provider.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a massage that helps relieve pain in specific areas of the body. The therapist uses their fingers or a special massage tool to apply pressure to areas of muscle tension known as trigger points.
It can help to release the knots and tension that can build up in the neck muscles, relaxing the muscle and reducing pain.
Massage and Stretching
Massage helps to relax the muscles and release tension while stretching helps to lengthen the muscles and improve the range of motion. When performed regularly, these techniques can enhance the quality of life for those who suffer from neck pain.
Electric Stimulation
Electric stimulation, also known as E-stim, uses electrical impulses to relieve pain. The electrical impulses are generated by a machine and delivered through electrodes placed on the skin.
When used for neck pain, the electrodes are typically placed on the neck and shoulder muscles. The electrical impulses cause the muscles to contract and relax, which helps to reduce pain and discomfort. E-stim is often used as a means of relieving both acute and chronic neck pain.
Enjoy a Better Quality of Life with CEN
At CEN Chiropractic, we believe that everyone deserves a high quality of life. That’s why we offer a wide range of services to help you achieve optimum health and well-being.
From chiropractic for neck pain and massages to nutritional counselling and lifestyle advice, we have everything you need to feel your best. We also offer various other treatment options, such as physiotherapy and acupuncture, so you can choose the approach that best suits your needs.
If you’re looking for excellent chiropractic care, schedule an appointment at CEN Chiropractic today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
Individual, physical and psychological risk factors for neck pain in Australian office workers: a 1-year longitudinal study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2899383/
The Cost and Burden of Chronic Pain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590036/
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies
https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-019-0288-1
Manipulative Physiol Therapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16461168/
Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck pain