Neck Pain Relief
(402) 934-4220
Neck pain can vary in intensity but can be anywhere from a slight inconvenience to a crippling ordeal. It becomes more common with age and is more prevalent in women than in men. At least one in three people is affected each year by this common form of pain.
Many patients at Life Source Chiropractic experience this type of pain as either part of a more complex problem or on its own apart from any other issues. The following information has been put together by our neck pain chiropractor to highlight some important facts about neck pain and what we can do to offer relief.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can have many different causes which can include lifestyle habits, injuries, wear-and-tear due to aging, and even some diseases. Some factors we see at Life Source Chiropractic that contribute to neck pain include the following:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Osteoarthritis
- Whiplash or other trauma
- Tech neck from looking down at smartphones or other screens
New Patient Special
FREE Initial Consultation
Since the neck is responsible for balancing the moderately heavy head on just seven vertebrae with the help of numerous muscles and ligaments, these issues are not very surprising to us. Neck muscles can often become strained because we rely on our necks to execute so many various and complex movements.
Nerve irritation is common in the neck since it can easily be thrown out of alignment causing nerve compression. Even if the nerve compression is mild, it can cause painful nerve inflammation and irritation.
Symptoms of Neck Pain
Since each of our patients is different, pain can present itself in a variety of ways. Some patients only have mild tenderness or soreness while others report sharp, stabbing pain. Patients can also have pain that radiates outward from the neck to the head, shoulders, arms, and hands. Range of motion can also be significantly affected by neck pain.
How a Chiropractic Identifies Neck Pain
Chiropractic care for neck pain starts with a thorough assessment to confirm neck pain before any therapies are offered. We ask our patients a wide range of questions about their well-being including current health habits and medical history during this first appointment. We also perform functional movement testing and a complete physical exam. We use all of this information to help us determine any underlying causes of neck pain.
Chiropractic Interventions for Neck Pain
An internet search for a “neck pain chiropractor near me” may result in several philosophies, therapies, and other options for care. However, the ultimate goal of our approach at Life Source Chiropractic is to alleviate pain and enhance function through a combined effort of in-office therapies and at-home supportive measures.
Cervical Repetitive Traction
When patients come into our office, we have them perform warm-up and stretching exercises using various techniques, including cervical repetitive traction, in order to prepare for therapy. Performing these exercises hydrates the discs while also increasing disc height, laying the groundwork for long-lasting treatment.
During cervical repetitive traction, the patient controls the gentle stretching of their neck. This technique reduces neck pain while restoring mobility using repetitive loading and unloading intervals on the cervical spine. Not only does this relieve pain and improve mobility, it also works to enhance the curvature of the cervical spine.
Spinal Molding for Posture Correction
Sitting for long periods of time combined with poor posture can exacerbate or even cause neck pain. One of the simplest techniques we use at Life Source Chiropractic as part of posture correction therapy are spinal molding blocks. Made from medical-grade foam, they offer a fulcrum-like support to gradually realign the spine and restore its correct curvature.
Before spinal molding can take place, the discs must be warmed up through a set of targeted exercises. The body is subsequently placed in a healthy position on the spinal molding blocks for 20 minutes, which gives the discs time to cool down and maintain their healthy position. This method of postural correction, which is a proven spinal correction technique, also lessens neck pain while restoring normal spinal curvature and function.
Chiropractic Adjustment
Chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, works to correct spinal misalignment, or subluxation. The goal of this hands-on therapy is to reduce pain and restore nerve function for our patients.
Spinal misalignment can be caused by several factors including inflammation, disease, accidents, or even ordinary movements. When the spinal vertebrae move out of their normal position, they can compress the nerves. This painful nerve compression limits movement and also alters the brain’s perception of sensation which compounds the pain. A misaligned spine can also develop arthritis if it is left untreated.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are sensitive parts of the body that can cause pain directly in that area or in other parts of the body when they are pressed, or “triggered.” Trigger point therapy involves locating the trigger points and placing manual pressure on them.
When pressure is applied to these trigger points the muscles affected will eventually relax. Some patients report feeling better as the muscle tension melts away while others feel this therapy is somewhat uncomfortable.
Technologies for Relief
Although we prefer to use many high-touch therapy techniques, we also offer some high-tech options as well. One such therapy offered by our chiropractor for neck pain is ultrasound which sends gentle sound waves through the muscles to relieve neck stiffness and pain. Similar to ultrasound, interferential electrical stimulation uses low-frequency electricity to warm the muscles in the neck.
Another technology-based approach we use for neck pain is deep tissue laser. This painless therapy uses laser energy to target damaged areas of neck tissue and takes only five to 10 minutes to complete. Deep tissue laser works at the cellular level to stimulate energy production in the cells. This helps to diminish pain, reduce inflammation, and heal the cells.
Specialized Neck Exercises
Neck exercises support healing by increasing the flow of blood to the area. They also strengthen the supportive muscles of the neck and improve range of motion and flexibility.
Postural issues can also be corrected by adhering to prescribed movement. Modern lifestyle habits include many head-down postures and have a tendency to be sedentary. These habits can lead to spinal misalignment as well as pain, stiffness, and imbalanced muscles. We use exercises that focus on this problem to correct these issues and restore upright and relaxed posture.
Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Neck Pain
Several benefits can be had by getting care from our neck pain chiropractor. We are able to uncover the issues behind neck pain given that chiropractic care starts with a complete physical examination. Life Source Chiropractic uses therapies and techniques that enhance flexibility and range of motion while reducing pain and inflammation.
We offer patients more than just resolving neck stiffness. Chiropractic care aims to promote overall well-being without using high-risk surgical procedures, potentially addictive painkillers, and other symptoms-only focused care. Our goal is to help our patients by encouraging them to make healthier lifestyle decisions such as adopting a regular exercise program, eating a well-balanced diet, and including mindfulness-based relaxation techniques into their daily lives.