Thursday, October 29, 2009

Chiropractic: The Right Treatment For Neck Pain


By Philip Vincent

It's important to keep a few things in mind when considering a visit to a chiropractor for neck pain. Chiropractic began with the intent of working with the spine and back related problems, and while most neck pain is related to spinal alignment, sometimes it's not.

A chiropractic adjustment to neck or to the cervical vertebrae may carry with it some risks, even though the chance is very low. Your chiropractor should perform a thorough examination, as an improperly done neck manipulation may cause some problems ranging from stroke to severing major blood vessels.

Chiropractors clearly understand the risks involved in performing any spinal manipulation, especially to the neck, and only perform this procedure when it is the right treatment for the patient. The doctor of chiropractic will learn the patient's case history and perform a physical, orthopedic, and neurological examination before performing any treatment. When spinal manipulation goes wrong, it's often the result of an untrained, non-chiropractor attempting to perform the treatment.

Headaches, neck pain, and numbness or tingling in the arms and hands can be linked back to misalignment of cervical vertebrae. The benefits of a specific adjustment to the bones of the neck often means an end to long term chronic conditions. Many people only seek chiropractic care after they've tried every other possible treatment, including medications, injections, and even surgery.

Chiropractic adjustments can be just the thing for neck pain. Many times this neck pain may be caused by tension or posture issues which can be fixed in one or two visits with a skilled practitioner, even if it has been chronic. Because chiropractic can change, or reset the way a person carries their skeletal frame, this may also correct how they deal with the tension they carry around in their muscles and whether that translates itself into back or neck pain or not.

When determining if chiropractic is the right answer for your neck pain, you can consider visiting with your primary care doctor first if you have any concerns about issues related to any of your health conditions. He or she can help determine other treatment options or if chiropractic is appropriate for your condition. If you do decide that chiropractic is best for you, look for someone who is recommended or seek out a referral from a trusted friend or family member.

The doctor of chiropractic may do an x-ray examination of your neck (and maybe your entire spine) and then may suggest a regiment of chiropractic care that may include massage, heat, cold therapy, electric stimulation, or ultrasound in addition to chiropractic adjustments. These additional therapies are complementary to problems dealing with muscles and the spine.

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