woman in white shirt grabbing the back of her painful neck

Pain Relief Series: How a Chiropractor Can Help Neck Pain

Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals who focus on diagnosing and treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system. They use a holistic approach to treatment, leveraging the body’s natural ability to heal itself. 

One of the conditions that chiropractors treat is neck pain. Also called cervicalgia, neck pain can be dull and persistent or sharp and sudden. Most cases of neck pain are mild and go away on their own; however, sometimes, neck pain can be severe or chronic. 

Dealing with neck pain can be a daily challenge, affecting overall well-being and productivity. In such a situation, seeing a chiropractor for neck pain can help. 

What Causes Neck Pain? 

Nearly everyone has experienced neck pain at some point in their lives. Sometimes, the reason for this discomfort is simple or mechanical, which means no underlying injury or condition caused it. This type of neck pain typically goes away on its own. At other times, you might need to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

The first seven spinal vertebrae support the posture and movement of the neck and head. Muscles, tendons and ligaments connect to these seven bones. Any injury or condition that affects these bones, muscles, or ligaments can result in pain, stiffness and swelling. 

There are many possible causes of neck pain. These include:

Muscle Strain or Tension

Overuse can result in strain or tension in the muscles of the neck. Other reasons include:

  • Having poor posture
  • Staying in the same position at your desk for too long
  • Sleeping on your stomach
  • Jerking, twisting or turning your neck during exercise
  • Spending too much time hunched over a phone

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

A pinched nerve or compression in one of the nerve roots in the cervical spine can cause burning or sharp pain that radiates from the neck to any or a combination of the following parts of the body: 

  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Chest 
  • Upper back

A pinched nerve can be caused by:

  • Cervical spondylosis or arthritis of the neck
  • Bone spurs
  • Degenerative disk disease
  • Herniated disk
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Spinal stenosis

Injuries 

Car accidents, such as rear-end collisions, or incidents from playing vigorous sports can cause neck injuries that result in neck pain. These include whiplash and vertebral fractures. 

Diseases 

Some illnesses can cause neck pain as well as other symptoms like stiffness and swelling. These include: 

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This autoimmune condition causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the joints. RA can affect the first two vertebrae of the neck, which may result in neck pain. 
  • Osteoporosis: This condition causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures. Compression fractures in the spine caused by osteoporosis can pinch the nerves in the area, which can be very painful. 

There are many other possible causes of neck pain, but a chiropractor can help pinpoint the cause, treat it accordingly and minimize discomfort and risk of further injury. 

How Does a Chiropractor Diagnose Neck Pain?

If you’re planning to see a chiropractor for neck pain, here is what you can expect: 

  • Consultation: Your chiropractor will ask questions about your neck pain and any treatments or remedies you may have already tried. They will ask you about the type of pain you’re feeling, if it’s dull, sharp or stabbing and if it travels to other parts of your body. Additionally, they may have questions about your medical history as a whole.
  • Physical Examination:  Your chiropractor will perform a hands-on assessment to check your spinal alignment, muscle tension and range of motion.
  • Imaging and Other Tests: Your neck pain chiropractor may order blood tests and imaging procedures like X-rays and MRIs.

It’s important to keep in mind that your chiropractor may refer you to another healthcare professional, such as a surgeon if they determine that your neck pain requires surgery.

Chiropractic Treatments for Neck Pain 

Chiropractors often use various evidence-based treatments to ensure pain is minimized as quickly as possible so their patient is relieved. These include the following: 

  • Chiropractic Neck Adjustment/Spinal Manipulation: 

If your chiropractor determines that your neck requires manual manipulation, they will use their hands to move the affected vertebrae back into alignment. They may also rotate or stretch your neck. 

Alternatively, they may use a small instrument called an activator-adjusting instrument to perform the adjustment. Chiropractic neck adjustment can help relieve pain and improve mobility.

  • Soft Tissue Therapies: 

Techniques like therapeutic massage, stretching and trigger point therapy address muscle tightness, reduce neck pain and improve neck mobility. Additionally, your chiropractor may perform instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy (IAST), which involves using special tools or equipment on specific areas to locate, target and treat soft tissue injuries. 

  • Therapeutic Exercises: 

Your chiropractor for neck pain may prescribe special rehabilitative exercises to strengthen the neck, improve its range of motion, reduce pain and promote healing.

  • Heat and Cold Therapy: 

The application of heat or cold can help reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort in your neck. 

These chiropractic treatments are customized to the unique needs of each patient. They are meant to help reduce pain and support overall spinal health and improve neck function. 

When Should You Be Concerned About Neck Pain? 

You can treat most cases of neck pain at home with self-care strategies like taking over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, heat and cold therapy, as well as gentle neck stretching exercises. However, you should make an appointment to get your neck checked out if one or more of the following are true: 

  • You have a history of a recent sports injury or accident.
  • The pain is so severe you can’t relax or sit still.
  • You have a fever, headache or feel generally unwell.
  • The pain worsens over time instead of getting better.
  • The pain is accompanied by a tingling sensation in your arm.
  • The pain radiates or travels down one arm.
  • You lose control of your bowel or bladder.
  • You have swollen glands in your neck.

Get Lasting Relief From Neck Pain With Help From a Trusted Chiropractor 

Chiropractors use a holistic approach to diagnose, treat and provide lasting relief from neck pain. Utilizing non-invasive methods, they focus on addressing the root causes of neck pain, enhancing overall spinal health and helping individuals live a pain-free and more functional life.

Brenner Chiropractic offers quality chiropractic care at our clinic in Bellmore, NY. Led by Dr. Brenner, our practice treats a wide range of conditions in patients ranging from age eight to 80. 

We listen to our patients to determine their wellness needs and goals, perform a comprehensive examination and customize a treatment plan. Each of our patients receives one-on-one and individualized care, including exercise training and education to prevent the neck pain from recurring. 

To learn more about our services, please contact our friendly staff. You may also book an appointment online through our website.