Need A Chiropractor for Neck Pain? Here’s What To Do

Many people are familiar with that sudden twinge of pain on waking up and the ensuing stiffness and difficulty maneuvering. However, not everyone knows how a crick in the neck happens or, more importantly, how to ensure it does not become a more serious problem.

Chiropractic care may be an effective way to deal both with the symptoms and the underlying causes of neck pain. 

What Is A Crick In The Neck?

According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 30% of adults experience neck pain at some point in their lives. A crick in the neck usually presents itself as a dull pain caused by muscle stiffness in the shoulders and lower neck. A person with pain in their neck may have trouble turning their head, and may not be able to turn it at all because of the sharp pain that occurs when they do. 

There are a number of reasons that a person may experience pain in their necks. Sometimes it can be a posture problem or an issue related to physical trauma, such as car accidents. It can also be as simple as a person having slept with their head at an awkward angle. However, no matter the reason for it, a crick in the neck can cause a great deal of pain and emotional distress, not to mention making it difficult to perform routine tasks.

Dealing with Neck Pain 

While many people deal with neck pain by taking over-the-counter pain medications, this is not a solution to the underlying issue causing the pain--particularly if it is chronic. Part of a chiropractor’s role is to identify the problems underpinning the discomfort in an attempt to help the patient address it holistically, rather than masking it.

In the case of neck pain not caused by an accident or by physical trauma, it can help to identify potential causes of the pain, such as poor posture or an improperly configured workplace. A chiropractor may be able to give advice about how to adjust certain lifestyle elements that lead to discomfort, thus potentially reducing it.

If you do consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers for the crick in your neck, they may help alleviate some symptoms. However, always remember to consult your doctor before taking any kind of medication. Do not take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and then do more activity or overstretch. It can be tempting, once you feel less pain, to start stretching or return to regular activities. However, doing this could cause extra damage without you realizing it. This could aggravate your condition, slow your recovery and cause you a lot more pain when the medication wears off.

Treatment for Neck Pain

When visiting a chiropractor for neck pain, it can help to know ahead of time how long you have been experiencing the discomfort, potential causes (such as identifying that the neck pain happened after an accident, for example), and how you have been dealing with it to-date. 

Finding a chiropractor who can pinpoint the cause of your pain is not only a good potential solution to your neck pain problem, but it can also be a good way to improve your overall health and wellness. A chiropractor will examine you and attempt to diagnose the issue, and will design a treatment plan tailored to your body and your lifestyle. This plan may include the frequency of your visits, preventative measures you could take in your daily life, and the type of chiropractic treatments you receive.

If you’re ready to consult a friendly, professional chiropractor to help address your neck pain, contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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