​Although the neck is a relatively small area of the body, it is composed of some complicated structures which do the important job of holding up your head. The small size of the vertebrae of the neck allows for a lot of mobility, but can also make the neck more vulnerable to injury and pain. Some causes of neck pain include: trauma, such as whiplash, awkward sleeping positions, poor posture, repetitive physical stress, abnormalities in the bone structure, joint issues​, muscle strains and pulls.

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​​Most of these issues are either caused by or impact, the alignment of the spine. When muscles in the neck go into spasm, the spine gets pulled out of alignment. When the spine is misaligned, the nerves become irritated and cause further tension and other systemic problems. Since every nerve in the body has its root in the spinal column, issues originating at the neck can significantly impact every other system. 

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The spinal region of the body houses every nerve responsible for sensation within. Muscle tissue that supports the spine can seize and stiffen if the spine is out of alignment. This response by the muscle tissue is thought to be a bodily response meant to safeguard the spine. If individuals maintain poor posture it can magnify this reaction by the muscles and result in chronic pain and even long-term damage.

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Neck stiffness and pain can make even the simplest of movements involving the neck, head, arms, shoulders, and back excruciatingly difficult. Neck problems can lead to headaches, upper body discomfort, and sore muscles. Immobility resulting from neck pain can cause the muscles to become weak and degenerate over time.

Most commonly, people try to deal with their neck pain using prescription or over-the-counter medications. This may help to relieve the symptoms in the short-term, but not only are patients dealing with side effects, the underlying issue goes unaddressed. Massage Therapy has become more popular over the years and this can help to relieve some muscle tightness. If the issue is in the bones or joints, the problem will remain.

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Letting neck pain and misalignments of the spine linger isn’t a smart choice. Most individuals push through the pain with the hope that it will eventually subside on its own. A majority of the time the pain will subside. However, the underlying issue will remain and lead to recurring pain. By ignoring the pain and symptoms of a misaligned spine, an individual opens themselves up to more dangerous injuries that require more invasive procedures to correct.

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Many people let spinal problems go uncorrected. They hope that if they wait long enough the pain will simply go away. In some cases it will go away, but the misalignment that caused the problem is usually still there. Over time, that area can become aggravated, and the pain can return. If the problem is not corrected it can become much more serious. Some people let things get to the point where surgery may be the only option.

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Understanding the root of your neck stiffness or pain is a necessary step toward acquiring the treatment that is effective in both short and long-term recovery. Chiropractic care can be a great way to manage and relieve swelling and discomfort caused by neck pain. Gentle adjustments to the spine can bring instant relief and restore long term health to the neck and the entire body. 

Chiropractic care provides patients with neck pain a safe, non-invasive, non-addictive alternative to prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications (OTCs), which are commonly prescribed to patients to help them manage their pain and swelling. 

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Chiropractors deliver a gentle, non-invasive, non-addictive therapy, known as a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function of both the affected joint and nervous system. By increasing joint mobility and improving your nervous system function and spinal health, your body has the ability to better manage the discomfort in the neck.

Below are some of the health benefits chiropractic care and chiropractic adjustments can provide patients with neck pain:

reduced pain and discomfort, decreased inflammation, improved range of motion of your back joints, improved flexibility, increased activity and improved lifestyle.

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To see if chiropractic care is right for your condition, the chiropractor will perform a consultation, examination and if necessary, refer you out for diagnostic imaging such as x-ray or MRI. Based on the findings of our chiropractic exam and consultation, your doctor of chiropractic may elect to co-treat your neck pain with other healthcare professionals including massage therapists, physical therapists or other primary care physicians.​

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