Chiropractic is good for neck pain and safer than drugs

The Chiropractic Solution

Neck pain is among the most common complaints that cause patients to seek chiropractic care. Doctors of chiropractic are experts at eliminating the spinal problems associated with neck ache.

If you’re suffering with neck pain, you know how disabling this condition can be. It can interfere with work, exercise, and family activities.  This problem produces more than mere physical anguish. The good news is you don’t have to rely on painkillers that have potentially hazardous side effects!

Learn how chiropractic care could end your pain for good, the all-natural way.

Curvaceous Concerns

When viewed from the side, the neck should form an arch that is most rounded at mid-neck. Unfortunately, many people have cervical spines that jet forward  or even form reversed curves. This can be caused by many things but is found especially in those who work at desks or computers.

Studies show that a straightened or reversed curve weakens the deep muscles of the neck. This is because these muscles are forced to hold the spine in an ill-suited posture.  Weakened muscles increase the risk of injury and pain. In addition, a flawed neck curve disrupts the way joints, muscles and bones move together. Altered joint movement is associated with an increased likelihood of osteoarthritis.

Are Adjustments the Answer to Neck Pain?

Dr. Jarboe corrects areas in the spine where movement is restricted or bones are misaligned. These dysfunctional segments, called vertebral subluxations, are often detected in the spines of patients with straightened or reversed cervical curves. Corrections are made with gentle manipulations called chiropractic adjustments. Research shows that this restores motion and alignment, which in turn, decreases or eliminates neck pain.

Beyond Pain Killers

The chiropractic approach to ending neck pain is a revolutionary one. It seeks to correct the underlying cause of the pain, rather than masking symptoms with medication. That’s why chiropractic may be more effective than painkillers for long-term neck pain prevention.

One study compared chiropractic adjustments to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The report concluded that the best evidence indicates that chiropractic adjustments for neck pain are much safer than the use of NSAIDs.  They were found to be safer by  a factor of several hundred times. There is no evidence that indicates NSAID use is any more effective than cervical manipulation for neck pain.

A Comprehensive Approach

In addition to adjustments, chiropractors often use other all-natural approaches to keep neck pain at bay.

Therapies include:

• ergonomic suggestions
• postural training
• hot and/or cold packs
• specific exercise programs
• nutritional supplements
• dietary modifications

Psychological factors may also influence an individual’s risk of neck discomfort. For instance, studies show that a patient’s attitude about their work predicts their odds of developing neck pain. Specifically, individuals who feel that they lack control in their work environment have a significantly elevated risk of neck ache. Additional research indicates that stress, depression and anxiety also up the risk of neck disability. For this reason,  chiropractors stress the importance of mental wellbeing, and may recommend psychological counseling or stress-reduction programs such as biofeedback, yoga, and meditation.

Make the Connection

Why is it essential to seek chiropractic care at the first sign of pain or stiffness? Because neck problems are often the initial manifestation of a chronic spinal disorder.

The spine works as a unit, not as a system of isolated segments, That’s why misalignments in the neck may eventually create dysfunction in the mid-back, low-back and hips. In addition, stressed muscles in the neck region may trigger upper-back and shoulder disorders. Nerves from the spinal cord that exit between cervical vertebrae can become compressed by neck dysfunction resulting in shoulder, arm and hand conditions.

Be proactive – get to the root of your spinal problem before it has a chance to spread. Schedule an appointment for a chiropractic evaluation today!