Do You Have Neck Pain?
How many times have you heard the saying, “What a pain in the neck”? That phrase is so common because neck pain is aggravating. No one wants to feel neck pain, not even for a minute. A chronic neck ache is even more frustrating, because it goes on and on.
For many common causes of neck pain, chiropractic care can provide a natural way to help the neck heal. When the joints, muscles, and nerves of the neck get out of line, chiropractic techniques can help them realign. When the neck has been stressed, chiropractic manipulation guides the neck back into its normal functioning.
Causes of Neck Pain
While neck and head injuries are obvious causes of pain, problems with the neck can have many other causes as well. Too much heavy lifting or long hours of highway driving can affect the alignment of the neck, as can wearing a heavy shoulder bag, poor posture, or obesity. Chronic stress and tension can also put strain on the neck. Constant sitting for work or school stresses the neck, made worse by furniture that doesn’t support well. The neck also takes a toll from aging and the rigors of daily life.
When the neck is stressed, a person might experience pain, stiffness, or a limited range of motion. The muscles tighten in an attempt to restore balance. Nerves can become compressed, which can result in numbness. Numbness that results from neck problems can extend into the arms, hands, shoulders, head, and back, and even into the legs. It’s not a pleasant feeling, and sometimes can affect daily activities.
Neck Pain is Not Something to Ignore
Unless the cause of pain is an injury, too often people simply learn to live with neck aches. Neck pain is not something that needs to be endured, or ignored. The neck bones, joints, muscles, and nerves play vital roles in the body. They need to function in healthy ways, for overall well-being.
Neck problems can put strain on the whole body. Nerve constrictions in the neck affect other parts of the body that depend on those nerve signals. Pain also fatigues the body. Neck problems can affect posture, balance, and coordination. The neck is the top part of the spine. When any part of the spine is out of alignment, other parts of the body can become misaligned and stressed as well.
Neck pain is a symptom that things are not working the way they should. In some cases, neck pain might indicate an underlying problem that needs to be examined. Neck pain should not be ignored. Even if the cause is known, and relatively minor, there is no reason to simply suffer chronic pain. Pain is not only unpleasant; it is also exhausting to the body.
Chiropractic Relief for Neck Pain
Chiropractic care can bring relief to the person suffering chronic neck pain. A neck adjustment allows the neck to realign properly. This relieves the pressure on the spine and nerve endings and lets the muscles relax. The goal of chiropractic care is to help the body get back to its normal alignment and functioning.
Where range of motion is a problem, a chiropractic adjustment can often bring relief. The chiropractor can also suggest gentle exercises to help improve posture and flexibility.
Your chiropractor can also help you learn techniques to prevent neck pain. You will be able to recognize habits that affect your neck, such as posture, stress, constant sitting, and other daily activities. A chiropractor can help you find healthy ways to reduce the daily strain on your neck, such as proper postures for various activities.
Pain in your neck should not limit your mobility or your daily activities. Chiropractic care can help you enjoy more quality of life.