Neck pain affects many people in different parts of the world. With chiropractic care, you can minimize neck pain and the related symptoms. Chiropractors usually treat different types of neck pain, including whiplash, cervical sprain injuries, degenerative joint syndrome, and cervical intervertebral disc injuries. Below are some asked questions about chiropractic care for neck pain.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Your neck starts at the bottom of your skull and consists of small vertebrae. The neck is susceptible because it supports the weight of your head. Because your neck moves your head in every direction, it is susceptible to injuries and pain. 

Some reasons you may be experiencing neck pain include osteoarthritis, worn joints, bone spurs, pinched nerves, muscle strains, and herniated discs. You may also experience neck pain due to muscle strains caused by postural deviations and injuries from auto accidents or sporting activities.

What Are the Chiropractic Treatments for Neck Pain?

The three main chiropractic treatments for neck pain are cervical mobilization, manual cervical traction, and cervical drop techniques. With cervical mobilization, the chiropractor moves the patient's neck in different positions. This non-thrust type of massage helps reduce fixations and areas where movement is restricted. The chiropractor may also apply oscillatory movement with their hands during this mobilization technique.

The manual cervical traction technique allows the doctor to pull the patient's neck and stretch the cervical spine. The chiropractor will stretch the neck forward and backward to search for the right angle to reduce tightness.

Lastly, the drop technique is where the patient lies on a specific table. The head drop piece of the table is lifted into a secured position. The doctor will place their hand on the segment that needs to be adjusted. A non-thrust is applied until the table drops a short distance. The goal of this treatment is to minimize restricted motion or fixation of the cervical vertebra.

When Is Chiropractic Treatment Inappropriate?

Before you receive chiropractic therapy, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and run some tests. The specialist may refer you to another practitioner if you have pain in your leg, shoulder, or arm. These are signs of a herniated disk or spinal cord injury. For such cases, you are better off seeing a neurosurgeon.

Additionally, if your neck pain is followed by a headache, vomiting, or fever, you probably have meningitis. Conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis might also cause neck pain. For such cases, your chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate specialist.