Chiropractic: The Right Treatment For Neck Pain
When considering going to a chiropractor about your neck pain, it is first important to keep a few things in mind. The chiropractic practice began with the intent of only working with spine and back related problems, and while many instances of neck pain may be related to back misalignment, many others are not.
A chiropractic adjustment to neck or to the cervical vertebrae may carry with it some risks, even though the chance is very low. Your chiropractor should perform a thorough examination, as an improperly done neck manipulation may cause some problems ranging from stroke to severing major blood vessels.
Most, it not all, chiropractors understand the risks involved in spinal manipulation and only perform this procedure when it’s the right treatment for the patient. A case history as well as a physical and neurological examination is done first. I would be unwise for a doctor of chiropractic to perform any treatment without doing these things first. In many cases, the dangerous manipulations are being performed by non-chiropractors and this is what puts the unsuspecting “patient” at risk.
Neck pain, headaches, and tingling or numbness in the upper extremities can be directly linked back to cervical vertebrae misalignment. The benefits of receiving a specific spinal adjustment to the neck can mean an end to a lifetime of a chronic condition. Many chiropractic patients only sought out treatment after all other more “traditional” treatments have been tried and failed.
Chiropractic adjustments can be just the thing for neck pain. Many times this neck pain may be caused by tension or posture issues which can be fixed in one or two visits with a skilled practitioner, even if it has been chronic. Because chiropractic can change, or reset the way a person carries their skeletal frame, this may also correct how they deal with the tension they carry around in their muscles and whether that translates itself into back or neck pain or not.
When determining if chiropractic is the right answer for your neck pain, you can consider visiting with your primary care doctor first if you have any concerns about issues related to any of your health conditions. He or she can help determine other treatment options or if chiropractic is appropriate for your condition. If you do decide that chiropractic is best for you, look for someone who is recommended or seek out a referral from a trusted friend or family member.
The chiropractic doctor may determine that a radiographic examination (x-ray) of the neck and maybe the entire spine after performing an examination. The chiropractor may then recommend treatment that includes massage, heat, cold therapy, ultrasound, and electric stimulation in addition to the spinal adjustments. The additional therapies complement the main treatment; the spinal adjustment.
Philip Vincent is a health educator. Need a Rochester Chiropractor? Consider a visit to this Rochester Chiropractor.
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