Various conditions can cause neck pain (cervical pain) – it can be whiplash or a pinched nerve, or it can be from neck strain or disk degeneration. Neck pain can also be caused by something like throat infection or by more serious diseases such as fibromyalgia and meningitis. Motor car and sport accidents can be the cause of injury which can lead to pain and discomfort. The patient can also have headaches.
A person should try and prevent neck injuries if at all possible but when it has occurred the neck muscles should be strengthened by exercise to prevent further damage and pain. Often neck bracing can support the neck after an injury.
When infection and diseases are treated with medication, the neck pain will disappear when the infection has cleared. Many other conditions will improve with chiropractic treatment. The chiro treats patients with the use mechanical manipulation of the spine and neck. He will first do a consultation and discuss with the patient the reasons for the pain and ask him about this lifestyle. After he has diagnosed the condition, he will suggest a series of treatments – it can be between 4 – 6 sessions. Thereafter the chiro might feel a period of rehabilitation is required; during this time the condition will be monitored and minor adjustments will be made. A period of maintenance may follow during which time the patient will visit the chiro once every 6 months or so for a check-up.
Chiros cannot prescribe medication, neither can they perform surgery but they can refer patients to medical practitioners who can. By manipulating the neck they can re-align the vertebrae, this means that the normal flow of nerve messages is reinstated and the brain can communicate in the usual fashion with organs, muscles and body tissue. The body’s health improves and with it, its ability to function as intended.
Chiros will suggest exercises to strengthen muscles in support of the neck; furthermore they will discuss lifestyle habits including diet and regular exercise. The latter will reduce stress levels and reduce body weight if that is a problem.
0