Manipulation Therapy For Neck Pain

By Ray Gerald Phelan

Pain in any area of the body is uncomfortable and may require professional treatment. For people suffering from neck pain, chiropractic care may be the treatment of choice. According to the September 2011 issue of Consumer Reports, of all healthcare providers for this type of pain, chiropractic care was rated the highest in patient satisfaction. In the United States, a chiropractor is the medical professional to turn to for manipulation of vertebrae in the neck and cervical spine. Learn more about what a chiropractor can do to provide much-needed relief.

In the issue of British Medical Journal 2003 there is a study in which 183 patients suffering from pain in their necks were randomly chosen for various types of treatment. During a year- long period covered by the study, patients received therapy consisting of exercise and manual therapy involving spinal manipulation, or general medical care that involved drug treatments, counseling, and education. The patients who received hands-on manual therapy experienced the fastest recoveries. Another benefit was the reduced cost of manual therapy, which was approximately one-third the cost of the other types of treatment.

Before chiropractors can treat people experiencing discomfort in the neck area, they determine the origin of the pain and identify all associated factors. Once these have been noted, an appropriate treatment plan is determined for pain elimination. Chiropractic care for this type of pain includes a variety of natural, non-invasive therapies and safe. The most essential and effective treatment is the chiropractic spinal adjustment, which corrects the major problem experienced by most patients with discomfort in their necks.

Most people having discomfort from this type of condition have either experienced a recent trauma that damaged tissue and altered the structural integrity of the neck or have been exposed to sustained, harmful stresses on the spine and neck due to improper posture and other bad habits. As a result, cervical spinal components are almost always in misalignment structurally and not functioning optimally from a biomechanical aspect. Realigning spinal vertebrae and restoring normal range of motion to the spinal joints are the only long-term ways to effectively correct the problem.

Spinal manipulative therapy accomplishes these goals and also gives reflexive pain relief and muscle spasm reduction and elimination. The chiropractic treatment activates the many mechanoreceptors present in the vertebral joints. This allows messages to transmit to the brain to shut down pain signals, causing muscles to relax in response. Spinal adjustments also provide proper motion to the joints of the spine that helps to eliminate inflammation. Inflammatory chemicals associated with the condition are known to irritate pain fibers.

Chiropractors also show patients how to maintain proper posture for the neck and back. Proper lifting and computer and deskwork ergonomics are also explained. Patients are also provided with alternatives to alleviate repetitive motions. Each of these recommendations is designed to prevent the back and neck from future injury and pain.

Relieving the neck pain experienced by some patients may involve additional manual therapies including acupressure, trigger point, and massage. These help to relax cervical muscles and increase the mobility of the cervical spine. Chiropractors may also recommend muscle stimulation or another form of physical therapy, therapeutic exercises, and a nutrient-rich diet designed for optimal cervical spine health.

About the Author:

Ray Gerald Phelan is an author writing about health related topics. Are you looking for a Pittsburgh North Hills chiropractor? Get more information about this chiropractor Pittsburgh North Hills.

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Analyzing And Resolving Neck Pain

By Lee Smith

Neck pain may be an issue in an of itself or it may have been brought on by something that seems almost unrelated. Whatever the case, though, you may run into the problem of finding solutions which are both simple and effective while keeping you out a clinic. Determining just what is going on, however, is the first step to recovery.

Sleeping habits or behaviors at work which go otherwise unnoticed may be to blame, and often people forget to consider these factors. Something as simple as a new pillow on your bed can be the cause of your problems. Sitting in front of a monitor for hours can also create problems with circulation too.

One method of avoiding these types of strain are making sure you take the time to work and stretch your neck. Keep in mind that, if you can, you should actually get up out of your seat and on your feet in order to ensure your spine is straight and properly aligned. Turn your head in each direction as much as you can and then hold it in each position for at least ten seconds. This will work the muscles out a bit and get some circulation to the area.

In some cases, however, you may not want to be stretching and turning your head. This might be because your pain is the result of an accident or injury. If this is the situation then it is likely you will want to put a brace around the area to keep you from inadvertently exacerbating the injury.

The issue becomes, however, that the brace actually adds initial discomfort due to its clutching at your neck. Taking it off occasionally can help, but do not immediately begin moving your head about. What you want to do is get air into the affected area. Skin likes to be able to breathe now and again, and exposing the area without moving your head is enough to let it do that.

Whether the cause has been identified or not, it is important to determine whether the issue is with the muscles and ligaments in your neck or the upper vertebrae of your spine. The latter might necessitate surgery or some other operation and potentially include prescription medication. However if it is simply a matter of strained muscles, a bit of rest should resolve the issue.

Neck pain that lasts for more than a week should always be cause for some concern and can require a doctor's visit. Be patient as your recovery proceeds as things do not fix themselves over night and the area is one which most people use all the time. Remember to stretch now and again when your neck is healthy in order to keep it that way as well.

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If you need help to relieve neck pain, go here to view information regarding methods and techniques.. You can check it out at http://www.chiropractorknoxvilletoday.com now.

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