First, you need to know more about the neck, especially if you’re considering chiropractic care for neck pain.  The neck is part of the spinal column or backbone that extends through most of the body.  The cervical spine is the neck region and it consists of seven bones known as C1-C7 vertebrae.  The vertebrae are separated from each other by intervertebral discs.  The cervical spine supports the weight of your head, which on average is about 12 pounds.

Exploring the Complexities of the Neck and Its Functions

Each one of the vertebrae has nerves coming from them that control specific parts of the body.  The nerves in the cervical spine supply blood to the head, pituitary gland, brain, inner and middle ear, eyes, sinuses, teeth, facial nerves, Eustachian tube, vocal cords, pharynx, neck muscles, shoulders, thyroid gland, shoulder bursa, and elbows to name a few.  Some warning signs that tell you something is wrong are headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, migraines, chronic fatigue, dizziness, sinusitis, vision and hearing problems, eczema, pimples, runny nose, laryngitis, stiff neck, arm pain, bursitis, and thyroid conditions to name a few.

Neck pain can last days or years, depending on the cause.  Common causes of neck pain include physical strain, poor posture, mental stress, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated disk, pinched nerve, tumors, and other health conditions.

Chiropractic Care: A Natural and Non-Invasive Solution for Neck Pain

Chiropractic care is a safe, drug-free, non-invasive form of health care.  Their goal is to reduce the need for prescriptions of opioid pain relievers and over-the-counter drugs. Chiropractors are concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the nervous system and general health.

Neck pain is a common problem, especially if you frequently bend your neck to use your phone, sit for many hours, or have poor posture.  Neck adjustments improve the mobility of the spine to restore the range of motion; it can also increase the movement of the adjoining muscles.  Patients normally notice an improvement to turn and tilt the head and reduce pain, soreness, and stiffness.  Chiropractors often use other methods besides manipulation that include mobilization, massage, traction or exercises, or some other types of treatment.

A 2019 study (PubMed Central from the National Institutes of Health), it “found that cervical spine manipulation may help decrease neck pain in the short-term by modifying levels of neuropeptides in your blood.  Neuropeptides are proteins made in your nervous system that function as neurotransmitters or hormones.”

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain are:

• Help improve mobility of the neck by gently manipulating the joints in the neck and spine. This can also help reduce stiffness and discomfort caused by overuse and strain.
• Reduce pain by helping to restore proper alignment and reduce muscle tension.
• Reduce stress. Stress and tension can cause neck pain.  Chiropractic care can help reduce this stress by releasing endorphins and promoting relaxation.
• Improve posture. Poor posture can cause neck pain.  By gently manipulating the spine, Chiropractors can help improve your posture.
• Improve Sleep Quality. Neck pain can interfere with your getting a good night’s sleep.

Chiropractic care for treating neck pain is a great option because it is a safe and non-invasive form of health care.  Chiropractic care provides many benefits including improved mobility, reduced pain, reduced stress, improved posture, and improved sleep quality.  This is all done naturally.  Chiropractors are willing to work with your primary care provider to make sure you are getting the best care possible.