|
Many everyday things can cause neck pain, such as watching
TV, using your computer, reading a book or falling asleep
in a chair or on an airplane. The temporary pain that
results can resolve on its own, especially when the
offending activity is discontinued. When it doesn’t,
a more serious underlying problem may be indicated.
A thorough examination can determine if you’re
a good candidate for chiropractic care. These tests
may involve your ability to turn and bend. Muscle tone
of the supporting muscles in the neck may be tested.
Diagnostic imaging to reveal the underlying structure
of the spine may be requested. These and other tests
are designed to identify the cause and location of your
neck pain.
The most common cause of neck pain is functional distortions
in the spine resulting from vertebral subluxations.
These subluxations are seen in cases of reverse cervical
curve, whiplash and joint instability. The body responds
by tightening muscles in the neck, "splinting"
the joint to protect it from further insult. Chiropractic
care can help
Most of the pain-sensing nerves in the neck are located
in the pairs of facet joints on the back side of each
vertebra. These smooth, interlocking surfaces allow
you to rotate your head and bend your head up and down.
If these joints become locked or fixated, neck pain
can result. Chiropractic care can help restore proper
joint motion.
A more difficult problem to correct is the degenerative
changes that result from neglect. Years of uncorrected
spinal problems can cause bone spurs, disc thinning
and other forms of spinal decay. These types of problems
respond more slowly, and some type of on-going supportive
chiropractic care may be necessary.
Our response to stress is another common cause of neck
pain. Deadlines. Rush-hour traffic. Overcommitments.
Work pressures. Family obligations. . .
Ever meet someone who was a "pain in the neck"?
Each of us is susceptible to our body’s unconscious
response to people and circumstances. These perceptions
can show up as episodes of neck pain.
If the weakest link in our bodies is our neck, stress
shows up there. While chiropractic care cannot reduce
the stress of your busy life, it can help improve your
ability to handle and tolerate it. Without drugs or
surgery!
Why did the chiropractor take pictures of my lower
back?
Many patients are surprised when their chiropractic
examination involves other areas of their body besides
the local site of their symptom(s). Some neck pain cases
can be a compensation to problems in the feet, knees,
hips and lower back. Your chiropractor sees you as a
whole person, not just a collection of "parts."
Will I have to have neck adjustments?
If your problem is the result of abnormal motion or
position of spinal bones in the neck, cervical adjustments
can be effective. There are many ways to adjust the
neck, and your chiropractor has become an experienced
master. Years of practice make these spinal adjustments
safe and effective. Much safer than common aspirin or
muscle relaxers!
How long will I need chiropractic care?
Some patients see quick improvement and then immediately
discontinue their care. They often suffer a relapse
since muscles and soft tissues have not had time to
fully heal. Others discover that degenerative changes
to their spines make periodic checkups a worthwhile
investment. We‘ll make recommendations, but how
long you benefit from chiropractic care is up to you.
Photo: Near normal cervical spine
Caption: Your cervical spine (neck) consists of seven
small interlocking bones. Neck pain can be associated
with a loss of forward curve.
Photo: Giraffes
Caption: While the giraffe has the same number of cervical
vertebrae as you do, it lacks the gentle forward curve
essential for turning and bending.
Photo: Turtle
Caption: Like a turtle that retracts its head in stressful
situations, many people with neck pain attempt to protect
their neck by involving their shoulders.
(Back Panel)
Safe and Natural
Chiropractic is a team approach to better health. As
you enjoy results, tell those you love. Explain how
millions enjoy relief and better health by restoring
the integrity of their spine and nervous system with
safe and natural chiropractic care.
(References)
© 2001 Patient Media, Inc
Request a Sample.
Neck Pain Brochure
Indicate English or Spanish
Packages of 50
$18 (Discount for four or more packages)
(US customers can add custom address imprinting by calling (800) 486-2337.)
|
