Why Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain

The neck, which begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae, is a biological oxymoron. On one hand, it is incredibly strong as it can confidently support the full weight of the human skull, which is on average 12 pounds.

On the other hand, the neck is highly susceptible to injury — so much so that an activity such as sitting is one of the leading causes of neck pain and injury. An experienced

car injury doctor is familiar with the neck’s intricacies, the techniques necessary to maintain optimal neck strength, and methods for preventing pain and injury from both every day and unexpected events.

The Biometrics of the Neck

Most parts of the body require a blow or traumatic event to develop an injury. The neck, on the other hand, can develop injury over the course of a trauma-free lifetime.

Everyday activities, such as extended sitting, repetitive motion, wearing heavy necklaces, stress, and sleeping are all common contributing factors of neck strain. The two leading causes of neck pain are normal aging and everyday wear and tear.

Regardless of the reason, neck pain can be very bothersome and drastically interfere with a person’s life.

When neck pain is the result of injury, it can be even more intrusive. In many cases, neck injuries are debilitating. The most common causes of accident-induced neck pain include vehicle accidents, falls, and blows to the head.

Why is the neck so prone to injury, though? The answer has to do with what makes the neck so useful: Its range of motion.

Because the neck is capable of an extensive range of motion, it is less stable than other areas of the body. In addition, the muscles in the neck continuously get worked and strained as not only do they move when the neck moves, but they also move when almost any other part of the body moves.

Even when the vertebrae are in good working order, the muscles may experience soreness or tenderness.

Diagnosing Neck Pain

As a car accident doctor and expert of the neck and spinal cord, your local chiropractor is your best resource for neck pain relief and treatment. The first step to recovery involves a brief assessment, which may entail questions regarding your symptoms, the extent of your pain, remedies you may have already tried, and when the pain started.

Your auto injury doctor will then perform a thorough physical and neurological exam to get a clear idea of your range of motion, pain triggers, and overall physical health.

In most cases, a skilled chiropractor can use the results gleaned from a physical exam to diagnose a condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan. However, in more complex situations, he or she may have to order tests. Tests include X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, and EMGs.

These tests can help to reveal deeper issues such as fractures, bone spurs, bulging discs, herniations, and nerve damage.

Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain and Injury

Once your auto accident doctor feels confident in his or her diagnosis, he or she will develop a program of care. Depending on the extent and nature of your injury, your treatment plan may involve just regular neck adjustments or a combination of techniques.

As conservative care doctors, Doctors of Chiropractic use only their hands and specialized tools; they will not use surgery or medications as part of their care plans.

Neck adjustment is typically the first line of treatment for neck pain and injury. Neck adjustments involve applied pressure to the joints of the neck. Your car injury doctor may do this by hand or with special instruments.

Regular neck adjustments can drastically improve the range of motion of the neck and spine and relieve common symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and soreness.

If neck adjustment does not sufficiently relieve you of your symptoms, your D.C. may incorporate other techniques. Those may include massage, mobilization, or rehabilitative exercise. If these methods fail, your chiropractor may work with your primary health physician to develop a more comprehensive treatment plan.

If you developed a neck injury in a car or truck accident, you need immediate and personalized attention.

Use our online contact form to schedule your first appointment — we can generally see patients the same day!

Chiropractic Care Essential for Neck Pain | City Wide Injury & Accident