Neck pain can affect your quality of life, making it difficult to turn your head. This can impact your ability to drive, work at a computer, and perform daily tasks. Fortunately, your chiropractor can help you get relief from neck pain.
What You Need To Know About Neck Pain
Neck pain can develop suddenly due to:
A vehicular accident
A sports injury
Sudden trauma to your neck
Surgery on your neck
Neck pain can also develop gradually due to:
A medical condition affecting your spine, such as arthritis
An infection, causing swollen lymph nodes in your neck
Overuse of your neck muscles during work or leisure activities
Neck pain may cause you to overcompensate, using other parts of your body. This can lead to pain spreading to other areas including your shoulders, head, or arms.
For occasional, mild neck pain, you can try a few simple tips to get relief, including:
Applying ice and heat to your neck for 15 minutes several times daily
Resting and relaxing your neck
Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications
Wearing a soft neck collar to support your neck and head
Doing gentle neck rolls to help relax muscles
Gently tilting your head from side to side
Rolling your shoulders
Gently rotating your neck in both directions
Gently bending your neck toward your chest
Visiting a chiropractor is an important step in treating and managing neck pain. Your chiropractor has several professional treatments to help you get relief, and may recommend:
Manual manipulation, to restore proper alignment to bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your neck