Can Chiropractors Help With Neck Pain?
Chiropractic treatment has assisted many people to manage pain in different parts of the body. Chiropractic methods can be especially useful when you're dealing with pain in areas along the spine such as the neck and the back. Chiropractic methods can be good for people who'd rather avoid conventional medication used for pain management. It's also a good idea for people suffering from a chronic condition who need a long-term pain management plan.
When to Seek Chiropractic Help for Neck Pain
There are a number of situations in which chiropractic help is useful for neck pain. These include:
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Feeling pain or stiffness when you try to turn your head
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The neck pain starting a few days after being involved in a car accident
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Feeling acute neck pain in the morning that gets better over the course of the day
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Neck pain carrying on for more than a few days
When Do You Need More Than Chiropractic Treatment?
Chiropractic treatment can often help with neck pain. However, there are also situations where you'll need more than just this type of treatment to correct the problem. A chiropractor has been trained to identify if the neck pain only needs their intervention or whether another specialist is required. You may need to see another specialist if:
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The neck pain is accompanied by numbness in the leg, shoulder or arm. This may indicate a serious spinal injury and may require neurosurgical intervention. Depending on the severity of the pain, you may need to go to an emergency room.
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Headaches, vomiting, light sensitivity, or fever accompanies the neck pain. These might be signs of meningitis. Meningitis is a serious and sometimes deadly infection. If you suspect this is the cause, go to the emergency room immediately.
How Chiropractic Diagnosis for Neck Pain is Done
The process of diagnosing the cause of neck pain includes processes that most people are already familiar with. A physical exam will be carried out which will include checking the alignment of the spine and your posture. Your medical history will be assessed and an X-ray or MRI may be requested to help get to the root cause.
Proper diagnosis will help the practitioner know what the cause of the pain is or whether you're facing a problem that will require surgical intervention or the input of another specialist. The diagnosis will also be used to keep track of your progress as you carry on with the treatment.
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