Neck Pain Treatment
Neck Pain Treatment Albany, OR
Neck pain can start out as a minor ache before increasing to debilitating pain that prevents even turning one’s head. Neck pain treatment can help provide lasting relief from the pain and related symptoms. Often, neck pain goes away on its own and does not need treatment. However, when neck pain needs treatment, our chiropractic team can help with a holistic approach and a treatment plan tailored to the needs of each patient.
Neck pain treatment is available at Better Pain Solutions in Albany and the surrounding area. Learn how a chiropractic approach to treating neck pain could help you find relief. Call our office at (541) 249-7317 to schedule an appointment.
Neck Pain Treatment Q&A
The neck is an amazing thing. It can support the weight of an eight to 12-pound head and move in any direction. However, these responsibilities are also part of the reason the neck is highly susceptible to strain, injury, and fatigue. An estimated 1 in 3 people deal with neck pain at least once a year.
The first step in treating neck pain is identifying the cause, which can be the result of a variety of factors. Poor posture and bad sleeping habits are some of the most well-known causes of neck pain, as are repetitive motion and carrying heavy items such as a purse or bag. Injuries such as whiplash sustained when the neck is jerked around suddenly in a car accident or during vigorous physical activity often trigger neck pain. A problem with a disk, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and pinched nerves are frequently reasons the neck hurts. In rare cases, neck pain can be the result of cancer or meningitis. These are serious conditions that must be ruled out right away.
No matter the cause, neck pain is never pleasant and can even impair movement. Neck pain can range from sore, stiff, and achy to stabbing, stinging, or intense. In addition, neck pain can travel down the shoulder to the arm and even interfere with a person’s ability to lift or grasp objects. If neck pain does not go away or increasingly interferes with a person’s day, it is time to seek treatment.
The chiropractor will conduct a thorough exam, taking down a detailed health history of the patient to help identify the cause of a patient’s pain and customize a treatment plan. The exam may include studying movements and posture and the alignment of the spine. The chiropractor may order imaging tests to help with the diagnosis. Patients should be prepared to provide information regarding their physical life and health history, including surgeries, injuries, and any medications they are currently taking.
Being able to provide detailed information on current symptoms is a priority. Neck pain can be a challenge to diagnose, so the more information the patient can provide, the better. Some questions the practitioner may ask include:
- How long has the pain been going on?
- Is the pain accompanied by any other symptoms?
- Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
- Is the pain worse after certain activities or at certain times of the day?
- Was there a specific injury or event that appeared to cause it?
- What is the quality of the pain (sharp and stinging or a dull ache)?
- Where is the pain located, and does it travel?
- What treatments have been tried, if any?
- When did the pain start?
Some patients find it helpful to keep a journal of their pain and bring it to the initial consultation.
Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach that does not involve drugs or surgery. It is an approach that aims to improve the health of the patient, not just mask symptoms. The goal is to get to the source of what is causing the pain and treat that cause rather than just offer temporary relief from pain. The absence of invasive procedures and prescription drugs makes chiropractic care attractive to many people, especially those concerned about the addiction risk associated with certain painkillers and others who do not tolerate the side effects of medication.
Of all the alternative therapies for neck pain, chiropractic care is among the most popular, and patients seem pleased with the results. In some cases, neck adjustments combined with exercises work better for neck pain than pain medication. Other benefits chiropractic care for neck pain can provide include reduced inflammation, improved flexibility, and increased range of motion.
A. The answer to this question varies widely. Much of it depends on the patient’s particular issue, the type of treatment required, and the number of appointments. In many cases, health insurance plans will cover at least a portion of chiropractic care. We recommend patients check with their insurance provider for the specifics about their plan.
A. The optimal chiropractic approach depends on the patient. Some patients swear by the more forceful manipulation techniques, while others prefer the gentler mobilization approach. Our team will examine your case and make suggestions and take into account the type of treatment that makes you feel most comfortable.