The neck, also referred to as the “cervical spine”, is in charge of many very important tasks. It supports the entire weight of your head (which averages about twelve pounds), it allows you to move your head in a wide range of directions, and it provides you with flexibility. It is precisely because of these functions and the location of the neck, that it can be quite prone to pain and injury. If for any reason a person begins to experience neck pain, daily activities begin to suffer, as does the overall quality of life.

There are many causes of neck pain including: nerve damage, disc problems, injuries to the neck itself, accidents (which often involves disc problems, ligament damage, tissue damage and whiplash), spinal injuries, poor posture, osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.

What you should expect on your 1st Chiropractic visit.

On the first visit the doctor will review your case history including: When the pain began. What treatments you tried. Does the pain radiate to any other areas of you body? What seems to make it better or worse? After the initial consultation and history the doctor will perform a full exam which may include posture analysis, range of motion, neurological exams, thermography scans, spinal palpation, orthopedic test and reflexes. If the doctor feels it is necessary he/she may take X-rays to check for arthritis, disc degeneration or fractures that may be contributing to your problem.

After the initial exam your care recommendations will be made. A typical chiropractic treatment plan will include a series of neck adjustments. Adjustments are a very precise procedure that involves the doctor using his hands to realign or restore normal motion to a joint. Not only can adjustments restore normal motion and alignment but when combined with the proper rehab that can also help restore normal spinal curves and posture.

Your chiropractor may advise setting up a treatment program that combines neck adjustments with one or more other types of chiropractic care options to better manage your neck pain. This may include different exercises, massage treatments, mobilization rehabilitation, or other procedures.

If you are experiencing any type of neck pain it is recommended that you seek the advise of chiropractor for a professional opinion and to discuss your treatment options.

Want to find out more about Chiropractic Care, then visit Dr. Chris Gubbels D.C., C.C.W.P.’s site on how to choose the best Chiropractor for your needs.