For over 100 years chiropractors have successfully treated their patients for neck pain. Neck pain can begin in many ways. Some people hurt their neck in an accident, like a fall or a whiplash. Others acquire neck discomfort from a prolonged posture such as doing desk work or sleeping awkwardly. There are those whose neck pain just starts for no apparent reason.

Neck pain can also be associated with diminished ability to turn the head right and left or look up and down. Many people will find that the muscles of the neck and upper back will tighten or go into spasm and restrict their normal mobility.

A painful neck is a common musculoskeletal complaint that has been found to be both costly and disabling. It is not uncommon for someone who has neck discomfort to be unable to turn their head fully when driving, not be able to exercise or perform cleaning of their house or do yard work. Some may actually have to call off work due to their discomfort.

This article will discuss how chiropractic care can help those suffering from neck pain and introduce the reader to a recent research study that validates how treatment from a chiropractor helps improve neck discomfort and mobility.

The research study found in The Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, October 2018 noted patients receiving cervical mobilization, a method chiropractors may use in treating neck discomfort, helped improve the patient’s pain as well as improve the ability to more fully move the head and neck.

Chiropractors are trained to diagnose the cause of the patient’s neck problem and to safely and effectively treat the underlying cause of the condition. The chiropractic profession has found that most musculoskeletal neck pain is the result of misaligned and/or improperly moving joints of the spinal bones of the neck. Some might refer to this as a “pinched nerve”. Chiropractors are trained to be able to feel the different anatomical aspects of the spine. For instance, muscles may feel excessively tight or in spasm. There may also be swelling and inflammation associated with the painful area. Chiropractors are also able to feel if the joints of the spine or misaligned or moving improperly.

If this kind of abnormality of the spine is detected a Doctor of Chiropractic can, skillfully and gently mobilize, manipulate or adjust the area to correct the problem. Chiropractic care is very safe and should be considered for those suffering from musculoskeletal neck pain conditions.