How Does Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain Stack Up?
When neck pain starts and will not let up, getting relief suddenly goes to the top of the list. Forget the rest of the schedule, getting rid of the neck pain has to happen soon!
Neck pain interferes with work, at home tasks, sleep and leisure. In other words, it pretty much wipes out everything else.
So how does chiropractic stack up as a solution?
This study indicates it works quite well. This recent NIH, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine study tested three ways to treat mechanical neck pain with 272 participants.
One group used spinal manipulation chiropractic treatment. Another group used over the counter pain relievers, prescription pain killers and muscle relaxants. And a third group followed exercise recommendations with practice.
After 12 weeks, about 57 percent of those who met with chiropractors and 48 percent of those who exercised reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain. The group relying on medication reported a 33 percent rate of pain reduction. After one year, about 53 percent of the drug-free groups still reported a 75 percent reduction in pain, compared with the group who took medication. They reported just 38 percent in pain reduction.
Neck pain strikes a variety of individuals.
Some come from their work and leisure activities where they have been hunching over their phone and laptop screens for long periods of time. Others show up after they have spent hours bending over sewing or small tool hobby or work situations. Others come in after some mishap, such as whiplash in a car accident, or some other home accident.
Visiting the Chiropractor
During the initial visit to the chiropractor spinal adjustments may help locate the pain and then time is spent reviewing medical history, symptoms and daily work patterns.
A neck adjustment, which is a cervical manipulation, is used to improve flexibility and improve range of motion. The patient may then show an improved ability to turn and tilt the head, and a lessening of pain, soreness, and stiffness. Overall, the patient and the chiropractor work toward the end goal of normal motion, returning to a regular schedule and pain relief without medication or surgery. Neck pain is no longer the dominant player.
If you or someone in your family faces neck pain decisions, consider making an appointment with your chiropractor for some good answers.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Francesca Cappa