Background: Neck pain is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population suffering from it at some point in their lives. The reason is that the neck region contains many delicate, pain-sensitive structures commonly exposed to abnormal stresses and trauma.  Adaptations from the dysfunction of other joints, incomplete rehabilitation of past injuries, poor posture, and lack of periodic spinal adjustments are some of the more common factors in the development of neck problems.

Fortunately, most individuals suffering from neck problems will find chiropractic care extremely helpful. Unlike prescription drugs, most chiropractic procedures address the cause of the majority of neck problems, not simply the symptoms. Best of all, chiropractic care is safe, natural, and noninvasive.

Signs or Symptoms: Headaches, neck stiffness and tenderness, shoulder aches, neck muscles feel bruised or having muscle spasms. Sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling or pain in arm, hands or fingers.

Standard Treatment: Pain medications, muscle relaxers, cervical collars or surgery.

Applied Kinesiology Approach: The first step in treating neck pain is to determine its cause. Once the causes and contributing factors are identified, a successful treatment plan can be structured to eliminate pain and achieve the goals of the patient.

Whether from an acute injury or chronic neglect, spinal components are almost always structurally misaligned and biomechanically faulty. The vertebrae and their supporting structures have lost their optimal positions; their movements are occurring in an inappropriate and stressful manner. The only effective and lasting way to correct the structural misalignment and improper biomechanics is to realign the spinal segments and restore normalize motion.

This is the job of the chiropractic adjustment. In addition to restoring positioning and motion, the spinal adjustment also produces a reflexive relief of pain and reduction in muscle spasm. This is due to the high number of mechanoreceptors in the joints of the vertebrae which are stimulated through the chiropractic adjustment. Simply, proper alignment equals less pain.

Other supportive therapies are utilized to also normalize these receptors.  The different therapies are based upon the individual’s nervous system as all patients are not injured or corrected in an identical manner.  Nutritional support may also be indicated to reduce damaging inflammation and provide the basic support for optimal function.