Many people are facing chronic neck pain, but this doesn't have to be considered a normal part of the day. Chiropractic care is one of the proven treatments for neck pain relief. Here's what you need to know about chiropractic care for neck pain. 

What the Experts Say

In the past few years, researchers have begun to study the benefits of chiropractic care for neck pain more thoroughly. For instance, in an article by the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers studied the benefits of chiropractic manipulation compared to medication for neck pain, and the results were in favor of chiropractic care. It appears that exercise combined with chiropractic care can provide great relief for chronic neck pain. 

Chiropractic Manipulations for Neck Pain

One of the hallmarks of chiropractic care for neck pain is the spinal manipulation or adjustment. Over time, your spinal vertebrae can become slightly shifted out of place due to normal activity. These small misalignments can cause stress on your spinal function and keep the spine from operating smoothly. The small bones in your neck are especially vulnerable, especially if you've ever experienced whiplash from a car accident or sports injury. The chiropractor will use moderate force to push the spinal vertebrae back into alignment during your spinal manipulation. 

Treating the Body as an Integrated Whole

Another important tenet of good chiropractic care for the spine is that the entire musculoskeletal system works as a whole. If you are experiencing neck pain, it's still important to make sure that your entire spine and supporting bones are aligned with your muscles, since strain on one group of bones can put strain on the entire system. A chiropractor will provide full body care, such as massage therapy, to keep your musculoskeletal system moving smoothly. 

Visiting the Chiropractor

If you haven't tried visiting a chiropractor for your neck pain, this can be a helpful exercise. On your first visit, the chiropractor will likely do x-rays and a spinal assessment to test the condition of your spine and supporting skeletal muscles. The chiropractor can often do a spinal manipulation on your first visit if you wish, and they may offer you at-home exercises or therapeutic equipment to improve the condition of your spine between appointments. It does take regular care from a chiropractor to keep your spine aligned and pain-free, but chiropractic care can become an important part of your health routine. 

For more information, talk with a chiropractor directly, such as those at Cabana Court Chiropractic chiropractor.