Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Pain

You may consider going to a chiropractic doctor for your neck pain. Believing that the body has potential to heal itself, chiropractors offer non-invasive and drug-free therapies to treat neck pain. And it's more than just popping your neck—that's a typical (but not accurate) image of chiropractic care.

Good chiropractic care starts with a thorough examination. Prior to treatment, your chiropractor will ask you questions about your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may obtain an x-ray or other imaging study, like an MRI. Then your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan for you, which may involve different therapeutic tools, such as:

• Spinal Manipulation (Adjustments): Chiropractors use spinal manipulation techniques to realign your spine. This is what separates chiropractors from other doctors. Parts of your misaligned spine, which chiropractors call subluxations, may be causing inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain in your neck. Manipulation is used to treat the soft tissues, stimulate the nervous system, and increase circulation.
• Ice/cold therapy: To help reduce inflammation, the chiropractor may have you use ice or a cold pack on your neck during your treatment. He or she may also recommend ice/cold therapy to help control inflammation and pain at home.
• Ultrasound: By increasing blood circulation, an ultrasound helps reduce muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain. It does this by sending sound waves deep into your muscle tissues, creating a gentle heat that enhances circulation and healing.

To help ease your pain, your chiropractor may also suggest an exercise program, nutrition guidelines, and lifestyle changes.

Additionally, your chiropractor may refer you to a spine surgeon if he or she finds that your neck pain is outside the realm of conservative care. Chiropractors are conservative care doctors, meaning that they don't use drugs or surgery. So if you're diagnosed with a neck fracture, you will probably be referred to another doctor.

Remember: your chiropractor will develop an individualized treatment plan for your pain. It may or may not include the therapies listed here.