Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

Neck Pain is a Common Problem in Northern Virginia

Neck pain is a common problem, especially in urban areas like Fairfax, Virginia where countless hours are spent staring down at cell phones and computers. Supporting your head in a forward position puts a tremendous strain on the muscle, joints, tendons and ligaments of the upper back and neck. This prolonged stress can result in neck pain, upper back pain, and headaches. Eventually this wear and tear can lead to Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis) and chronic, unremitting pain.

If you are suffering from neck and upper back pain, I hope you will take a few minutes to discover chiropractic treatment methods your doctor may not have told you about.

Techniques Used in Our Chiropractic Treatment of Neck Pain

Dr. Zapf uses a variety of techniques to relieve neck pain. Our treatment programs for neck pain are a custom, gentle blend of the following modalities:

1. Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Adjustments). Chiropractic manipulation is a procedure used to gently move misaligned vertebrae (known as a subluxation) to relieve pressure spinal nerves. This process increases range of motion, improves function, reduces nerve irritability, and alleviates muscle spasm and pain.
2. Computerized Cervical Decompression (Traction). A computer-controlled device designed to decompress the neck and upper back gently and precisely. The FDA has cleared this unit to relieve pressure on joints and discs of the spine. It relieves pain associated with herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome and nerve compression.
3. Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is used in in this clinic for the reduction of pain, relaxation of muscle spasms, increased local blood circulation and maintaining or increasing of range of motion.
4. Therapeutic Ultrasound. A passive therapy that uses high frequency sound waves to penetrate through the skin into the deep tissues of the body. Research shows that ultrasound waves significantly improve healing of tissues and relieves pain, stiffness.
5. Therapeutic Exercised and Massage. In our clinic therapeutic exercise and massage to improve joint mobility, posture, and recovery time. They are also beneficial for alleviating pain caused by soft tissue strains, inflammation, and muscle tension.

Red Flag Symptoms for Neck Pain

Red flag symptoms refer to warning signs that indicate a potentially serious underlying condition that may require prompt medical attention. The following are considered red flags for neck pain:

• Unexplained weight loss: Sudden, unexplained weight loss can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such cancer, which may be causing the neck pain.
• Recent trauma or injury: Neck pain following a recent trauma or injury, such as a fall or car accident, may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as a spinal fracture or nerve damage.
• Pain that spreads down arms: If your neck pain spreads down your arms or into your fingers, it may be a sign of nerve compression, such as a herniated disk, that requires prompt medical attention.
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in arms or legs: If you experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs, it may be a sign of a nerve problem, such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disk.
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing: If you have trouble speaking or swallowing, it may be a sign of a serious condition, such as spinal cord compression, that requires prompt medical attention.
• Nighttime pain: If your neck pain is worse at night or interferes with your ability to sleep, it may be a sign of a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
• Fever: If you have a fever along with your neck pain, it may be a sign of an infection, such as a spinal abscess, that requires prompt medical attention.
• Persistent pain: If your neck pain persists for more than a few weeks, despite conservative treatment, it may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation and treatment.

It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of these red flag symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and prevent potential complications.

How Chiropractic Treatment Helps

Chiropractic treatment works by restoring the proper alignment of the spine and neck. This, in turn, reduces pressure on the nerves and improves the function of the joints, reducing pain and improving overall mobility.

Medical Treatment for Neck Pain

The typical medical treatment for neck pain often involves a combination of pain medications, muscle relaxants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The specific treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of the neck pain and the severity of the symptoms.

Pain Medications:

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used to manage mild to moderate neck pain. For more severe pain, prescription pain medications such as opioids or corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Adverse side effects of pain medications include:

• Stomach ulcers and bleeding
• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Addiction and dependence

Muscle Relaxants

Adverse side effects of muscle relaxants include:

• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril): Common side effects of cyclobenzaprine include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and dry mouth. Less common side effects can include blurred vision, constipation, increased heart rate, and urinary retention.
• Methocarbamol (Robaxin): Common side effects of methocarbamol include drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Less common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach.
• Carisoprodol (Soma): Common side effects of carisoprodol include drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Less common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach.
• Baclofen (Lioresal): Common side effects of baclofen include drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness. Less common side effects can include blurred vision, headache, and constipation.
• Diazepam (Valium): Common side effects of diazepam include drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Less common side effects can include blurred vision, constipation, and confusion.

How Chiropractic Treatment is Different

Compared to other methods such as pain medications and surgery, chiropractic treatment is a natural and non-invasive method of treating neck pain. Additionally, chiropractic care focuses on addressing the underlying cause of your neck pain, rather than simply treating the symptoms.