What a Chiropractor May Do To Diagnose And Treat Neck Pain

Many people are looking for alternative methods of health care. Chiropractic care may offer a non-invasive approach to medical care, such as care for neck pain.

Neck problems can often be related to the misalignment or lack of range of motion of the spine. When the spine is not in the correct position, nerves can become inflamed and muscles become swollen causing pain. When the spine is manipulated and realigned, the nerves and the muscles can relax and the pain is elevated.

When an individual comes to a chiropractor with neck pain, the doctor will check their spine. Even though the patient is complaining of neck pain, the doctor will evaluate the entire spine for any other problems that might be present. The chiropractor will start at the neck and proceed to the mid-back area finishing with lower back called the lumbar area. When the doctor examines a spine he is looking for how well the joints move, muscle tenderness, disc and ligament problems. The doctor does this by touch. He is looking for tightness, soreness, and movement of the spine. If a disc is herniated and surgery is necessary a chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate medical doctor.

The chiropractor will examine the way the patient walks. The doctor will look at the patient's posture and the line and/or curves the spine makes. The chiropractor will also take a medical history. Some times they order x-rays and MRI to further look at the neck. All of these procedures help the chiropractor determine the course of treatment he or she will propose for neck pain.

The chiropractor may use several techniques in a treatment plan. He or she can use a technique of applying pressure to certain areas to restore the proper motion of the joint. This helps the nerves to restore and reduces the pain in the neck area. The chiropractor may also use ultrasound as a method of treatment. Ultrasound is usually done in a circular motion through ultrasound waves into the sore area. Ultrasound helps by increasing blood flow to the inflamed area. This helps by reducing pain in sore muscles. Chiropractors will often recommend stretching exercises to keep the sore area from becoming tight and swollen again.