Neck pain getting you down?
Neck pain can be painful and very frustrating. Neck pain is commonly associated with other symptoms like headache, arm pain, and upper back pain. According to the study, The Treatment of Neck Pain- Associated Disorders and Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline, it is estimated that 10.4-21.3% of office and computer workers will experience neck pain. It is very common to have recurrent symptoms after the initial incident.
Associated symptoms to neck pain that present at a chiropractic office are headaches. Headaches can start in multiple locations like the base of the skull, side of the temple, top of the head, behind the eye or feels sinus pressure in nature. Headaches that would require more urgent care are those that cause double vision, blurred vision, weakness in arms or legs, or sudden intense pain. Other symptoms like numbness and tingling into arm or hand are common with neck pain. This could be a result of a cervical disc lesion that is impinging on a nerve. Upper back pain often presents with neck pain which can be associated with a cervical disc lesion, muscle tightness due to stress, hobbies or occupation.
Clinical management for neck pain is multimodal. Options for neck pain includes manual therapy, spinal manipulation, medication, rehabilitation exercises. Spinal manipulation varies depending on the patient past history of chiropractic care, clincian’s expertise and ruling out any “red flags” that would not warrant neck manipulation. There are patient’s that do not like receiving chiropractic adjustments to their neck, options such as mobilization or the use of a tool (Activator) are great options to improve motion at restricted joints. Manual therapy includes the use of soft tissue mobilization like massage, Graston or cupping. This will vary depending on type and location of neck pain. The use of rehabilitation exercises for neck pain can be very instrumental in the reduction of pain, current and future. Initially, the use of medication can be beneficial to reduce the inflammation.
Each treatment should be targeted towards the patient’s goals, abilities and availability. Often times the goal of care within the first stage of treatment, is pain reduction. Then it will gradually be targeted towards strengthening and reducing future flare-ups.
If you are interested in seeing how chiropractic care can benefit your neck pain, reach out to us at 701-566-0778 or you can book an appointment online to see what your options are!
Bussieres AE, Steward G, Al-Zoubi F, Decina P, et al. The Treatment of Neck Pain-Associated Disorders and Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guidelines. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2016;39(8):523-564.
