Neck pain could very likely be one of the more common health complaints today. Whether an acute onset, with symptoms like throbbing, persistent or shooting ache, or a chronic debilitating pain, neck pain affects our mood, sleep, mobility, daily performance, and more.
Neck pain also comes at a high price – be it treatment or economic costs. Some estimate that it affects nearly 100 million Americans every year. Understanding the red flags or causes of neck pain can help us find alternative ways to strengthen our necks and remedy acute issues before they escalate into chronic concerns.
Causes of neck pain
There are a host of risk factors for neck pain ranging from genetic and autoimmune diseases, neuromusculoskeletal disorders, to lifestyle factors brought on by the increased digitalization, the COVID-19 pandemic, etc. For most of us, the present modern digital world offers many conveniences; but on the flipside, it hinders mobility and encourages prolonged staring at screens, often in postures that are unnatural.
Several studies support such findings. A study shows a higher prevalence of neck pain among office workers in Australia compared to the general community. Since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns and inactivity, there was a rising incidence of neck pain among students and teleworkers in Japan.
Chiropractic – a gentle approach to treating neck pain
Most medical treatments for neck pain deal with symptomatic relief through medicines, without addressing the underlying cause. More so, surgery is the most common solution to chronic neck pain. Chiropractic differs from traditional treatment methods in that it offers a safe and non-invasive approach to treating neck issues:
- It targets the problem spot – Chiropractors can identify misalignments and perform gentle and safe adjustments to realign the spine and alleviate tension in neck muscles, apart from reducing inflammation.
- It is drug-free – Patients that are wary of pharmaceutical and surgical interventions find good use in chiropractic adjustments that promote natural healing.
- It is holistic – Choosing the chiropractic approach involves paying attention to other factors such as exercises, stretches, lifestyle changes, postural changes, etc. It is part of an integrated treatment plan to maximize effectiveness.
- Its benefits are long-lasting – Apart from remedying acute pain, the adjustments done during chiropractic sessions prevent a host of other spinal issues, promising long-term benefits and avoiding repetitive episodes of neck pain.
So, whether you are looking for simple relief from acute neck pain or seek to prevent future discomfort, chiropractic care can be valuable to your overall wellness.