Everyone can experience a stiff neck once in a while. It could happen upon waking up if you slept wrong. You could also feel the discomfort at the end of a long day after finishing an incredibly stressful project at work. Most people would try a few things at home to ease the pain. These include applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel on their neck, using an extra firm pillow at night, and trying different neck exercises.

Symptoms And Causes Of Neck Pain

While most home remedies work, it’s still vital that you’d know when the pain warrants a visit to a chiropractor. It’s highly recommended to seek chiropractic care if:

• You experience a stiff neck that doesn’t improve after a few days.
• You cannot turn your neck from side to side without severe pain.
• Your neck pain began within a few days after having been involved in an accident.
• Your neck pain is worse upon waking up in the morning. But it starts to improve as the day progresses.
• The discomfort began in your neck but has moved in your hands or wrists, making them prickle or go numb.
• You’re taking pain medications regularly to treat your neck pain.

There are several reasons why a person may struggle with neck pain. These include stress, poor posture, pinched nerves, worn joints, bone spurs, herniated discs, or osteoarthritis. You may also experience this type of discomfort because of muscle strains and injuries sustained from sports activities or car accidents.

Chiropractic Treatments For Neck Pain

Your chiropractor will treat your neck pain depending on what caused it. They will create a program combining different techniques and treatment modalities from their findings. Here are the three main types of neck adjustment methods that your chiropractor may use to ease neck pain:

• Cervical Mobilization. This procedure involves using gentle motions around your neck. Your chiropractor will apply quick pressure to release an area. This way, they can reduce pain and increase your range of motion.
• Cervical Drop Technique.  This method involves lying on your side or stomach as your chiropractor moves your neck. After preparing your neck for adjustment, your chiropractor will touch specific points in it, release the headrest to prevent extra pressure around your neck, and quickly twist it. All of this is carried out within seconds.
• Cervical Manual Traction. Here, your chiropractor will move your neck in various angles to determine the best way to fix the problem area. This also helps them assess the right amount of force to apply during the neck adjustment. Unlike other techniques, you’d have to sit in a chair for this particular procedure. Then, your chiropractor will cradle your head in their palms and quickly move it from side to side.

Once a full cervical adjustment is completed, your chiropractor will likely gently massage your neck. This way, they can apply pressure to inflamed soft tissues to increase blood circulation. All of the techniques mentioned above are safe and effective. Our licensed practitioners at Ellis Chiropractic can assess your condition and discuss available treatment options. Contact our office today in Marlow, Oklahoma, to schedule your consultation.