Are you one of the 70% of people being plagued by the constant nagging of back or neck pain? Does it seem like nothing is working to alleviate the pain? There are many reasons why a person suffers from back pain and neck pain. Luckily there are options worth exploring that don’t include surgery.
Chiropractic Care for Back or Neck Pain
Chiropractors specialize in treating and preventing back and neck pain. A back and neck adjustment is a procedure applied to the joints of the back and neck. This adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine and to restore range of motion.
There is evidence it may also increase movement of the adjoining muscles. Patients typically notice an improved ability to turn and twist the back and neck more freely, with a reduction in pain, stiffness, and soreness.
Other Non-Surgical Treatments
Typically surgery is not needed to relieve back and neck pain. Back and neck pain can often be successfully treated with focused physical rehabilitation or adjusting body mechanics at home.
Non-surgical treatment may include a combination of the following:
- Taking it easy- If you feel as though you’ve hurt your back or neck, ease up on the pressure you are putting on them. This rest may help the body heal without risking further injury.
- Adjust your daily routine- This primarily revolves around sustaining proper posture while standing and/or sitting. A key to recovering from acute back and neck pain is maintaining the normal curvature of the spine. The proper way to stand is with your head up, shoulders straight, chest forward, hips tucked in, and weight evenly balanced on both feet. The proper way to sit is with your hips and knees at a right angle and your feet flat on the floor.
- Exercise- Aerobic exercise increases blood flow and nutrients to the back and neck. This improves the healing process and reduces stiffness that can result in pain. Research has shown that people who are physically fit are more resistant to back injuries, and recover quicker when they do have injuries.
- Over the counter medication- Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury. NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may effectively reduce inflammation and relieve back and neck pain. The only problem is with prolonged use the risk of gastrointestinal problems goes up. This is a major reason why medication is only a temporary solution.
- Massage Therapy- Regular deep-tissue massage may be especially effective at significantly reducing neck and back pain. Tight muscles, ligaments, and tissue will be stretched out to improve natural blood flow and enable nerve endings to properly function.
To learn more about how we can treat your back and neck pain, please call us at 305-705-0777.