According to a 2010 Global Burden of Disease study, neck pain (or cervical radiculopathy) is fourth out of 201 conditions that cause disability. Though (according to American Family Physician) 80% to 90% of people with neck pain will see improvements in their condition with nonsurgical treatment, finding the right care plan is essential for recovery. One of the best ways to improve your condition is to visit a chiropractor for neck pain.
If you’re searching online for “chiropractor near me,” look no further than No-Fault Doctors. No-Fault Doctors.com is a free directory of medical specialists who treat car accident-related injuries. Learn more about when to see a chiropractor for neck pain below.
Common Neck Pain Causes
Car accidents are one of the top reasons people develop acute and chronic neck pain. Each year, more than 800,000 car crashes in the U.S. result in neck injuries, according to Oxford Academic. Whiplash is the most common type of car accident neck injury due to the forceful back-and-forth movement the head makes during impact.
Cervical radiculopathy can also develop due to:
- Carrying a heavy bag for a long time
- Poor posture when using a computer or electronic device
- A sedentary lifestyle resulting in muscle tension and spasms
- Bad sleeping posture, like laying on your stomach with your head twisted
- Natural wear and tear of cervical bones, muscles, and tendons
- Degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis, cervical disc herniations, and spinal stenosis
Mild neck pain often improves on its own. Seeing a chiropractor for neck pain could improve your condition faster. However, chronic or moderate pain may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical intervention. For example, neck pain that radiates down your arm or causes hand tingling could be due to a herniated disc. If the pain is too severe to lift or turn your head, or if it accompanies blurred vision, intense headaches, or dizziness, seek medical attention from a hospital or your primary care physician immediately.
What Does a Chiropractor Do for Neck Pain?
Many people choose conservative care from a chiropractor after developing pain in their necks. According to PubMed Central, up to 60% of people with spinal pain visit a chiropractor, with roughly 80% of patients undergoing spinal or neck adjustments to relieve pain.
Chiropractors are licensed medical professionals who undergo rigorous training to understand the body’s musculoskeletal system. They can diagnose spinal misalignments and create a personalized chiropractic treatment plan.
Chiropractic care is a safe, effective way to reduce pain without surgery or prolonged use of over-the-counter medication or prescription drugs. The neck adjustments realign joint restrictions in the spine naturally while improving the affected area’s mobility and function.
The treatment can relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Correcting a cervical spine misalignment can also improve posture, minimize headache frequency, and reduce muscle inflammation.
When To and When Not To See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain
It’s a good idea to see a chiropractor for unexplained neck pain or if you experience pain after an accident. People who are generally healthy without advanced joint disease are generally the ones who benefit the most from chiropractic care.
If you have a slipped spinal disc or arthritis, you may still benefit from chiropractic care. However, you should seek care from your PCP or a specialist first. Chiropractors can’t address some conditions like spinal fractures or osteoarthritis.
Signs You Should See a Chiropractor
Consulting with a chiropractor is the best way to determine if you should receive chiropractic care. During the consultation, the chiropractor will review your medical history, symptoms, and details about any recent auto collisions or accidents. The medical professional will also perform a physical examination and possibly order diagnostic imaging to diagnose your condition.
It may be time to book your appointment if you experience the following problems.
Persistent Neck Pain or Discomfort
You could take over-the-counter medication and rest to relieve occasional neck pain due to stress or poor posture. Still, you should consult a chiropractor if the pain persists.
Constant Headaches
Cervical radiculopathy could trigger frequent headaches. Headaches come in several forms with varying severities. For instance, according to Cleveland Clinic, over 70% of people have periodic tension headaches that often stem from cervical misalignment that causes dull pressure around the head. On the other hand, migraine headaches develop when the brain’s blood vessels constrict and dilate, causing throbbing pain on one side of the head.
Limited Range of Motion
If you struggle to turn your head or move your shoulders without pain, it’s time to see a chiropractor. Your condition is limiting your range of motion.
Book Your Appointment With a Leading Professional for Chiropractic Pain Relief Today
A neck injury from a car accident doesn’t have to be severe for it to disrupt your life with pain and discomfort. Fortunately, you can find a chiropractor for neck pain through No-Fault Doctors. Our free directory makes it easy to locate a qualified, experienced medical specialist who offers chiropractic treatments for car accident victims.
No-Fault Doctors has offices in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, so call us toll-free at (888) 970-5065. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Discover the most common soft tissue injuries after a car accident, then call us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain
How Often Should You See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain?
It usually takes about 10 to 12 chiropractic treatments to address neck pain. However, no one’s case is the same, and different variables contribute to the recovery timeframe. The chiropractor will provide a more accurate estimate after assessing you.
Does Chiropractic Treatment Only Include “Popping” or “Cracking” the Neck?
No. Chiropractic adjustments may include popping the spine, which produces a cracking sound. However, low-force techniques and tools like the impulse protocol and the activator instrument can gently adjust the cervical spine.
Does a Chiropractic Adjustment in the Neck Hurt?
Though some people feel a temporary, mild discomfort immediately following a visit to a chiropractor for neck pain, most people don’t feel anything uncomfortable. Many experience relief and less discomfort after treatment.