Can a chiropractor help with inflammation in the neck?

A chiropractor can help alleviate neck pain, but it's critical to talk to a doctor about potential risks and benefits.

Chiropractic

neck adjustments help correct joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine, which can reduce inflammation and improve the function of the affected joint and associated nerve. This improvement in neck body mechanics will help alleviate neck pain and, at the same time, improve overall mobility and function of the neck and upper back. Research shows that spinal manipulation works to treat certain types of low back pain. Some studies also suggest that chiropractic adjustments may work for headaches and other spine-related conditions, such as neck pain.

Not everyone responds to chiropractic adjustments. If symptoms don't improve after a few weeks of treatment, chiropractic adjustments may not be the best treatment for you. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or to the products. Advertising revenues support our nonprofit mission.

As a spine expert, a chiropractor may be a good option for treating neck pain. Neck stiffness is one of the most common ailments in today's society, as many situations can cause it. Sitting at a computer desk all day, sleeping poorly at night, car accidents, or even moving your neck too suddenly in the wrong direction can lead to a stiff neck. If you live with chronic neck pain or don't know that a chiropractor can help. By applying controlled force and gentle pressure, chiropractors aim to restore proper alignment and movement to the joints of the spine.

This process can help relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and improve overall functioning. Chiropractic is an effective treatment option for neck arthritis because it helps alleviate chronic pain and inflammation in affected joints, while promoting greater flexibility and range of motion. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, improving joint function, and supporting overall health and well-being, chiropractic care can help improve quality of life and reduce the discomfort of cervical arthritis. Chiropractors are primary health care providers who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions, including the treatment of neck pain.

Since most neck pain is related to poor posture combined with age-related wear and tear or arthritis, your chiropractor may also recommend basic and postural exercises. In addition, since chiropractors are trained to treat dysfunction, misalignment, and pain in all segments of the spine, chiropractic care can improve symptoms of meaningfully. The chiropractor will use pressure to manipulate the joints of the body to realign the spine and reduce pain and discomfort. Some people's conditions are so serious that they require the use of portable instruments, which the chiropractor uses to apply force to the spine without pushing it.

Because there are so many possible causes, it's important to seek treatment from a chiropractor or massage therapist who can correctly diagnose the root cause of the pain. The chiropractor will use their hands or small instruments to apply a quick and controlled force (amount of pressure) to a joint or gently stretch the joints beyond their normal range of motion. After a chiropractic adjustment, you may feel mild pain or have very mild pain in the areas of the body where the chiropractor worked. After learning more about your symptoms and what could be causing the discomfort, the chiropractor will develop a unique treatment plan based on the results of the exams and tests.

During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor will most often place you in certain positions to treat the affected areas. This feeling usually goes away within 24 hours and rarely affects people who see a chiropractor regularly. Asking your primary care professional for referrals is the best way to find quality chiropractors. Chiropractors can treat the “technical neck” by adjusting it to correct alignment and addressing poor posture through exercises and stretching the neck and improving ergonomics. You may hear popping or crackling sounds when the chiropractor moves the joints during the treatment session.

While a chiropractor can help alleviate the pain and lack of mobility associated with degenerative disc disease, the condition In and of itself it has no known cure. For more information on how to reduce inflammation or to schedule a chiropractor visit, contact Effective Integrative Healthcare today.