By Thomas Idaw


Most of us feel body pain at some point during our lives and for many people this pain is concentrated in the neck. Few things are as uncomfortable as neck pain because it often does not subside on its own. Since the neck is difficult to reach, the sufferer may not be able to relieve the pain. When this happens, professional treatment is recommended and in the United States, a chiropractor usually performs manipulation of neck and cervical spine vertebrae.

Studies reveal that 75 percent of all people in the United States suffer from pain in the neck area at least once. This is not surprising as the head weighs approximately 10 to 12 pounds, about the weight of a bowling ball. Each inch of forward posture of the skull can increase the weight of the skull on the spine by as much as 10 pounds. Therefore, only a two or three-inch forward skull posture can make the head seem to weigh the equivalent of two to three bowling balls. This reveals why many people having forward head posture commonly suffer from discomfort in their necks and upper backs.

Common treatment options include prescription medication and spinal manipulation therapy. For some patients, these two treatments are not equally effective. A study reported in the January 2012 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine compared prescription medication treatment with spinal manipulative therapy revealing that spinal manipulation was more effective over both the short and long-terms. After 12 weeks of treatment, 57 percent of the participants who received this therapy reported pain reduction of at least 75 percent. Only 33 percent of participants taking prescription medication reported similar results.

After one year, the patients who received spinal manipulation continued to enjoy benefits. Of that group, 53 percent continued to report at least a 75 percent improvement of their pain. These impressive results reveal the promise held by spinal manipulation therapy for the reduction of pain in the neck area. Chiropractic treatments are administered in a comfortable office setting over a time frame determined by the condition and the pain level of the patient.

When seeking chiropractic treatment, it is important to select a reputable doctor. Look for an experienced doctor of chiropractic that specializes in treating neck pain. The neck contains structures that are both delicate and sensitive to pain so treatment by chiropractors, who are specifically trained in the art of spinal manipulation, should only be utilized when considering spinal manipulative therapy. Patients should only trust a chiropractor who comes highly recommended by other people with such pain or after careful study of the chiropractor's credentials and experience.

Most procedures performed by a chiropractor are designed to address the actual cause and not merely the symptoms of neck problems. Chiropractic treatment is noninvasive, safe, natural, and does not have side effects. Some patients begin to notice improvement within a several treatments while the recovery period of others is may take longer.

When pain in the neck area becomes unbearable, consider chiropractic treatment. Talk with a chiropractic professional about the condition and learn about relevant treatments. With the right approach, the pain may subside quickly and relief will be experienced over the long-term. Do not become one of the more than ten percent of Americans currently suffering from neck pain.




About the Author:



0 comments :