Three Successful Chiropractic Treatments for Neck Pain

Mary Franz - Dec 22nd, 2010

Neck pain is a common complaint in a chiropractor's office. There are various techniques that can be used to treat mechanical neck pain, including but not limited to, high velocity low amplitude manipulation, specific segmental mobilization, and the Activator instrument.

A recent study printed in Chiropractic and Osteopathy aimed to determine which method worked best. The study was discontinued owing to difficulties in recruiting patients, and the resulting low sample size; however, researchers were able to determine that they found promising results. Patients randomly assigned to each of the three treatment groups reported long-term improvement in their condition, and reduced disability, and none of the three methods proved more successful than the other two.

Chiropractic care for neck pain, regardless of the method used, aims to restore function and mobility of the neck and reduce pain. This is done via methods used to realign the spine and reduce inflammation and compression of nerves and blood vessels. By doing so, your chiropractor can help reduce further degeneration.

A chiropractor will also advise patients on proper use of this most important area of the spine, such as avoiding neck strain due to poor posture or poor sleep position. Patients may also be advised on neck exercises that can diminish neck strain, such as neck rolls and flexion exercises.

Chiropractic care serves to treat the patient holistically and a good chiropractor will always customize their methods and treatment plans for each individual's needs.

Gemmell H, Miller P. Relative effectiveness and adverse effects of cervical manipulation, mobilisation and the activator instrument in patients with sub-acute non-specific neck pain: results from a stopped randomised trial. Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010, 18:20