Best Chiropractic Treatments for Chronic Neck Pain
Understanding the Causes of Chronic Neck Pain
At Chiropractic Health and Wellness in Edina, Minnesota, we pride ourselves on caring for people with chronic neck pain. Of course, neck pain has many different causes; among them are things like disc herniations, muscle spasm, degenerative joint and disc disease, post traumatic scar tissue formation and instability, and even things more serious like disease processes in the spine. I have been a chiropractor in Edina, Minnesota, for over 40 years and have to say that I have probably seen just about everything when it comes to chronic neck pain. The commonality with each of the causes of neck pain cited above is that all of them can be resolved, or at minimum, substantially relieved by chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Care for Disc Herniations in the Neck
Disc herniations in the neck occur when the fibers surrounding the gelatinous core of the disc get torn and that gelatinous material pushes outward and starts to compress nerves and the spinal cord itself. We use a combination of decompression traction and very gentle spinal manipulation to decompress the discs and restore mobility. We have had hundreds of patients over my time practicing in Edina who suffered with chronic neck pain because of disc herniations. The vast majority of them have responded positively to care and never required surgery. There has also been a small percentage who were too far gone for conservative care and were then referred for surgical intervention.
Addressing Muscle Spasm and Nerve Irritation
Muscle spasm and persistent tightness can also cause chronic neck pain. What has to be understood about muscles is that they do what the nerves tell them to do. In other words, if a muscle is in spasm or persistently tight, then it is because nerves are dictating that they be that way. The nerves, in turn, are influenced by the alignment and functioning of the cervical spine (the neck).
Sometimes people have simple mechanical issues in the neck that cause nerve irritation and muscle spasm. It is also the case that sometimes people have structural issues relating to spinal curvatures and posture that likewise create nerve irritation. In either case, our clinic in Edina has seen and resolved thousands of such cases over the years. We do so by restoring mobility and alignment.
Managing Degenerative Joint and Disc Disease
Degenerative joint and disc disease are the result of long-term mechanical and structural issues in the spine. It is often the case that these degenerative processes have been taking place over the course of decades and are not painful until a critical threshold is crossed. That is when we normally see patients in our office.
In the case of permanent damage to the discs and joints, it is not possible to reverse those changes. However, by restoring normal alignment and movement to the bones of the neck, the degenerative process can be slowed and the person can often become much more comfortable. We see many cases of degenerative joint and disc disease every day at our clinic in Edina.
Chiropractic Care After Trauma or Auto Accidents
When someone is involved in a car accident, or other similar trauma, there can be tearing of ligaments (sprain) and microscopic damage to muscles (strain). Inflammation and muscle spasm inevitably ensue and sometimes scar tissue forms. By restoring as much movement and alignment as possible, we reduce inflammation, help limit scar tissue formation, and reduce pain.
In the event that ligament damage has caused instability in the spine, we gently mobilize areas above and below the instability and make sure that spinal alignment allows for proper healing.
The Importance of Proper Evaluation for Chronic Neck Pain
Fortunately, if you have chronic neck pain, our Edina clinic is fully equipped with modern x-ray technology. We use x-rays to help rule out underlying conditions or disease processes that may contribute to chronic neck pain and might otherwise go undetected.
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment today with the team at Chiropractic Health and Wellness in Edina, MN if you are experiencing chronic neck pain. A comprehensive examination can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care may help support improved mobility, comfort, and overall spinal function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes chronic neck pain?
Chronic neck pain can develop from several issues including disc herniations, muscle tension, degenerative changes in the spine, poor posture, or injuries such as car accidents or falls.
Can chiropractic care help with chronic neck pain?
Chiropractic care may help improve spinal mobility, reduce joint restriction, and address muscle tension that can contribute to ongoing neck discomfort.
What treatments do chiropractors use for neck pain?
Chiropractors may use spinal adjustments, decompression therapy, mobility exercises, and posture guidance to help improve function and reduce irritation in the cervical spine.
When should you see a chiropractor for neck pain?
If neck pain lasts longer than a few days, worsens with movement, or follows an injury such as a car accident, it may be helpful to have your spine evaluated.
Can chronic neck pain be related to posture?
Yes. Long periods of poor posture, especially with computer or phone use, can place stress on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles, contributing to chronic neck discomfort.
