Persistent neck pain can be annoying at best and deliberating at worst. Even when it feels like you’ve tried everything, it can continue to cause strain on your shoulders, back, and jaw, sometimes causing intense headaches. If you’ve been searching for a relief to neck pain, chiropractic care could be the solution that could help.
Chiropractic care at Elite Chiropractic and Sport targets the source of the neck pain – even if it is referred pain. You can resume your daily lifestyle and live pain free with chiropractic treatments like Graston Technique, Active Release Technique Massage, dry needling, and more.
Learn all the benefits of neck pain relief with chiropractic care and what to expect when you come in for your next visit.
How Chiropractic Neck Adjustment Works
Chiropractic neck adjustments work by manually manipulating the area of the neck, spine, back, or shoulders. Chiropractors will assess the area for tension, knots, scar tissue, or any other abnormalities that may be affecting the area and causing pain.
Chiropractic neck adjustments work by quickly adjusting the area with a manual force to re-align the area. Other chiropractic treatments may be applied before or after with instruments or massage to assist in the re-alignment and treatment of the area to help reduce pain.
Family and sport chiropractors have been trained in how to assess an area for injury and apply the right amount of force to fix alignments.
Is Chiropractic Neck Adjustment Safe
Many patients are worried about their first chiropractic appointment and have extra concerns when dealing with neck pain. All chiropractors at Elite Chiropractic and Sport have been certified and trained to handle manual readjustments. Chiropractic neck adjustments are safe when done by trained professionals.
As a new or nervous patient, you can expect a thorough explanation of the procedure to address any worries or concerns that may arise. The manipulation and treatment is safe to treat neck pain and help resume pain free living.
What To Expect From a Chiropractic Neck Adjustment
During your appointment for a chiropractic neck adjustment, you will first receive a manual physical exam of the area where the pain is present. Our chiropractors may ask about the source of the pain, what causes the pain to flare up, and what daily activities aggravate the area.
Based on your body’s response to the physical exam and the source of the pain, we may offer several treatment options to help target and relieve the neck pain. This may be a manual adjustment, dry needling, Graston Technique, Active Release Technique, or any combination of treatment plans with physical therapy.
During a manual chiropractic neck adjustment, you can expect your chiropractor to rotate or stretch your neck. This may be a gradual rotation or a sudden jolt based on the source of the injury. During the adjustment, you may hear a popping or cracking sound that is completely normal. Often, patients report a sudden feeling of relief after the adjustment and an increase in mobility.
Other treatments for neck pain relief may also include gentle force applied by instruments or massage to help relieve tension or break up scar tissue. Your chiropractor will work you through each treatment plan so you are prepared for what to expect.
Benefits of Chiropractic Neck Adjustment
- Pain relief
- Improved posture
- Reduced inflammation
- Better range of motion
- Relief from chronic symptoms
- Injury treatment
- Better night’s sleep
- More relaxed
- Less tension
- Fewer headaches
- Improved athletic performance
- Better balance
- Overall mobility and flexibility
- Pain free movements
Chiropractic Neck Pain Treatment Options
When you visit a chiropractor for neck pain treatment, they may discuss several neck pain treatment options with you based on your body, the injury, and any other symptoms.
Manual Adjustment: This is the most traditional chiropractic neck pain treatment. This is the manual stretching or rotating of the neck to help with realignment.
Graston Technique: Graston Technique is a specialized technique that uses Graston tools to apply pressure that helps break up scar tissue. It is manually applied by your chiropractic to adjust pressure and direction based on your needs.
Active Release Technique: Active Release Technique is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system/movement-based massage technique that treats injury most commonly caused by overused muscles.
Dry Needling: Dry needling is the application of thin, hollow needles into tight muscles to help relieve pressure. It helps restore proper function, mobility, and flexibility in addition to pain relief.
Sports and Injury Rehab: For athletes who sustained neck pain, a sports injury rehab treatment plan combines chiropractic treatments with a physical therapy regimen to regain full movement of the affected area and return to training as soon as possible.
How to Prepare for a Chiropractic Neck Adjustment
Not a lot of preparation is needed for a chiropractic adjustment. You are advised to be aware of your injured area and take note of the pain you are feeling and what aggravates it. You are advised to wear loose clothing and, for women, a sports bra underneath.
It is advised to hydrate with water and eat a light meal, but avoid heavy foods. This will help during the appointment and also with recovery afterward.
- Be aware of what areas of your neck are in pain, what triggers the pain, and if there are any other symptoms (headaches, jaw pain, loss of mobility)
- Hydrate with water, try to avoid sugary drinks in excess beforehand
- Eat a light meal but avoid heavy foods
- Wear loose fitting clothing and for women, a sports bra under a loose shirt
Post-Chiropractic Neck Adjustment Care
After your adjustment you are advised to hydrate with water and try to avoid alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day. This is to help hydrate the body to flush out any toxins. Sugary drinks and alcohol can cause inflammation and dehydrate you, potentially causing cramping or tension in the area.
Movement is fine, but please avoid any strenuous activity that may further aggravate the area. Talk to your chiropractor if you are a blue-collar worker or athlete who may need to engage in vigorous physical activities.
Overall, rest and take it easy. Follow any physical therapy suggestions to maintain a pain-free treatment and allow the treatment to fully heal the injury. If you were advised any follow-up appointments, stay in touch to continue the complete treatment plan.
Schedule Your Chiropractic Neck Adjustment in Columbia, MD Today
Chiropractic neck treatments don’t have to make you nervous. Professional chiropractors are available to help with manual treatments and alternative, non-invasive therapies. Pay attention to your pay, highlight the area, and we can help take it from there.
Chiropractic care at Elite Chiropractic and Sport is designed to help you resume pain-free living. Stop managing the headaches and soreness and instead find a treatment plan for you and your body. Schedule online or call for a consultation today.
FAQs
What should I expect during my first chiropractic neck adjustment?
During your first visit, the chiropractor will assess your neck, review your medical history, and discuss the pain and what aggravates the area. They will then use gentle adjustments to help restore alignment and mobility.
Are neck adjustments painful?
Neck adjustments are typically painless, though you may feel mild discomfort during or after the treatment, which usually subsides quickly. Most people experience immediate pain relief and improved movement.
How many sessions will I need to treat neck pain?
The number of sessions varies based on your condition. Some may feel relief after a few treatments, while others with chronic issues may need ongoing care for lasting results and pain management.
What are the benefits of neck chiropractic adjustments?
Benefits include reduced neck pain, improved range of motion, better posture, and relief from headaches or migraines. It may also enhance overall spinal health.
Can chiropractic care help with whiplash?
Yes, chiropractors can help treat whiplash by using gentle techniques to restore movement and reduce pain. They will also create a personalized treatment plan to support recovery.
Is chiropractic care safe for neck pain?
Chiropractic care is generally safe when performed by a licensed professional. The techniques used are designed to be gentle and effective, particularly for neck and spinal issues.
Will I need to make lifestyle changes alongside my treatments?
Chiropractors may suggest changes such as improving posture, doing specific exercises, or altering your workspace setup to support long-term neck health and prevent future pain.
About the Author
Dr. Bross is the owner of Elite Chiropractic and Sport. He serves as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. His unique approach to individualized patient care is based on the evaluation and treatment of the “whole” person.
Dr. Bross is a leader in the promotion of health and wellness. He has accumulated an extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal and nutritional components of the human body. He is skilled in the Graston Technique, Active Release Technique, and Sports Medicine.
