Over 80% of North Americans will suffer from neck pain in their lifetime. Our necks are susceptible to injury of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. By being aware of our posture, performing regular stretching and strengthening exercises, and chiropractic treatments, together we can prevent and alleviate neck pain. At Kx Yorkville, our goal is to treat the underlying cause of neck pain and the associated symptoms.
Common causes of neck pain
- Neck pain from texting or using the computer for too long
- Waking up with horrible neck pain or you couldn’t move your neck
- Whiplash from car accident or sporting injury
- Neck pain from trauma like slips or falls
- Stiff neck from shovelling snow or gardening
All of the above are causes of neck pain. Vertebral misalignment is the most common cause of neck pain. There are other causes for neck pain such as arthritis, disc herniation and degeneration. Problems associated with a misalignment of the spine in the neck area can also result in severe pain in the shoulders, muscle spasms and headaches.
What is your assessment?
Your assessment begins with a thorough health history intake. This includes onset of symptoms, diet assessment (which can cause systemic inflammation), minor and major trauma. We then perform an orthopedic assessment, range of motion test and gait and spinal pattern test.
At Kx’s we believe in treating the CAUSE not just the symptoms. Injury in one location of the body may actually manifest as dysfunction in a remote part of the body. This is the reason why a comprehensive assessment is imperative in making a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan.
What is your treatment?
After reviewing your assessment and generating a diagnosis, the chiropractor will provide report of finding and present a treatment. The treatment plan details such as frequency and duration of the visits, goal setting and re-evaluation date.
Chiropractic manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by any major or minor trauma. Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Proper spinal alignment can allow proper nervous system function, spinal re-alignment is achieved through chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as Acupuncture, Craniosacaral, Kinesiotaping, strength and conditioning.
What are some stretches or exercises for neck pain?
Movement is crucial for pain relief and proper healing. Daily routine of exercising and stretching will keep you pain free. It is recommended that would visit your chiropractor prior to performing any neck exercises or stretching to identify the cause of your neck pain.
Chin tuck is a great exercise for strengthening neck muscles. Perform 10 repetitions slowly, without holding the stretch, perform every 2 hours.
Active neck range of motion is very simple and effective. Hold each position for 5 seconds, perform every 2 hours.
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Dr. Sabaa Aziz
Chiropractor