Neck pain is a relatively common affliction. According to at least one estimate from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, 18 percent of chiropractic patients say neck pain is their major issue. And it’s estimated that 15 percent of women and 10 percent of men have chronic neck pain at any one time. A review of literature in 2007 found evidence that patients with chronic neck pain – chronic defined as lasting eight weeks or more – reported significant improvement after chiropractic treatment, specifically spinal manipulation.
Spinal manipulation, also called a chiropractic adjustment, restores proper alignment and mobility to the vertebrae that make up the spine. The upper part of the spine is called the cervical spine. This is the most flexible part of the spine, allowing for movement of – and support of – the head. And a head can weigh somewhere around 10 pounds. This procedure is very safe contrary to what some may think.
First, the popping noise sometimes associated with an adjustment is merely a release of gases within the joints as the move more freely.
Second, a chiropractor has malpractice insurance that is a fraction of that of even a general practitioner – even less than many massage therapists! If anyone would make money on a chiropractor injuring people – believe me, it would be an insurance company, and as stated, the cost of insurance is very low – indicating that it is very safe. If your neck is so arthritic that it can’t be adjusted that way, there are many other techniques that are so gentle as to not disrupt the arthritis and still get better movement and less pain in your neck.
Finally, it has been shown over the last nearly two decades to be the treatment of choice for neck pain, low back pain and headaches. If you have not tried anything but pills for your neck pain, then you are simply missing the boat on feeling better.
Pain, although people sometimes come to believe otherwise, is not just a normal inconvenience to be lived with. If you have chronic pain in your neck or any other part of your body, visit a chiropractor and see what relief he or she may be able to give you.