Neck pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and daily activities.
Before beginning treatment it is very important to let your chiropractor know if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Neck pain or pain in the back of the head of a very sharp quality and severe intensity. The pain is sudden and unlike any pain you have experienced before.
- If you’ve had a severe and persistent head ache that came on suddenly and is worse than any headache you have ever experienced.
- .If you are having difficulty speaking, swallowing, walking, holding objects, your vision is blurred or you have a loss of balance.
These things need to be brought to your chiropractor’s attention, as they are red flags and could mean a lot more than just “neck pain”.
Approximately 20% of Canadians experience neck pain at some point in their lives. It is the chiropractor’s job to focus on restoring the movement in the neck, reducing the pain, and improving strength and function.
Treatment of neck pain is guided by a thorough understanding of different types of treatment and which ones should be avoided.
Research supports the use of manipulation, mobilization, clinic and home based care, traction, massage, ultra-sound, lower power laser, TENS, and pulse electro magnetic therapy.
The chiropractor may combine some or all of these things, and may ask for permission to speak to your family physician about treatment.
Possibility of Stroke
Most people who are considering having neck treatment wonder whether adjustments are safe, and whether there is a possibility of stroke.
The most recent research confirms that neck adjustments are a safe procedure, as they are performed well within your normal range of motion, just like any other part of the body.
Neck adjusting is very skillful, and does not require a lot of strength.
It is possible to experience temporary pain, stiffness, or swelling, but most people experience immediate relief.
Only in rare situations will people experience numbness, dizziness or radiating pain. If this happens it is important to immediately notify your chiropractor so they can take care of those effects.
In 2002 a medical review was published that looked at 73 different neck adjustment cases. In all of these cases, not one person experienced serious complications. Millions of neck adjustments are performed safely in Canada each year.
Risk factors for stroke include blood clotting problems, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart problems, and trauma (such as a blow to the head).
Strokes can occur from ordinary neck movements such as cradling a phone between your ear and your shoulder for a prolonged period of time, painting a ceiling, or turning your head while driving. A stroke can occur with any ordinary neck movement and can occur unexpectedly.
Your chiropractor will take a close look at your medical history and your symptoms before determining if neck adjustment is right for you. |
