How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work for Neck Pain?

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain can be caused by factors such as:
Chronic Postural Stress: Prolonged use of computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices leads to head flexion, where the head is tilted forward for extended periods. This posture increases strain on the neck, similar to carrying a heavy weight, and can result in muscle fatigue, joint irritation, and long-term spinal issues.
Poor Posture: Slouching while sitting or standing places excessive pressure on the neck and spine, causing muscle spasms, joint irritation, and discomfort. This strain can lead to chronic pain without proper support or posture alignment.
Poor Sleeping Habits: Sleeping in positions that strain the neck, such as on the stomach with the head twisted to one side, can lead to stiffness and discomfort, especially if maintained for long periods. Using unsupportive pillows further exacerbates the issue.
Physical Trauma: Whiplash injuries from car accidents or sports can damage the soft tissues in the neck, leading to acute pain and reduced mobility. These injuries can also have long-term effects if not properly treated.
Carrying heavy loads: Carrying a heavy bag or purse on one shoulder for extended periods creates an imbalance in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, leading to muscle strain and discomfort.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Inactivity often increases stiffness, muscle tension, and spasms. A lack of movement reduces flexibility and can lead to chronic neck stiffness and pain.
Degenerative Conditions: Wear and tear over time can lead to osteoarthritis, cervical disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, and disc herniation. These issues reduce the cushioning and mobility of the neck joints, causing pain, stiffness, and, in some cases, nerve compression.
Impact of Habits: Daily habits, like prolonged device usage, poor posture, heavy alcohol consumption, and smoking, further aggravate neck pain. Alcohol can relax muscles excessively during sleep, leading to awkward positions, while smoking dehydrates spinal discs and reduces blood flow, weakening neck tissues over time.

Chiropractic care is specifically designed to treat musculoskeletal issues, including neck pain. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques, with spinal adjustments (also called spinal manipulations) being the most common, to address the root causes of neck pain.

Can a chiropractor help with neck pain?

Here’s how a chiropractor can help with neck pain:
1. Spinal Adjustments (Neck Adjustments): Chiropractors apply controlled force to specific spine areas to correct misalignments or subluxations. This helps relieve pressure on the nerves and joints, which reduces pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the neck area.
2. Improving Mobility and Flexibility: Neck pain can often result from restricted movement in the neck joints. Chiropractors perform gentle manipulations that help restore normal movement and flexibility, reducing stiffness and improving range of motion.
3. Reducing Muscle Tension: Chiropractic care often includes soft tissue therapies, such as massage or trigger point therapy, to release tight muscles around the neck. This helps alleviate pain and discomfort caused by muscle spasms or tension.
4. Relieving Nerve Compression: When the cervical spine is misaligned, it can compress nerves that run from the neck into the arms and shoulders, causing pain, tingling, or numbness. Chiropractors can adjust the spine to relieve nerve pressure and reduce these symptoms.
5. Posture and Ergonomics Guidance: Chiropractors assess your posture and can give recommendations on how to improve it, as poor posture is a common cause of neck pain. They may also suggest ergonomic changes for your work environment or daily activities to prevent neck strain in the future.
6. Holistic Approach to Pain Relief: Chiropractors focus on treating the whole body, not just the symptoms. They look for the underlying causes of your neck pain, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, or spinal misalignments, and create a treatment plan to address those issues.

What are the risks of chiropractic neck adjustments?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) highlights that spinal manipulation is typically safe when carried out by a trained, licensed chiropractor. Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training to ensure they perform spinal adjustments correctly and with minimal risk.
However, some individuals may experience temporary side effects after chiropractic neck adjustments. These can include mild soreness or stiffness in the treated area, similar to the feeling after physical exercise. These effects are usually short-lived and resolve within a day or two. Additionally, some people report feeling tired, lightheaded, or dizzy immediately following a session, although these sensations typically fade quickly as the body adjusts to the changes made during the manipulation.

While such side effects are generally mild and brief, there are a few rare but serious risks associated with spinal manipulation, including:

Cervical artery dissections: This occurs when there is a tear in one of the arteries in the neck, which can lead to a stroke. While extremely rare, it has been linked to neck adjustments in certain instances.

Cauda equina syndrome: This is a medical emergency caused by compression of the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. It can lead to serious symptoms such as loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the lower body, and weakness in the legs.

Fractures: Though uncommon, fractures can occur if a person has fragile bones, such as those with osteoporosis, or if the spinal manipulation is performed improperly. Those with weakened bones are more prone to such injuries.

Herniated discs: A herniated disc occurs when a disc in the spine is damaged and presses on nearby nerves. Although spinal manipulation is generally safe, it can, in rare cases, lead to a herniated disc, particularly in people who already have underlying disc problems.

While these complications are extremely rare, it’s crucial to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns with your chiropractor before undergoing spinal manipulation. A thorough health evaluation can help identify any potential risks, ensuring chiropractic care remains a safe option for you.

Is chiropractic safe for neck pain?

Chiropractic care has proven to be a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment for neck pain. It focuses on spinal adjustments, which help alleviate discomfort, restore proper alignment, and improve mobility. Numerous studies support chiropractic care as a viable option for managing neck pain, whether caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or other musculoskeletal issues.

Key Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain:

Spinal Adjustments for Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments work by correcting misalignments in the cervical spine. These adjustments relieve pressure on nerves and surrounding tissues, reducing inflammation and providing significant pain relief. This technique is particularly effective for reducing the discomfort caused by joint restrictions or misalignments in the neck.
Improved Mobility and Function: Regular chiropractic treatments help improve joint mobility and restore normal movement in the neck. This results in increased flexibility and a reduction in stiffness, which can improve overall neck function and quality of life.
Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Treatment: Chiropractic care is a non-invasive approach that avoids the need for medication or surgery. Instead of masking the symptoms, chiropractic adjustments address the root causes of neck pain, providing long-term relief without the risk of side effects from drugs or invasive procedures.
Evidence-Based Effectiveness: Clinical studies and trials have consistently found that chiropractic spinal manipulation is an effective treatment for chronic neck pain. Research supports that patients who receive chiropractic care report improvements in pain levels, range of motion, and neck function.
Holistic Approach to Healing: Chiropractors take a holistic approach by focusing on the entire body, not just the neck. This comprehensive care helps improve posture, reduces stress on the spine, and enhances overall musculoskeletal health. By restoring balance in the body, chiropractic care helps prevent future neck pain and other musculoskeletal issues.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Chiropractic care is tailored to each individual’s specific needs. After an assessment, chiropractors create a customized treatment plan that may include spinal adjustments, posture correction, and advice on exercises or lifestyle changes to further improve neck health.
Minimal Side Effects: Most patients experience only mild soreness after chiropractic adjustments, which typically resolves quickly. This makes chiropractic care a safe and gentle treatment option for people seeking relief from neck pain.

How much does a chiropractor cost in Chandigarh at Vishudh Kaya Clinic?

In Chandigarh, the cost of chiropractic treatment typically starts from INR 500 onwards per session, depending on various factors such as the clinic’s location, the chiropractor’s expertise, and the type of treatment required. Clinics offering basic consultations or general adjustments may have lower starting costs, while advanced therapies or specialized treatments with highly experienced practitioners are priced at the higher end. The total cost can also vary based on the complexity of the condition being treated, with chronic issues often requiring multiple sessions. To manage these costs effectively, it is recommended to explore health insurance plans that include chiropractic care. Many insurance providers now offer coverage for alternative treatments like chiropractic adjustments, especially when prescribed for specific medical conditions. Ensuring insurance coverage can help alleviate the financial burden, making it easier to access ongoing or specialized chiropractic treatments when needed.

How long do I need to see a chiropractor for neck pain?

The frequency of chiropractic visits for chronic neck and back pain depends on your unique condition, the severity of your symptoms, and your chiropractor’s treatment plan.
You may start with more frequent visits, typically 2–3 times a week, to address the pain and begin the healing process. As your condition improves, the frequency can taper off, often reducing to weekly, biweekly, or monthly visits for ongoing management and to prevent future issues.
Your chiropractor will regularly assess your progress and adjust your schedule to suit your specific needs. To enhance treatment, focus on:

• Practicing good posture.
• Staying active with safe exercises.
•  Following prescribed stretches or at-home care routines.

Chiropractic care works best when paired with a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care offers a safe, effective, and holistic solution for managing neck pain. By addressing the root causes of discomfort—such as spinal misalignments, muscle tension, or poor posture—chiropractic treatments provide long-term relief without relying on medication or invasive procedures. Regular spinal adjustments not only alleviate pain but also restore mobility, enhance flexibility, and improve overall spinal health. With personalized treatment plans and minimal side effects, chiropractic care is an accessible and reliable option for those seeking to improve their neck health and prevent future issues.
For expert chiropractic care tailored to your needs, visit Vishudh Kaya Pain Relief and Multispeciality Clinic, where experienced professionals provide comprehensive treatments to help you achieve a pain-free and healthier lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions