Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability. While it may resolve without treatment, it becomes a chronic condition in about half of all people who develop neck pain. Dr. Joe Colopy at the Colopy Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Arlington, Texas, offers chiropractic care to gently treat a susceptible neck. Please don’t wait to schedule an appointment: Contact Colopy Chiropractic to learn how comprehensive chiropractic therapy can relieve your neck pain.

Why is it easy to develop neck pain?

Your head weighs 14-16 pounds, yet all of that weight is supported by seven small vertebrae precariously stacked one on top of another in your neck. In spite of carrying so much weight, the neck is highly flexible. This makes the neck’s supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments susceptible to injury.

What are the most common causes of neck pain?

Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries leading to neck pain. Be sure to get an assessment following an injury — even if you feel fine — because symptoms may not develop for several weeks.

Sprains and strains
Muscles and tendons are often sprained or strained by overuse and overextension. Two common examples are sleeping in the wrong position and sports injuries.

Disc herniation
Disc herniation — slipped or ruptured disc — is a common cause of neck pain. The pain may radiate down through the arms and hands, or you may feel numbness or tingling.

Poor posture
When your head is tilted forward or held at any angle for an extended time, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments work hard to hold that position, causing neck pain. This often happens from working at a computer, watching TV, and reading a book or tablet.

Repetitive motions
Dancing and swimming are just two examples of activities that require repetitive motions that can strain your neck.

Degenerative disorders
Osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis in the neck region.

Subluxations
Misalignment of neck vertebrae may develop from injury and degeneration.

What chiropractic treatments are used to treat neck pain?

Chiropractic treatment always begins with a complete examination and tests, such as X-rays, if Dr. Colopy suspects a problem like a fracture. While chiropractic therapies are tailored to your individual condition, treatment often includes a combination of manipulation, manual therapy, and exercise.

Neck manipulation improves mobility and reduces pain and stiffness. It’s important to know that Dr. Colopy has extensive experience in diverse chiropractic techniques, including gentle methods that are effective alternatives to more traditional neck manipulations.

Several gentle methods used to relieve neck pain include:

• Cervical mobilization: Non-thrust movements of the neck that smoothly and gently increase range of motion
• Manual traction: Gentle stretching achieved manually rather than using a machine
• Cervical drop techniques: Using a specialized drop table to apply gentle pressure until the drop section releases