Neck pain is one of the most common ailments treated by chiropractors these days. From a stiff neck due to stress, to whiplash caused by a vehicular accident or trauma, chiropractics can free you of your discomfort and get you moving freely once again.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

There are a lot of factors that can induce pain, tingling and numbness in the neck, shoulder and arm. Here are just a few:

* Cervical herniated disc: this can cause mild to server neck pain and stiffness.

* Cervical stenosis: this cause pain to radiate down the arm, and even result in coordination issues.

* Muscle strain degeneration of the facet joint cartilage.

* Osteoarthritis: hips and joints that are affected can cause a radiating pain in the neck

* Whiplash

* Injury/Trauma

* Inflammation

* Nerve stimulation

Whenever the neck is jostled or strained, the muscles, tendons and nerves in the surrounding area can all be affected. Combined with a possible misalignment of any of the tiny vertebrae found there and pain will result. While painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve symptoms, it does not fix the underlying problem. That is why so many patients often experience chronic neck pain - because the physical cause of it has never been addressed.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care goes beyond just offering relief for neck pain symptoms: it tackles the actual cause of the discomfort for a more permanent solution. Better yet, it relies on a more natural method of healing, rather than drugs or surgery.

Patients facing chronic neck pain can expect several forms of therapy to be used while seeking Peabody Chiropractic care. Some of the treatments methods most effective treatments used by chiropractors include in dealing with neck pain issues include:

* Manual Manipulation: the most common form of help used by a chiropractor is manual manipulation of the affected vertebrae. Once the doctor has located the point of misalignment, the vertebrae are gently moved back into place with a series of thrusts and pumps using the hands, fingers and arms. Sometimes, small instruments are used to help the chiropractor better direct the force used in the manipulation process.

* Muscle Exercises: manually stretching the joints with specified exercises can help reduce inflammation and restore the neck to a healthier state.

* Trigger point therapy: this is a type of massage that helps to ease tightened muscles which could be causing neck pain.

* Ultrasound: when the cause of chronic neck pain is deep in the muscles, sound waves can be sent deep into the muscles and tissues via ultrasound to help relieve stiffness.

Finding the Right Treatment Method for You

Every patient - and their problem - is unique. That is why it is important for the chiropractor working on you to develop an individualized treatment when dealing with your neck pain. This will include an intensive exam that looks for the root cause of your pain.

This may include a physical exam, x-ray or even an MRI to look for sprains, strains and herniation in the neck and spine. If nerve damage is suspected, an EMG may also be ordered. Once the doctor has a clear picture of the problem, he will devise a plan to fix the underlying issues and restore your neck to optimal health.