At some point in life, it is likely that everyone will suffer from neck pain. The pain can become chronic and is reported in more women than men. While pain medication may provide some relief of the suffering, it does nothing to solve the underlying problem and may be responsible for harmful side effects. Therapy offered by a Knox County chiropractor can provide non-invasive pain relieve that requires no use of medication.

Chiropractors use many of the same criteria as other physicians in discovering the cause of one's pain. However, the chiropractic practice will place greater weight on the fact that the neck is integrated into other systems that form the spine. Thus, it is important that patients report accompanying arm or shoulder pain.

The spinal manipulation or adjustment is used by chiropractors to provide therapy to pain sufferers. The doctor uses his or her hands to perform this drug free procedure to restore subluxations, vertebrae out of place. A subluxation can create pressure and irritation near the nerves exiting the spine. Adjustments help to restore balance to one's spine, relieve painful soft tissues, increase blood flow, and stimulate healing of the nervous system.

Patients do not normally find adjustments painful. Doctors of chiropractic use gentle and precise therapy. Their training allows them to restore balance manually to one's spine without cracking or popping bones until something snaps into place.

One of the newer therapies employed by chiropractors is ultrasound therapy. This process is non-invasive yet effective. It can increase blood flow to the injured area while decreasing swelling, stiffness, and muscle spasms. These sound waves create gentle heat released deep within the tissues.

The holistic approach to pain relief used by a Knox County chiropractor offers help to neck and other pains. Once the pain subsides, the doctor can help patients with changes in lifestyle to prevent future pain. Patients may use exercises at home to strengthen muscles and reduce chances of injuring the neck again.