It's important to keep a few things in mind when considering a visit to a chiropractor for neck pain. Chiropractic began with the intent of working with the spine and back related problems, and while most neck pain is related to spinal alignment, sometimes it's not.

Chiropractic adjustment of the neck and cervical vertebrae may carry with it some risks, so your chiropractor will perform an examination first. While very low in its risk, an improperly done neck manipulation can actually cause some problems ranging from stroke to pinching and severing major blood vessels in that area.

Most chiropractors understand the risks involved and adhere to the premise that you should always outweigh the benefits versus the risks and make sure to take a complete case history to see if the patient is at risk for any problems. It would not be wise for a chiropractor to walk up to any person on the street and perform a neck manipulation. Still, it's often the untrained person performing the manipulation that really puts the patient at risk.

Neck pain, headaches, and tingling or numbness in the upper extremities can be directly linked back to cervical vertebrae misalignment. The benefits of receiving a specific spinal adjustment to the neck can mean an end to a lifetime of a chronic condition. Many chiropractic patients only sought out treatment after all other more "traditional" treatments have been tried and failed.

Chiropractic adjustments can be just the thing for neck pain. Many times this neck pain may be caused by tension or posture issues which can be fixed in one or two visits with a skilled practitioner, even if it has been chronic. Because chiropractic can change, or reset the way a person carries their skeletal frame, this may also correct how they deal with the tension they carry around in their muscles and whether that translates itself into back or neck pain or not.

When determining if chiropractic is the right answer for your neck pain, you can consider visiting with your primary care doctor first if you have any concerns about issues related to any of your health conditions. He or she can help determine other treatment options or if chiropractic is appropriate for your condition. If you do decide that chiropractic is best for you, look for someone who is recommended or seek out a referral from a trusted friend or family member.

The chiropractic doctor may determine that a radiographic examination (x-ray) of the neck and maybe the entire spine after performing an examination. The chiropractor may then recommend treatment that includes massage, heat, cold therapy, ultrasound, and electric stimulation in addition to the spinal adjustments. The additional therapies complement the main treatment; the spinal adjustment.