Can a Chiropractor Fix Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Your neck and shoulders contain a wide range of muscles, bones, nerves, ligaments and other supporting structures. Many conditions can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area, from a traumatic injury and degenerative health conditions to poor posture. Pain can range from soreness or tenderness in the general area to sharp stabbing pains in cases of extreme neck and shoulder pain.
Chiropractic care can be extremely beneficial when it comes to chronic neck and shoulder pain relief. Chiropractors use a holistic approach and their expertise regarding the musculoskeletal and nervous system to find the root cause of the pain and the best approach to treating it.
Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain
Your neck is the most vulnerable part of your spine. Not only does it support the weight of your head and permit head rotation, but has to also allow the free flow of nerve impulses to the rest of your body. Chronic neck and shoulder pain can result from a number of everyday activities including sitting at a desk all day at work, looking down at your phone or sleeping in an awkward position.
Neck and shoulder pain can also result from sports injuries such as a rotator cuff injury or shoulder bursae. Injuring your neck and shoulders is common when playing contact sports and while lifting weights. Accidents, such as getting whiplash in a motor vehicle collision, is another common cause. Disc or joint problems can occur through normal wear and tear and arthritis creating pain in the neck and shoulders. Discs that are bulging or herniated may also be pressing against nerves in the neck, causing pain.
Neck Pain Related to the Spine
The most common cause of neck pain is functional distortions in the spine resulting from vertebral fixations. These subluxations are common in cases of reverse cervical curve, whiplash and joint instability. The body responds by tightening muscles in the neck, splinting the joint to protect it from further insult.
Most of the pain-sensing nerves in the neck are located in the pairs of facet joints on the back of each vertebra. These smooth, interlocking surfaces allow you to rotate your head and bend your head up and down. If these joints become locked or fixated, it can cause neck pain.
How to Ease Neck and Shoulder Pain
No matter what your specific neck or shoulder issue, a chiropractor can provide a detailed diagnosis and determine the source and cause of the irritation. Depending on the cause of the pain, treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Mobilisation
- Soft tissue techniques such as massage and myofascial release
- Posture correction
- A specialised exercise program
- Lifestyle changes such as exercise and behavioural changes.
Make an Appointment at Our Perth Clinic
At Northbridge Chiropractic, we believe the body works as one connected system – the spine, nervous system, muscles and joints are all connected to each other, affecting the way our bodies maintain and restore their health. We combine a variety of treatments that reflect this holistic approach so that your body can maintain optimum health.
For more information on our physiotherapeutic muscle therapy or chiropractic adjustments, read our section on what to expect for your first visit. If you’re experiencing pain related to your spine, joints or soft tissue, make an appointment with our chiropractors today. To make an appointment, contact us online or call 08 9227 9341 today.
