Neck pain is a common issue that affects many people. You are not alone! There are various treatments available to help relieve the pain. Two popular options are traditional medical treatments and chiropractic care. Both approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand the differences. Making a decision about which one to choose can be tricky.
So lets learn:
Neck pain is a widespread issue that affects many people, with a significant impact on their lives, as well as their families, communities, healthcare systems, and businesses. The estimated occurrence of neck pain within a year can range from 10.4% to 21.3%, and the overall prevalence of neck pain in the general population can be as high as 86.8%. Neck pain often occurs periodically and has a variable recovery time between episodes. It is considered the most persistent musculoskeletal pain syndrome. Neck pain can be linked to serious conditions such as neurological issues, infections, tumours, and fractures of the cervical spine, or it can be of unknown cause (idiopathic neck pain). A medical doctor is required here!
A recent study published in the journal Spine compared the effectiveness of traditional medical treatments and chiropractic care for lower back pain. The results showed that 94% of patients who received chiropractic care experienced a 30% reduction in pain after 4 weeks. While only 56% of patients who received traditional medical treatment saw the same level of improvement. The study demonstrated the ability to measure the effectiveness of treatments by evaluating pain outcomes at a specific time during the treatment process. This study sheds light on how chiropractic care compares to traditional medical care at the same stage of treatment.
Traditional Medical:
Traditional medical treatments for neck pain typically involve the use of medication, such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. The goal of these treatments is to relieve pain and improve mobility. However, these treatments can have side effects and may not address the underlying cause of the pain.
Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is a holistic approach that focuses on treating the root cause of the problem. Chiropractors use manual manipulation, stretching, and other techniques to realign the spine and restore proper function to the neck. This can help relieve pain and improve mobility in a natural and non-invasive way. In addition, chiropractic care can also help improve posture and reduce the risk of future neck pain.
Another key difference between traditional medical treatments and chiropractic care is the duration of treatment. Traditional medical treatments often involve short-term relief, while chiropractic care focuses on long-term solutions. Chiropractors will typically provide a personalised treatment plan that includes regular adjustments. Short term this enhances spinal health whilst rehabilitation exercises prevents future neck pain.
It’s important to understand what a chiropractor does before deciding when to see one for neck pain. Chiropractors specialise in the evaluation and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. They focus on how the interaction between joints, muscles, and nerves affects pain in the body.
Why choose chiro?
When you experience neck pain, whether it’s new or a recurring issue, it’s a sign of changes in the muscles and joints in that area. A chiropractor can determine the cause of these changes through a thorough evaluation that includes questions and physical examinations.
This information will help the chiropractor determine the best course of treatment to alleviate your neck pain as soon as possible. By seeing a chiropractor for neck pain, you can receive a personalised approach to alleviate your discomfort and restore proper function to the affected area.
How Waterloo Chiropractic Can Help
Waterloo Chiropractic is a musculo-skeletal focused healthcare clinic. We are focused on our patient’s healthcare by providing the highest standards of Chiropractic care.
Neck pain can be a debilitating condition that affects your daily life and can be caused by a variety of factors such as poor posture, injury, or arthritis. At Waterloo Chiropractic, our team of chiropractors is dedicated to helping individuals find relief. Your neck pain and other musculoskeletal conditions are important.
Experienced chiropractors Dan and Sue are equipped to handle a wide range of spinal conditions, from acute injuries to ongoing management of chronic pain. Their clinic offers quick solutions for minor issues and comprehensive care for more serious pains that may require collaboration with other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, massage therapists, sports doctors, and orthopaedic surgeons.
Our chiropractors use a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat neck pain, including spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and exercises. These techniques aim to restore proper alignment to the neck, relieve tension and pressure, and improve mobility.
In conclusion, traditional medical treatments and chiropractic care both have their benefits and drawbacks. Traditional medical treatments may be effective in providing short-term relief, but they may not address the root cause of the problem and can have side effects. Chiropractic care focuses on finding and treating the root cause of the problem, which can result in long-term relief and improved spinal health. It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
If you have a question, feel free to email or call the clinic, we can organise a call back from one of our experienced chiropractors. When it comes to your spine or joints, there is no such thing as a silly question. We are here to help!