Neck Pain
Neck Pain Relief for Patients in Millersville, MD
Exploring Common Causes of Neck Pain & Treatment Options
We’re all probably familiar with the expression, “That’s such a pain in the neck!” However, chronic neck pain is no joking matter. Nearly a third of the American adult population will experience chronic neck pain that hinders daily activities at some point within their lifetime. Neck pain ranks in the top four most common types of chronic pain, just behind back pain, knee pain, and headaches. While auto and sports injuries and the aging process itself are commonly cited as causes of neck pain, neck pain also comes from illnesses such as degenerative disc disease, arthritis, spinal stenosis, and fibromyalgia. Pinched nerves, whiplash, poor posture, and uncomfortable sleeping positions are also contributing factors of chronic neck pain. Symptoms of neck pain may include shooting pain, numbness, tenderness, dizziness, headaches, restricted range of motion, difficulty swallowing, and lymph node swelling. If you’re seeking chronic neck pain relief in the Millersville, MD area, look no further than Effective Integrative Healthcare. Contact us to schedule an appointment!
Neck Pain Treatments at Effective Integrative Healthcare
Effective Integrative Healthcare is poised to offer a variety of non-surgical alternative neck pain treatments for our patients across Maryland. Our team applies a holistic approach to pain management, not only treating your symptoms but also examining the causes of your neck pain. When dealing with chronic neck pain, we emphasize stress management and daily relaxation techniques, as well as making healthier lifestyle choices to ease tension in the body. Every patient’s situation is unique. Therefore, we cater to your needs when designing your custom neck pain treatment plan, which may include:
Chiropractic Care
Many people with chronic neck pain turn to chiropractic care to alleviate the symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments are sometimes needed to realign the spine or manipulate the joints to relieve both neck and back pain. Our chiropractors may apply cervical manipulation to help realign your vertebrae or reduce the pain caused by a muscle spasm, whiplash, or pinched nerve. Always talk to your doctor first.
Physical Therapy
We often recommend incorporating physical therapy exercises to improve mobility and muscle strength. Stretching and strengthening your neck and vertebrae can help improve your posture and reduce pain. Trigger point therapy (also called myofascial release) may also be effective in easing tension and neck stiffness by applying pressure on trigger points or muscle knots found in your neck or back. Other neck pain treatments we may consider include electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are based on a similar concept as trigger point therapy. Instead of applying pressure though, we’ll inject a plant-based anti-inflammatory drug called Sarapin into your trigger points. Many patients report soothed muscle pain after trigger point injections in our offices. This type of treatment tends to be fast-acting, although results will vary from patient to patient.
Acupuncture
Because chronic neck pain is often caused by back strain, muscle tension, and poor posture, acupuncture may be effective at reducing neck pain by relieving the pressure points when used in tandem with other treatments. If your neck pain was caused by an auto or sports injury, be sure to talk to your doctor before consulting an acupuncturist.
Massage Therapy
If you suffer from chronic neck pain and stiffness, massage therapy may help decrease muscle tension and pain while promoting relaxation and improved blood circulation. Although individual results will vary, the majority of our patients see improvements in chronic pain management after regular sessions with our massage therapists. Massage may also help reduce anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Neck Pain Prevention and Management Tips for Patients
One of the most significant ways to prevent neck pain is avoiding neck injury. If you’re an athlete who participates in collision sports, take steps to protect your neck with neck bracing and other safety equipment and remember to do neck strengthening exercises. Avoiding neck strain and sleeping in less uncomfortable positions at night are also excellent ways to prevent chronic neck pain. Check out our blog “8 Ways to Take Better Care of Your Neck” for additional pain prevention tips from our experts!
Contact Us to Create a Customized Neck Treatment Plan
At Effective Integrative Healthcare, we aim to provide our patients with whole-body healing. We apply four phases of chiropractic care for our patients, as we examine the physiological and biomechanical aspects leading to chronic pain. However, we’ll go beyond just the physical causes of chronic pain to assess the emotional, nutritional, and environmental reasons as well, as we make suggestions for treatment. When you come in for your consultation, we’ll complete a thorough exam and evaluation, which may include X-rays and additional testing. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!