We've all awakened to a stiff neck before, but some of us may experience chronic neck pain. If your neck pain goes beyond the typical crick in the neck, it may be time to visit your Plymouth chiropractor. Today, we would like to address the issue of neck pain and what you can do to relieve it.

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What Causes Neck Pain?

Several vertebrae as well as nerves and discs make up the interior of your neck. When one or more of your vertebrae shift out of alignment, the nerves become crowded or pinched.

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The Causes of Vertebral Misalignment

Many factors contribute to vertebral misalignment, including:

• Sleeping on your stomach regularly
• Sleeping on a pillow that is too flat
• Regularly using poor posture
• Whiplash

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Whiplash

One of the most common neck injuries that chiropractors see is whiplash, which occurs when the neck suddenly moves forward and backward or from side to side. The tendons and ligaments in your neck overstretch and tear when they experience the sudden movements associated with whiplash.

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Ways To Prevent Neck Pain

Although you certainly cannot prevent whiplash from occurring, you can take certain actions to prevent chronic neck pain, including:

Whether you are standing or sitting, make sure to maintain good posture.

• Avoid sleeping on your stomach
• Sleep on a firm pillow
• Practice neck exercises daily
• Move your computer monitor so that it sits at eye level
• If you sit for long periods of time at your work, take several small breaks throughout the day and move around

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When To See A Chiropractor For Neck Pain

• The stiffness or pain in your neck lingers for longer than a few days
• You are unable to look to to the right or left side without severe neck pain
• You consistently rely on over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen just to make it through the day
• Your neck pain has progressed to tingling and numbness in your wrists or hands as well
• You experience neck pain following a car accident
• You feel as if something serious resulted in your neck pain

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Chiropractic Treatment

In order to administer the proper treatment for your neck pain, a chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination and consultation. Your chiropractor will ask you many questions regarding your neck pain, about things such as the causes, symptoms, history, and types of movements that make your pain worse.

Often, chiropractors will take x-rays of your neck during your exam. They will also examine how well you move your neck and will check to see if you experience and numbness or tenderness in your arms or hands. Your chiropractor will also examine your reflexes and test the strength of your muscles.

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Neck Adjustments

When chiropractors adjust the alignment in your neck, they use their hands to apply chiropractic pressure to the neck joints. The adjustments help to restore the range of motion in your neck by improving the mobility of your spine. Adjustments also help to increase the flexibility and movement of your muscles. Our local chiropractors at Koenig Chiropractic will develop a special program to treat the conditions in your neck.

If you are interested in using chiropractic treatment to relieve your neck pain, contact our chiropractic office for an appointment.