What Causes Neck Pain?
Your neck protects your spinal cord and spinal nerves, while supporting and balancing the weight of your head. Poor posture, wear and tear, injury, stress, and tension can strain or damage vital parts of your neck.

A Healthy Neck
Your neck (cervical spine) is aligned in a natural curve at the top of your spine. Damage to your neck's natural curve can cause painful problems.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Me?
Your doctor of chiropractic looks at your overall health- focusing not only on your neck, but also on your lifestyle. This integrated approach helps determine the best treatment for your neck pain.

History
To help identify the cause of your problem, you and your chiropractor will discuss your symptoms and previous injuries, your family health history, and your lifestyle, including recreational and work-related physical activities.

Physical Exam
Physical, orthopedic, and neurological tests can help reveal the condition of your neck and the rest of your spine. Static and motion palpation tests check for stiffness, pain, muscle spasm, and restricted range of motion.

X-rays
As "blueprints" of your spine, x-rays can reveal misaligned vertebrae, arthritis, fractures, or other problems. Additional tests will be done, if necessary.

Diagnosis
Based on the examination and findings, your doctor of chiropractic may recommend an individualized treatment program to realign your neck and reduce your pain. If needed, your chiropractor will also consult with other medical specialists about your condition.

How Does a Chiropractor Treat Neck Pain?
Your doctor of chiropractic is uniquely qualified to restore the health of your spine and neck. Special chiropractic techniques may relieve the pressure that is causing your neck pain.

Spinal Adjustments
After locating the misaligned vertebrae in your neck, your chiropractor manually applies gentle pressure and repositions the vertebrae. These adjustments can help restore alignment, improve mobility, and relieve pain and stiffness.

Related Treatment
Your chiropractor may recommend other types of treatment for relieving your neck pain. These may include moist heat, ice packs, massage, traction, or stretching and strengthening exercises. Your chiropractor can discuss these with you.

What Can I Do To Keep My Neck In Shape?
Smart Support
Whether sleeping, sitting, standing, or driving, keep your neck healthy by remembering good posture - keeping a straight and well-supported spine. Your chiropractor can tell you about simple exercises for increasing the strength and flexibility of your neck.

Spinal Checkups
Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular spinal exams. Even if you don't have symptoms, chiropractic care is one of the best ways to help prevent spinal problems. Your doctor of chiropractic can help you and your family maintain healthier lives free of neck pain.