Neck pain can lead to debilitating headaches, keeping you from getting good quality sleep and taking away your ability to concentrate. There comes a time when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and Tylenol can no longer help you to manage your neck pain effectively. When that time comes, then you should consider making an appointment with a chiropractor. A chiropractor specializes in non-invasive treatment of joint and muscular pain. They are able to help you manage the symptoms of your neck pain while also addressing its source. Here are three ways chiropractors help you to reduce your neck pain. 

Ergonomic assessment

In many cases, posture contributes to neck pain. Your neck muscles are put under pressure when you have improper posture. This can lead to injury to the muscles and nerves in your neck and upper back. You may experience extra pressure on your neck if you lead a particularly sedentary life, such as if you are required to sit at a desk in front of a computer for long hours. Your chiropractor can perform an ergonomic assessment and see if your desk setup is contributing to strain on your neck. Additionally, your chiropractor can teach you about the correct posture to keep while at work, allowing you to self-correct over time.

Chiropractic adjustment

Chiropractic adjustments help to alleviate neck pain. Also known as spinal manipulation, a chiropractic adjustment consists of the chiropractor using their hands or a medical instrument to guide your vertebrae back into alignment. This is a non-invasive procedure. Your chiropractor may perform the adjustment while you are face down or in a sitting position. The chiropractic adjustment may be accompanied by a popping noise, but it is nothing to worry about. Also, your chiropractor may advise you to apply heat to the site of the adjustment if you experience a bit of tenderness afterward.

Stretches and exercises

Your chiropractor's goal is to help you achieve overall wellness and a full range of movement. The best way to do this is not only to treat your neck pain, but also to address any muscular weakness that is contributing to it. A chiropractor (such as one from North Star Chiropractic Center) will give you exercises and stretches to perform throughout the day in order to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture. An example of a stretch you might learn consists of slowly looking to your left, then to your right, up, and then down. This kind of stretch is easy and intuitive when you think about increasing your neck mobility, but it also helps to reset your posture if you are sitting for long periods.

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