Everyone experiences back or neck pain from time to time, but when it becomes a chronic or severe issue, it is best to receive treatment as soon as possible. We specialize in back and neck chiropractic in Vancouver WA and can provide drug-free relief that can restore your quality of life.
How Can Back and Neck Chiropractic in Vancouver WA Relieve Pain?
We use many different techniques to reduce back and neck pain. At your first appointment, we will go over your medical history and symptoms, then conduct a physical examination to create a customized treatment plan just for you. Our plans may incorporate one or more of the following techniques:
Spinal manipulation and adjustment: This is one of the most common treatments we use. Manipulation and adjustment are hands-on techniques that involve massaging, moving and applying pressure to the joints and spine. They allow us to target the source of your pain and can increase flexibility and range of motion.
Lifestyle counseling: We may recommend changes in your lifestyle to reduce back or neck pain. These may include altering your sleep habits, work environment and exercise routine or ways to reduce stress.
Manual therapies: We often treat back and neck pain using manual therapies like massage, trigger point therapy or myofascial release. These treatments help release tension in the tendons, ligaments and muscles around the spine.
Common Causes of Neck and Back Pain
Both back and neck pain are common complaints that can cause major disruptions in your quality of life.
The neck is a complex system made of several bones called vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and provide protection to the upper portion of your spinal cord. Neck pain can be caused by many conditions and injuries, including the following:
- Cervical osteoarthritis
- Muscle strain and spine misalignment caused by poor posture
- Herniated discs
- Injury as a result of falls, overuse or accidents
- Poor movement patterns that lead to imbalances and strain in the neck
- Spinal cord compression or pinched nerve roots
Back pain can also be caused by a number of conditions or injuries, including the following:
- Ligament or muscle strain, often after a sudden awkward movement or repeated heavy lifting
- Ruptured or bulging discs that press on nerves
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
Neck Pain After a Car Accident
Neck pain is also very common after auto accidents. In fact, approximately 80,000 neck injuries are reported following car crashes in the United States each year. These injuries are too often left untreated, leading to long-term suffering, pain and even disability.
While the body is restrained by a seatbelt during an accident, the neck and head remain unrestrained and vulnerable to injury at the moment of impact. The sudden, rapid movement that occurs during a collision can cause serious injury to the muscles, joints, ligaments, nerves and tendons in the cervical spine. If you have been in a collision, our auto accident chiropractor in Vancouver, WA can help you recover.
At-Home Exercises and Stretches for Neck Pain
We will also recommend a series of stretches and exercises you can do at home to reduce pain and increase range of motion. Here are five of our favorites to get you started. We recommend doing 10 reps of these exercises two to three times a day for best results.
Isometric Neck Flexion: With your head and neck in a neutral position, place your hand on your forehead. Flex your head forward into your hand, ensuring no neck movement occurs, as if you are trying to touch your chin onto your chest. Hold the contraction for 10 seconds then relax and repeat.
Isometric Neck Extension: Lie on your back with your head and neck in a neutral position. Tilt your head back, pressing down into the floor. Hold the contraction for 10 seconds then relax and repeat.
Isometric Neck Rotation: With your head and neck in a neutral position, place your hand on the side of your face. Rotate your head against your hand, ensuring no neck movement occurs, as if you are trying to look over your shoulder. Hold the contraction for 10 seconds then relax and repeat.
Isometric Neck Side Flexion: With your head and neck in a neutral position, place your hand on the side of your head. Bend your head towards your hand, ensuring no neck movement occurs, as if you are trying to touch your ear on your shoulder. Hold the contraction for 10 seconds then relax and repeat.
Deep Neck Flexors: Lying on your back with your head resting in a neutral position, lift your head just off the supporting surface, keeping your head in neutral alignment. Hold this position for 10 seconds then slowly lower and repeat.
When to Seek Back and Neck Chiropractic in Vancouver WA
If you are experiencing persistent discomfort or pain in the back or neck, make an appointment to see one of our chiropractors today. That type of pain can easily get in the way of the things you love, and our treatments help improve your quality of life and prevent issues from worsening and causing more serious health concerns down the line. Please reach out to us if you are in pain, have questions or would like to make an appointment for treatment for back and neck chiropractic in Vancouver WA.
For your convenience, we are a chiropractor open on Saturdays in Vancouver Washington and we are here to help you thrive! Call us at 360-573-5500 to schedule your appointment today!
