If you experience neck pain and stiffness, you aren’t alone: nearly 70% of Americans suffer from neck pain at some point during their lives. Most often, poor posture is the culprit, but injuries, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease may also be to blame. Luckily, our chiropractors in Vancouver WA are skilled at diagnosing and treating neck pain, relieving tension and aligning your upper spine.
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.
Signs You May Need a Neck Adjustment from Our Chiropractors in Vancouver WA
During your visit, one of our chiropractors in Vancouver WA will perform an examination to identify the source of your pain and assess your symptoms. We’ll talk about when the pain started, activities that may worsen it and whether the pain travels or radiates to other parts of the body. Next, we’ll do a physical exam to observe your range of motion, posture and physical condition. We’ll feel your spine to note its alignment and curvature and may also check your shoulder area. Other tests may be ordered if needed.
We perform neck adjustments to improve the mobility of your spine and restore range of motion. Following an adjustment, many patients report an improved ability to tilt and turn the head along with a reduction in stiffness, soreness and pain. If you’re suffering from neck pain or stiffness, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Forgey Chiropractic. Call 360-573-5500 to schedule today!
At-Home Exercises and Stretches for Neck Pain
We’ll 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, painting your head in the neutral alignment. Hold this position for 10 seconds then slowly lower and repeat.
Get a step-by-step guide to these exercises with helpful drawings here, and download nine stretches to reduce neck tension and increase range of motion here.
