Neck Pain Relief in Cranbourne
Without a doubt, neck pain is one of the most common complaints we see at our practice. Considering the amount of time people spend at their workstations or on their digital devices at home, it’s no surprise that many suffer from neck pain.
Common Causes
Because your neck is flexible and supports the weight of your head, it can be susceptible to injuries and conditions that result in pain and restricted motion. The most common causes of neck pain we see in our practice include poor posture, especially from prolonged screen time on phones and computers. These activities often lead to muscle strains and misalignments of both muscles and spine. We also regularly treat degenerative disc and joint diseases which develop over time. Work-related issues and postural bad habits are at the root of most neck pain problems we encounter.
As you age, your neck joints tend to wear down. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then develops bone spurs that affect joint motion and result in pain.
Nerve compression is another significant issue. Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can put pressure on the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. Injuries such as whiplash from a rear-end auto collision can strain the soft tissues in your neck when your head is jerked backward and then forward.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of neck pain include the following:
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- A decreased ability to move your head
- Headaches
- Referred pain to shoulders and upper back
- Neck stiffness
- Numbness or tingling down the arms
Our Chiropractic Approach
Treatment Techniques
We offer a variety of techniques to address neck pain, tailored to your comfort level and specific condition. We commonly use manual cervical spinal adjustments for those who are comfortable with this approach. We also incorporate gentle mobilisation techniques for patients who prefer or require a more gradual approach.
For those who prefer an even gentler approach, we offer lower force techniques that include instrument-assisted adjustments using the activator, impulse, or arthrostim. These tools help improve spinal function without the manual manipulation that some patients may find uncomfortable. We complement these adjustments with soft tissue work to address muscle tension that often accompanies neck issues.
Timeline for Improvement
The time it takes to see improvement varies based on your age and the extent of your condition. Most patients start reporting some improvement in their pain and function within a few sessions. However, lasting, significant improvements usually require a schedule or series of adjustments over a period of weeks/months. The severity and cause of the issue will influence your specific recovery timeline.
Prevention and Maintenance
We find that regular adjustments help maintain specific spinal function, which can reduce your likelihood of experiencing neck issues and pain. We support these adjustments with specific recommendations for exercises and ergonomic improvements. Being conscious of your posture throughout the day makes a significant difference in preventing recurrence.
Recommended Exercises and Lifestyle Changes
We often recommend our patients:
- Be aware of their posture throughout the day
- Perform specific neck and upper back exercises, including both stretching and strengthening movements
- Minimise prolonged screen time with regular breaks
- Set up an ergonomic workstation that supports proper alignment
These habits and exercises reinforce the benefits of chiropractic adjustments and help prevent the return of neck pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to have my neck ‘cracked’ (manually adjusted)?
What other things can I do to address neck pain?
How long will I need treatment?
Can chiropractic care prevent future neck pain?
Book an Appointment
If neck pain is limiting your daily life, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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