Relieve Neck Pain and Regain Comfort: Your Guide to Chiropractic Care with Activator Methods

Common causes of neck pain

The majority of neck pain symptoms can be attributed to activities and incidents that alter the cervical biomechanics. Some of these activities may include accidents, trauma to the head, extended immobility, and a variety of other causes.

• Stress: We all have stress, and many of us hold the stress across our shoulders and in our neck, creating tension that can lead to stiffness, neck pain, and even headaches.
• Poor Posture: Poor or incorrect posture as a result of desk work and modern-day devices can increase the load or stress on the neck up to 60 pounds (Washington Post).
• Injury/Accident: Injuries to the neck can be caused by many different things beyond just a “whiplash”. They can occur from sports injuries or falls that damage the vertebrae and its supporting structures. Sometimes the pain from an injury or accident will show up immediately, and other times it can take days.
• Herniated Discs: Herniated Discs can also occur when one or more vertebrae discs shift out of position, causing inflammation, weakness in the neck, and sometimes shooting pain into an arm.
• Age and lifestyle (arthritis): As we age, the joints in our neck can degenerate or “wear down” over time. We practice in Arizona, where we have a large senior population, so this is a very common factor that we need to consider when treating patients. While chiropractic care cannot reverse the effects of arthritis, it can help to improve joint function and reduce pain and stiffness associated with degenerative changes.

The Role of Chiropractic Care for neck pain relief

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating neck pain. By focusing on spinal alignment and restoring proper function to the joint and the nervous system, chiropractors can alleviate tension and pressure in the neck region. This not only reduces pain and improves range of motion, but also enhances your body’s natural ability to heal itself.

62 million people sought chiropractic care as a treatment method for neck pain between 2011 and 2016. Of those, 77% of those treated claimed that chiropractic care was very effective. A study in the British Medical Journal in 2013 evaluated 183 patients that experienced neck pain and found that such treatment options were less costly and more effective (US News).

Introducing the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique

One of the techniques we use to address joint dysfunction that leads to neck pain is the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique. This gentle, low-force chiropractic technique utilizes a handheld instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument. It delivers a precise, targeted adjustment to specific areas of the spine, promoting mobility, alignment, decreasing inflammation, and relieving pressure on the nerves, without having to twist or “crack” your neck.

Studies suggest that cervical adjustments performed with an Activator can produce immediate benefits to treat cervical spine pain. In a controlled trial, several techniques of cervical manipulation were performed, and patients reported substantial pain decrease (Activator).

Beyond chiropractic care

In addition to Activator Methods chiropractic adjustments, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating neck pain that may include additional therapies tailored to your specific needs. Electric muscle stimulation (EMS) is a therapeutic technique used to reduce muscle spasms, improve circulation, and promote healing in the affected area. This non-invasive treatment involves the application of gentle electrical impulses to targeted muscles, helping to alleviate tension and discomfort. Furthermore, our in-office rehabilitation services are designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall function in the neck and surrounding areas.

Our skilled team will work closely with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation program that addresses your unique concerns and goals. Additionally, we may recommend exercises and stretches that you can perform at home to complement your in-office care and promote long-term healing and stability. By combining these various treatment modalities, we aim to provide comprehensive relief and support for individuals suffering from neck pain.