Neck Pain Treatment Melbourne

We Effectively Treat Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common complaint we regularly see at Adaptive Chiropractic. It can be from sleeping in the wrong position, to long hours at the desk or even a recent injury. Nonetheless, it can be painful having neck pain as having that constant discomfort and pain can wear you down quickly to the point you struggle to concentrate and to do simple tasks such as driving.

Adaptive Chiropractic are specialists in the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of neck pain. With neck pain it is crucial to establish the cause and identify where the specific problematic areas are. Whether it be muscular, neurological or skeletal, we have the latest tools and techniques to diagnose the exact area causing your neck pain. And if we don’t have the solution for you, we will happily refer you to another specialist who can help.

Can Chiropractors Provide Neck Pain Treatment?

Yes! The skilled practitioners at our Melbourne CBD neck pain clinic are trained to diagnose, treat, and help prevent musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders especially those related to the spine. When it comes to neck pain, chiropractors may provide relief and improve function in many ways:

Spinal Adjustments

The primary treatment method used by chiropractors is spinal manipulation or adjustment. By using their hands or a small instrument, chiropractors apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine, aiming to improve the range of motion, reduce nerve irritability, and restore proper alignment of the cervical facet joints.

Soft Tissue Massage

This involves treatments like massage and trigger point therapy to address muscle tension, spasms, or knots in muscles that might be contributing to or resulting from acute neck pain.

Stretching and Exercise Recommendations

As part of a neck pain treatment plan, chiropractors often advise patients on specific exercises to strengthen and stretch tight muscles in the neck, improve posture, and reduce pain in the neck region.

Postural Training

Poor posture, especially from prolonged computer or phone use, can strain the back and neck muscles. A chiropractor can educate on proper posture and provide strategies and exercises to improve alignment and reduce neck strain.

Modalities

Chiropractors sometimes use other therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or cold laser therapy to reduce chronic pain, and inflammation.

Ergonomic Recommendations

By assessing a patient’s home and work environments, a chiropractor can give recommendations for setting up workstations or daily routines to relieve pain and minimize neck strain.

Nutritional Advice

While not directly related to neck pain relief, some chiropractors may provide nutritional counselling to help reduce inflammation or to improve overall well-being, which could indirectly aid in recovery and pain management.

Lifestyle Counseling

Advice on sleep positions, pillows, or daily habits can further help in managing neck stiffness and pain symptoms and preventing its recurrence.

Joint Bracing or Taping

Some chiropractors use kinesiology tape or other bracing techniques to provide support and reduce strain on affected areas.

Referrals

If the chiropractor determines that another form of treatment or health specialist is required, they will refer the patient to the appropriate health professional. Also depending on the symptoms, we may ask the patient to obtain an MRI scan so we can check if there is any issues with the spinal nerves.

It’s essential to understand that while many people find relief from neck pain through chiropractic care, it may not be effective for everyone. If you’re considering chiropractic treatment for neck pain, it’s a good idea to consult with a qualified chiropractor to discuss your specific symptoms and get a thorough evaluation.

Shoulder and Neck Pain Relief Through Chiropractic Care

After the initial examination and diagnosis stages, Adaptive Chiropractic will put together a neck pain treatment plan using the latest technology and best practice chiropractic techniques. We tailor the treatments specifically for your case which will help alleviate the tension in your neck and shoulders. Our final step is to empower you by teaching you the strategies needed to prevent the same neck pain from reoccurring.

Located right in the heart of Melbourne CBD, we provide outstanding neck pain treatment in a warm and inviting practice and believe in providing a fun and safe working environment, not just for our patients but also for our practitioners.

What Are the 5 Top Causes of Neck Pain?

Chronic neck pain is a common complaint with multiple potential causes. Here are our top five causes of neck pain symptoms:

  1. Muscle Strain and Tension
    This is often due to activities and behaviours such as:
    – Poor posture (e.g., forward head posture from looking at a computer screen)
    – Overuse, such as from repetitive motions
    – Sleeping in an awkward position or using an unsupportive pillow
    – Holding the head in a challenging position for prolonged periods, such as cradling a phone between the neck and shoulder.
  2. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
    As we age, the discs (the cushions between the vertebrae in the spine) can dry out and shrink, leading to arthritis and reduced cushioning in the cervical spine (neck). This degeneration can cause acute neck pain, especially if the disc becomes herniated and presses on a nerve.
  3. Cervical Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis)
    This is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in the neck. With time, the disks dehydrate and shrink, causing bone spurs (osteophytes) and other changes to the cervical spine. This can lead to neck pain and stiffness.
  4. Cervical Radiculopathy
    This is the irritation or compression of one or more of the cervical nerve roots. This can cause severe local and referred pain. Herniated discs or bone spurs can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord, resulting in neck nerve pain that radiates down the arm, along with other symptoms like numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
  5. Trauma
    Neck injuries, the most common of which is whiplash from a car accident, can lead to both immediate and long-term chronic neck pain. In a whiplash injury, the head is jolted backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.

Apart from the above, other potential causes for neck pain include infections, tumors, and certain medical conditions. It’s essential to get a proper diagnosis if you’re experiencing neck pain, especially if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like numbness arm weakness, or tingling in the arms.