Recent studies confirm an uptick in neck-related injuries in the United States. Much of this increase may stem from Americans’ sedentary and technology-reliant lifestyle, including long hours in front of a computer while practicing poor posture, increased mobile phone use while trying to keep “hands-free,” ignoring ergonomics best practices and maintaining a careless attitude toward treating neck pain.
Of course, technology is not the lone reason for neck pain. Whiplash injuries resulting from auto accidents and sports/exercise injuries take their toll on the neck, as well.
Still, the statistics are staggering. Consider the following:
- About 1 in 5 individuals are experiencing neck pain right now, with more than half of the population having had neck pain within the past six months.
- Some 5 percent of neck pain sufferers will become disabled, unable to work or function normally due to their pain.
- Women are more likely to suffer from neck pain – or are more willing to report their neck pain – than men. Women in their mid-fifties are the most at-risk group for neck pain.
- Neck pain ranks 4th among the leading causes of disability worldwide.
- About 30 percent of patients who have neck pain now will develop chronic neck pain over time.
Many neck pain patients don’t report their injuries. Those that do often end up receiving prescriptions for painkillers to help treat the systems. Unfortunately, they might not take further action to restore their neck to full health.
Isn’t there a better way to treat neck pain?
Yes. An increasing number of Americans are turning to chiropractic care when dealing with neck pain. Chiropractors typically employ neck adjustments, called cervical manipulation, to loosen the joints of the cervical vertebrae in the neck. In doing so, they can reduce patients’ pain caused by pinched nerves, muscle spasms, neck strains and more.
Is chiropractic care safe for neck pain?
Yes. Licensed chiropractors routinely conduct safe neck and spinal adjustments, offering patients a non-invasive alternative to prescription painkillers. Chiropractic adjustments address misalignments in the spine and the affected joints.
Is chiropractic care effective in reducing/eliminating neck pain?
More than 75 percent of chiropractic patients describe their care as “very effective.” Research confirms that patients with chronic neck pain reported significant improvement, including a reduction in neck pain, following a chiropractic adjustment.
Have you considered chiropractic care for your pain in the neck? There are many options to consider, as a professional, like a neck pain doctor in Lanham, MD, at a treatment center such as AmeriWell Clinics, can explain.