4 Things You Need To Know About Cervical Manipulation

Neck pain is a very common problem, affecting about 10% of Americans every single year. It's often caused by car accidents or other trauma, but even something as simple as spending a lot of time in front of your computer or sleeping in an awkward position can hurt your neck. Chiropractors can treat the severe neck pain that results with a procedure called cervical manipulation.

What is cervical manipulation?

Cervical manipulation is a chiropractic procedure that is used to treat neck pain. The chiropractor will use his or her hands to re-position the joints in your neck. The goal of this treatment is to reduce inflammation in the area and restore the range of motion in the joints. 

How is this procedure performed?

There are many ways that chiropractors can adjust your neck, depending on your particular situation and the chiropractor's preference. First, you will be positioned. There are five main positions: lying on your back with your face upwards, sitting on a chair, kneeling on the floor and leaning forward, lying on your side, or lying on your stomach. Once you're in one of these positions, the chiropractor will gently pull and twist your neck and head to re-align the joints in your neck. You may hear a loud pop from your neck, but don't be alarmed, this is normal, and is the same sound you hear when you crack your knuckles. 

How effective is this procedure?

This procedure is very effective compared to other treatments for neck pain. Studies have shown that cervical manipulation is better for treating neck pain than another common treatment, ultrasound treatment. According to one study, ultrasound treatment only allowed patients greater rotation on the right side of their necks, while cervical manipulation increased rotation in all directions and also decreased disability. 

Is cervical manipulation safe?

Like all medical treatments, cervical manipulation has the potential to cause serious complications, like strokes, but this is very rare. Five studies have followed large numbers of patients who underwent cervical manipulation, and none of those studies reported a serious complication. Choose a highly trained, experienced chiropractor, and talk to them about the risks of the treatment before you get started. 

Neck pain is a very common problem in America, but that doesn't mean that you need to suffer in silence. If you are suffering from neck pain, make an appointment with a chiropractor to discuss if cervical manipulation is right for you. To learn more, speak with a business like Moss Chiropractic.

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