severe-neck-and-shoulder-pain

The neck and shoulders are in close proximity to each other. This means that stiffness and pain of the neck muscles can be referred into the shoulders. A Raleigh chiropractor can help those who are suffering from this type of pain.

The chiropractor will first want to determine the nature of a patient’s pain, whether it originates in the spinal column or in the soft tissues. Chiropractic care is focused on addressing the causative factor of any pain because in doing so, symptoms will naturally abate. All healing is done through natural therapy and there is no use of drugs or surgery involved.

In order to decide on the best type of therapy for the patient, the practitioner will ask him or her several questions about the pain, perform an examination and request diagnostics if needed. A clear understanding of the extent and location of the source of a problem is needed for the chiropractor to develop a personalized care plan to help put the patient on the way to recovery.

One technique which may be used to help ease the pain in the neck and shoulders is chiropractic massage. Tense, contracted muscles are soothed by the rhythmic manipulation which helps increase circulation and release wastes from affected tissues. Massage not only directly affects the tissues but is also very relaxing for the patient.

Depending on the cause of pain, the practitioner will likely employ other forms of therapy as well. These techniques may include trigger point therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and traction. The former two target the muscles and aim to relieve stiffness and tension. The latter is used to correct issues originating in the joint of the neck, by restoring normal mobility to it.

Some patients are fortunate enough to experience less discomfort in their neck and shoulders after just one session, whereas others may need to see the Raleigh chiropractor for several weeks or months before they start to notice a difference. The practitioner will also give them useful advice as to changes they may need to make in their lifestyle, posture and body mechanics which will help prevent a recurrence of the pain.