Neck Pain Chiropractic Ocala, FL
If you suffer from chronic neck pain, it may be time to obtain the services offered by a doctor who is experienced with neck pain chiropractic Ocala, FL. Many people complain of neck pain as a daily occurrence that impacts their life, causing issues with sleep, mobility, participation in activities, and more. Not treating neck pain early can lead to several health complications arising or worsening. An Ocala Injury Center physician who has years of experience in natural and holistic treatment methods can evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan that is designed to address your unique symptoms.
Neck Pain Chiropractic in Ocala, FL
The trained specialists at Ocala Injury Center are highly experienced in a number of treatments that target neck and back pain, such as spinal manipulation, ultrasound therapy, nerve stimulation, and other non-invasive forms of chiropractic care. Through advanced, state of the art technology that accurately diagnoses conditions and monitors patient’s health throughout their treatment plan, they have helped many patients overcome pain and manage their conditions. Our doctors will work with you through every stage of your treatment so that you are comfortable during each session.
Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can be caused by a number of things, such as posture, disability, occupational activities, and general strenuous physical activity. Stress or anxiety can also cause neck pain. An experienced doctor who practices chiropractic care for neck pain in Ocala, Florida will conduct a physical exam to determine which treatments may be most effective for you.
What Is Forward Head Posture and What Should You Do About It?
One of the most common causes of neck pain and stiffness in modern times is something called “forward head posture.” Perhaps you are not aware of it, but incorrect head posture could be the cause of these issues. In the correct postural position, the opening of the ear is centered over the shoulder. If the ear opening is off center and to the front of the shoulder, it is considered a condition called forward head posture. It is also referred to as:
- Forward head carriage
- Poked neck
- Chicken head posture
- Text neck
To keep the head supported in a forward posture, the neck muscles and cervical spine must work harder to bear the load and keep the head upright. Plus, for every inch that the head is tilted forward, there is an increasing amount of unnecessary weight put on the bones of the cervical spine and the muscles in the neck and upper back.
Today’s modern technological age and lifestyle frequently contribute to incorrect forward head posture. Without treatment and relief from the forward head carriage, the resulting spinal disc compression and muscle strain can add to pain and inflexibility. This is where working with the experienced team at Ocala Injury Center can benefit you. Our team can help you to relieve the stress that your incorrect posture has caused and teach you how to reverse its influence.
Consider how workers are hunched over their computers all day are experiencing an ergonomic nightmare. Or how children, teens, and adults playing video games and watching television can develop problems from incorrect head posture. And people who drive for extended periods or who cradle their phones between their ear and their shoulder may also be prone to forward head posture.
Clearly, forward head posture is a common occurrence in our everyday lives. Still, there are steps that anyone can take to minimize the adverse effects of forward head carriage.
How to Minimize the Adverse Effects of Forward Head Posture
These interventions may help correct and relieve symptoms associated with forward head posture:
- Get regular chiropractic adjustments. Ocala, FL neck pain chiropractic care has shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms and reversing forward head posture. Once the postural problem is corrected, pain may be reduced, and any further deterioration of the spine may be prevented.
- Stand up and stretch every 15-20 minutes or so. A few minutes of a change up in your routine that includes neck exercises and stretches is essential if you sit at a desk all day.
- Limit the time you and your family spend watching television or playing video games.
- Focus on your posture. Take note of your sitting position—you should be sitting up straight with your head in an upright position.
- Use a cervical pillow when you’re resting or sleeping. It will help to support the neck muscles and maintain the proper curve in your cervical spine.
If you’ve noticed your own tendency toward forward head posture and have some concerns about how to best address it, a chiropractor can help. If you have back or neck pains, headaches, muscle weakness and stiffness, dizziness, vertigo, or mental fatigue, consider scheduling an appointment with a qualified and experienced chiropractic professional to explore your options.
General Tips For Avoiding Neck Pain
You can do several things to minimize your neck pain. Incorporating simple lifestyle changes can go a long way, relieving pain along your neck and spine. Below are tips you should follow to manage or reduce your neck pain:
- Adjust your posture. Paying attention to your posture throughout the day can make a huge difference in alleviating chronic neck pain. Slouching or having a forward head posture can strain your neck and lead to stiff muscles. Every or so make sure to
- Sleep better. Neck pain is a common reason many people have restless nights. Make sure you are using pillows that provide adequate neck support so you don’t wake up in the morning with a stiff neck.
- Stretch Frequently. Most people stretch before starting a workout; however, it is just as important to stretch in between workouts to avoid neck pain. Doing neck stretches periodically can reduce tension, especially if you spend most of the day involved in activities that strain your neck, such as an office job.
- Try hot and cold therapy. Using a hot and cold pack can promote healing and recovery if you have neck pain. You can target specific areas and relieve your muscles.
Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy
When you are seeking help from a chiropractor for your neck pain, you may not realize that chiropractors often offer physical therapy help in addition to their chiropractic appointments. Coupling chiropractic care and physical therapy can be a great way to naturally relieve your neck pain and often work even better when you apply both techniques. If you want to learn more about how we can help you, give Ocala Injury Center a call at your convenience. One of our team members would be happy to discuss your treatment options.
What kinds of exercises might you try during physical therapy?
When you are experiencing neck pain, you want to be especially careful not to cause more pain or tension when you are trying to figure out what might relieve your pain.
- Water exercises. Because your neck is connected to your spine, you might also be concerned that physical therapy movements and exercises will hurt your back more. If you do have these concerns, you may want to try aquatic exercises. Being in the water can allow you to relieve pressure from your joints and your spine while giving you the ability to safely workout.
- Stretching. Many people do not utilize simple techniques like stretching often enough. By doing stretches, you can increase the mobility in your neck and work on removing the tension that may be building up.
- Strengthening your back. You may be experiencing neck pain as a direct result of a tight or injured back. When this is the case, your chiropractor may want to take an X-ray of your back and give you exercises that will strengthen your back, increase mobility, and help improve your posture.
Can I just do moves at home on my own?
You may think physical therapy is easy and you can just do exercises at home. However, this is not the case. Working with a chiropractor can help ensure you do the right moves for yourself in a way that you do no become injured. Once you have proper technique down, you can begin practicing the moves on your own at home.
Chronic Pain Relief is Possible
There are treatment solutions available that may work for you if you have chronic neck pain. If you are interested in learning about the services offered by a neck pain chiropractic doctor in Ocala, Florida who has provided many patients with chiropractic care targeting neck pain in Ocala Injury Center, schedule a consultation today to get started.