Neck Pain in Lethbridge
The rise of technology has been beneficial in many ways; not so much for our necks. “Tech neck” is a condition we’re seeing more often at Achieve Health and Wellness. People spend so much time on their phones, tablets, and laptops, completely unaware of the stress on their neck. Think of the head as a 10-pound bowling ball looking down all the time; the resulting neck strain is considerable.
Other occupations might cause similar limitations. Farmers deal with “tractor neck” from riding through their fields seeding the rows. Turning from side to side to ensure proper seeding may cause tightness and soreness. People who work on the phone often cradle the receiver between their ear and shoulder to free up their hands. A seamstress or tailor may spend hours doing closeup work on the sewing machine or working on details by hand.
Neck pain reduces range of motion and flexibility. The fourth leading cause of disability, difficulties may present in simple activities of daily life, such as turning your head to check before changing lanes while driving, changing a light bulb in the ceiling, or even finding a comfortable pillow or position to sleep. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, neck pain affects all ages.
Neck pain may have its origin in past or current trauma. Many times, we treat trauma as something to “walk off”, not realizing untreated injuries often reappear in the future. Pain and stiffness in the neck may progress into the shoulders and upper back, causing even more limitations.
Sports injuries, especially from hockey, football, and skiing, often cause neck trauma. Whiplash, primarily from auto accidents, is one of the major causes of neck pain. After assessing your problem, we use one of the core values of our practice, tradition and innovation, to guide your care.
Innovation uses newer tools and techniques to provide next-level care for our patients. These include the Activator® and iQ™ Impulse tools.
Dr. Haitsma has been providing instrument adjusting for over 40 years and continues to stay abreast of the latest products and methods. We offer very gentle, targeted care to restore normal mobility and alignment. Instruction is also given for home exercises to help patients work through their issues and maintain their results.
While we can’t prevent sports injuries involving the neck, here are some tips that may help in other areas.
- Make sure your computer screen or laptop is at eye level to keep from looking down continuously
- If you’re on the phone all day, consider getting a headset
- Give your mobile phone a break! View content on a TV screen whenever possible
- Find specific exercises you can do while at your desk to maintain mobility and flexibility
Being aware of the activities that may promote neck strain and injuries will help prevent trauma. When it does happen, seeking care from your local chiropractor is your best option for healing.
Will I need to have my neck manually adjusted?
No, our chiropractors will never ask you to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. There are various alternatives available besides traditional neck adjustments that can be equally effective in treating neck pain. These include instrument-assisted adjustments, mobilizations, soft tissue work, stretching, and gentle cranial work.
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, injury or trauma, herniated discs, or degenerative conditions like arthritis.
Is chiropractic care safe for treating neck pain?
Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe and effective for treating neck pain. Our chiropractors are trained to use techniques that are safe and appropriate for each individual patient.
How long does it take to see results from chiropractic care for neck pain?
The length of treatment can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause of the neck pain. Some patients may see improvement after just a few visits, while others may require longer-term care.
Get Relief Now
Reach out to our friendly staff to find out more about how chiropractic helps you get relief from your neck pain. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get the relief you need and deserve.
