neck pain chiropractor wilmington nc

Chiropractor vs. Massage for Neck Pain

When you’re suffering from neck pain, your first instinct might be to have your neck massaged. But, the truth is, you might be suffering from something that a simple muscle massage may not be able to treat effectively. In cases such as these, professional chiropractic treatment may be required. Neck pain can develop for a wide range of reasons, from something as simple as a stiff neck from being online too long to something as serious as a pinched nerve or a cervical spine that’s out of alignment. But, regardless of the reason, you want relief. And, choosing the right care provider is the first step in finding the lasting relief you’re looking for. Here’s how to tell when you should seek a neck pain chiropractor Wilmington NC over a massage.

7 Signs You Should See a  Neck Pain Chiropractor Wilmington NC

A massage only deals with soft tissue ailments. So, if sore or tight neck muscles are at the basis of your neck pain, then a simple neck massage may suffice. But, in more serious cases, a visit to a neck pain chiropractor may be recommended.

Here are seven key signs that you should see a chiropractor for your neck pain:

  1. The pain and/or stiffness in your neck doesn’t improve after a few days
  2. The pain affects your ability to turn your head left or right
  3. You take over-the-counter pain medications just to make it through the day
  4. Your neck pain has progressed to include numbness or tingling in the wrists and/or hands
  5. The pain is severe in the morning but improves throughout the day
  6. Your pain started a few days after an auto accident
  7. You feel as if the pain is being caused by something more serious than tense muscles

The Benefits of Chiropractic Treatments for Neck Pain

One of the key differences between a masseuse and a chiropractor is the chiropractor has an in-depth understanding of the body’s musculoskeletal system as a result of years of training and education. This provides a chiropractor with the innate ability to perform a thorough examination of your neck, arms, and hands. In some cases, an x-ray or MRI may be required to assist in the chiropractor’s diagnosis.

Once diagnosed by your chiropractor and treatment is initiated, your neck pain should start lessening in its intensity. The muscles around your neck will start loosening up and you’ll find it easier to move your head. In a large number of cases, routine chiropractic care can result in a substantial reduction or complete elimination of neck pain.

Southeastern’s Neck Pain Chiropractor Wilmington NC Can Help You Manage Your Pain

If you have neck pain that’s severe enough to be impacting your daily life, it’s time you sought the help of an experienced neck pain chiropractor. With the right treatment, your pain could be substantially reduced or even eliminated. Call Southeastern today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

chiropractor in wilmington nc

Latest Innovative Chiropractic Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in the Lower Back

Herniated discs are among the most common causes of pain in the lower back. And, when the disc bulges to the point that it is putting pressure on the spinal nerve root, the result can be even more significant with shooting electrical-like pains, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs and buttocks occurring regularly.

For years, the traditional treatment for herniated lumbar discs in the medical profession has been via the use of oral steroids and epidural injections of cortisone. The problem is, both of these treatment options have produced extremely limited success rates and in some cases, serious adverse side effects. So, what options do back pain sufferers have besides these ineffective methods?

Using Chiropractic Care to Treat Lumbar Disc Herniation

Recently, the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics published the results of a study in which it was discovered that both chronic and acute herniated disks in the lower back can be effectively treated by chiropractic adjustments. The study was performed over one year and involved 148 patients with MRI-confirmed herniated lumbar discs. Prior to the study, each of the patients suffered from serious back pain, sciatica, and radiating leg symptoms. Of the 148 participants, 79 had experienced the symptoms without noticeable relief for more than three months.

Over the course of the study, the patients were treated with high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation and adjustments deemed appropriate for their individual cases. The patients were asked to self-assess the results of the treatments at specific intervals, including within two weeks, one month, three months, six months, and one year. They were also examined by doctors at those same intervals.

Since just 36% of patients with lumbar herniated disk show improvement after two weeks of traditional treatments, researchers were surprised to discover that 69% of the patients in the study reported significant improvement in both mobility and pain reduction after only two weeks of receiving regular chiropractic treatments. At the one month interval, 79.6% reported significant improvement in their conditions. Amazingly, by the end of the third month, 90.5% had reported improvements in their pain levels and mobility. The chiropractic care portion of the study ended after three-months, but the patients still reported their assessments at the six-month and 12-month points with the results showing that 88% still considered their condition substantially improved.

 Chiropractor Wilmington NC Care Offers Zero Side Effects for Herniated Disc Treatment

One of the other significant advantages of using chiropractic care to treat patients with disc herniation is the fact that the patients in the study reported no adverse side-effects from the treatments. This re-confirms what chiropractors already know – that patients with acute and chronic lumbar disk herniation can experience pronounced improvement in their conditions with zero risk of side effects using drug- and surgery-free chiropractic treatment methods. Whereas pain killers and epidural injections only mask the symptoms of the herniated discs, chiropractic care alleviates the patient’s pain naturally and helps their bodies to heal themselves.

Get Relief From Your Lower Back Pain – See Your Chiropractor Wilmington NC

If you suffer from pain in your lower back, Southeastern Healthcare can help you find lasting relief and improved mobility. And best of all, we can do it without using dangerous, habit-forming drugs or other risky treatment methods. Call us today at 910-790-3666. We are here for you. Our chiropractic team can help you manage your pain naturally and effectively. Discover for yourself the difference that safe and effective chiropractor Wilmington NC care can make. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.