A very common question I’m asked about…
Neck Pain, Chronic Pain, and Posture Treatment
A recent and common question that I frequently get with many different variations around a person’s neck, pain, and posture.
- “My neck hurts when I work at my desk or look down at my phone for a while. Is it my posture?”
- “I’ve noticed that I’m getting a small hump at the base of my neck. What can I do to fix it?”
- “I’ve noticed my posture is getting worse as I get older. What can I do about it?”
The big question that must be answered is what are the problems that are causing the pain and the postural problems.
First, Find Out What’s Wrong
Diagnosis should always precede any treatment whether that is done on your own or with a health care provider.
It’s very important to get the cause of the pain and/or postural change right, the diagnosis, so the right treatment can be given.
This is true whether you’re treating it yourself or seeing a professional like a Chiropractor.
Abnormal postures are often related to pain.
It might be that the postural change is another symptom, not the cause.
Looking At Posture
Posture is involuntary.
It’s under control through parts of your nervous system that are not reliant upon conscious thought.
The neuromuscular control of posture is very complex.
Changes in posture can occur due to problems at any level in that system from parts of the sensory input to muscle, nerve, cord, and various parts of the brain.
Posture can be changed.
Identifying the problem first will help determine the next step.
I would highly recommend seeing a good Chiropractor that understands what I mentioned about postural mechanisms above.
Treatment Options for Chronic Neck Pain and/or Postural Changes
After a complete evaluation, the best advice for you can be given.
This might mean a home stretching or exercise program, a recommendation for a specific exercise program (Pilates, Yoga, etc), different types of therapy, a course of Chiropractic Care, additional evaluation with other tests (like an MRI for example), a referral to a Personal Trainer, a referral to a therapist (massage therapist, physical therapist, etc), or referral to some type of Medical Specialist for treatment or co-management.
I often get asked about wearing a neck brace (cervical collar) for chronic neck pain and postural changes.
One thing I would generally not recommend is a cervical collar or brace. Not for chronic neck pain because this is virtually guaranteed to significantly increase your neck pain and problems. It would be a rare case where it would be useful.
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