Back and neck pain are two of the most frequent reasons people visit chiropractors. Whether it's chronic pain and stiffness or a sudden accident or injury that aggravates the neck or back, chiropractic treatment can resolve the issue without relying on pain medication. If you're thinking of giving chiropractic treatment a try, review these frequently asked questions about chiropractic treatment of neck pain and back pain. 

What causes back pain? 

Lifestyle causes of back pain can include poor posture, poor ergonomics at work, obesity, and repetitive motion. In other cases, there is a sports injury, bad fall, auto accident, or other sudden issues that precipitate back pain. Old injuries can flare up, causing back pain.

How does chiropractic care help back pain? 

 Regardless of the cause of your back pain, a chiropractor can work with you to relieve pain, stretch and strengthen soft tissue, and heal the injury. Safe and effective for all ages, chiropractic adjustments realign the spine. This soothes the nervous system, relieves pressure on back muscles, and promotes healing of spinal impingements and subluxations. While this sounds technical, from a patient perspective, you'll enjoy a reduction in pain and increased range of motion with every treatment. 

What causes neck pain? 

These days, one of the most common causes of neck pain is poor posture while using your smartphone, a condition that is known as text neck. When you spend all day looking down at your phone, it creates a forward head posture that strains the cervical spine. Aside from text neck, neck pain is caused by similar factors to back pain: injury, accident, poor posture, stress, and obesity. Chronic, years-long repetitive movements can irritate the nerves along one side of the spine to cause constant low-grade neck pain and stiffness. 

How does a chiropractor soothe neck pain?

Treatments of neck pain focus on the cervical spine or the top two vertebrae of the spine. Manual or instrument-aided adjustments restore the cervical spine to its proper alignment. This reduces stiffness and pressure on the neck, allows soft tissue to heal, and restores a full range of motion. 

Who should try chiropractic care? 

Chiropractic care is safe and effective for patients of all ages, including babies. Pregnant patients should seek out a chiropractor who offers prenatal chiropractic care, which is tailored to the needs and bodies of expecting patients. 

Can I see a chiropractor and a doctor at the same time? 

Yes. Chiropractic care is a complementary therapy. You may see a doctor at the same time as a chiropractor. You may also try other complementary therapies alongside chiropractic, including physical therapy, acupuncture, or sports massage.  

Now that you understand what to expect when you see a chiropractor for neck pain or back pain, why not set up an appointment? Many chiropractors offer free consultations to new patients. These allow you to meet the chiropractor in person, get your questions answered, and feel comfortable with treatment before it begins.