If you’re involved in a car accident or you have poor posture, you might also experience neck pain. Fortunately, with early intervention, neck pain is easy to manage and treat. At Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness, chiropractor Vinay Panchal, DC, uses advanced methodologies, including the active release technique (ART) and soft tissue manipulation, to relieve neck pain. To make an appointment at the practice in Omaha, Nebraska, call the office today or book online.

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What is neck pain?

Neck pain is any aching or general discomfort that affects the cervical spine –– the seven vertebrae between your shoulders and head.

Your neck features a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They work together to provide you with a full range of motion, but they’re also susceptible to wear-and-tear.

Almost everyone experiences neck pain on occasion, but if your symptoms last for more than a week, or they interfere with your ability to work or exercise, contact Dr. Panchal right away. 

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain occurs for various reasons, including:

  • Poor posture
  • Sleeping in an awkward position
  • Jerking your neck during exercise
  • Car accidents
  • Slip and fall injuries
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Pregnancy

You might also experience neck pain if you have a congenital abnormality that affects your spine, like scoliosis. 

When should I visit a doctor of chiropractic for neck pain?

If you experience neck pain that lasts for more than a week, contact Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness. That’s especially true if your symptoms occur alongside a fever, headache, or pain that radiates into your arms and legs.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

At Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness, Dr. Panchal diagnoses neck pain by asking about your symptoms, including when they first started and if any activities like driving or looking in a particular direction make them worse.

Next, Dr. Panchal examines your neck, gently pressing on it to pinpoint areas of swelling, sensitivity, or warmth. Afterward, he has you perform a series of easy exercises to test your neck’s strength and range of motion. 

If these steps aren’t enough to make a diagnosis, Dr. Panchal might also order digital X-rays. X-rays can rule out more serious issues like fractures or a herniated disc.

How is neck pain treated?

At Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness, Dr. Panchal uses conservative, integrative treatments to manage neck pain. He might recommend:

  • Flexion-distraction 
  • Active and passive stretching
  • Physical therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Lumbar roll
  • Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization® (DNS)

You might also benefit from more specialized treatments, such as:

Active release technique® (ART)

ART is a patented soft-tissue treatment that addresses issues affecting your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. During treatment, you’re asked to move a specific part of your body while Dr. Panchal places pressure on it at the same time. That process allows him to determine the source of your discomfort. 

Soft tissue manipulation of the neck

Soft tissue manipulation uses light pressure, kneading, and other massage techniques to relieve muscle tension. It’s safe, effective, and feels great. 

To ensure a quick and satisfactory outcome, follow Dr. Panchal’s instructions closely. Attend your follow-up appointments, and if your symptoms don’t improve, contact the office right away.

To receive treatment for neck pain, make an appointment at Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness by calling the office or clicking the online scheduler today.