Neck pain is a widespread health concern for a lot of Americans. In fact, the American Chiropractic Association estimates that more than half of the population suffers from neck pain at some point during their lifetime. Neck pain is also one of the most common reasons people see their doctor or neck pain chiropractor in Encinitas.

Considering that around 30 million Americans suffer from chronic neck pain and another 10 million experience acute neck injuries each year due to trauma or accident, it's easy to see why so many people are looking into neck surgery for relief. The question is, does it apply to everyone? What other choices do patients have to help the body heal?

Causes of Neck Pain

If you’ve had neck pain for years now and showed little to zero changes, your condition has likely progressed and become chronic. Unfortunately, the symptoms fail to improve if you have chronic neck pain. They will also linger for more than three to six months. 

The longer your chronic pain goes unresolved, the longer it would take to overcome it. Additionally, your symptoms can disrupt your life in so many ways: sleep, work, relationships, leisure, and everything in between. 

Most commonly, people experience neck pain after a trauma or injury to the head and neck area. However, sometimes neck pain can result from arthritis and herniated discs. Cervical stenosis is another common cause of chronic neck pain. 

Because there are several potential reasons behind your achy neck, it's imperative to get a comprehensive diagnosis before you consider a remedy. We strongly recommend working hand in hand with your physician, physical therapist, or a neck pain chiropractor in Encinitas. The sooner you can figure out what's triggering your neck pain, the quicker you can develop your care plan.

Neck Pain Surgery for Relief

The severity and root causes of neck pain vary from one case to another. Hence, a complete and accurate diagnosis is a must for patients who want to consider surgery as an option for neck pain relief. Below are the must-ask questions you can use when weighing on neck surgery and other remedies: 

• Have you explored less invasive neck pain remedies? Did they work for you?
• Do you have age-related spinal health problems such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis?
• Are your symptoms getting worse each month?
• Do you have problems with tasks that require fine motor skills (dialing a number, buttoning clothes, brushing teeth, etc.)?
• Have you consulted your primary physician about the risks and complications based on your body's current condition?

The more things you know about neck surgery, the better chances you have of seeing desirable results. We suggest going through our list of questions several times and talking to your physician about your concerns to determine if neck surgery is a good option for you. 

We also recommend talking to your doctor about the different surgical procedures and how they can potentially help you with your situation.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and neck pain, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Natural Options for Neck Pain

If your answers to the queries above suggest that neck surgery doesn't apply to your case, you might want to check other proven neck pain remedies. These include the following: 

Electrotherapy

It is a form of natural treatment that works by stimulating your body's natural healing process through the use of electrical signals. 

Electrotherapists often recommend taking advantage of this type of treatment if you have been diagnosed with chronic or recurrent episodes of neck pain. 

This form of therapy is effective for people who have arthritis because it can increase flexibility in affected joints without causing tissue damage or inflammation.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy can relieve neck pain, improve circulation and reduce stress and anxiety. It also can restore range of motion and flexibility, which are essential for reducing neck pain.

Active physical therapy

Rehabilitation exercises for the neck, shoulders and back might help you overcome pain-inducing conditions like previous injuries. This technique primarily involves doing daily stretches that strengthen muscles around your neck and upper back. You might also find it beneficial to explore training workouts that target your core and trapezius muscles. 

Upper cervical care

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a holistic, sophisticated, and focused approach to revitalizing the body. It specializes in restoring the balance in your spine, nervous system, and the rest of the body. This method can help you address both the cause of the pain and its symptoms. 

In your case, getting a neck pain chiropractor in Encinitas might help you lead an improved life. It makes a terrific alternative to neck pain surgery, especially if you want to pursue natural healing.

Dr. Keener – The Leading Neck Pain Chiropractor in Encinitas

If your neck pain persists, you might want to contact an experienced chiropractor for help.If you are from Encinitas or nearby towns and cities, we suggest visiting the K2 Health Center. 

Our chiropractor, Dr. Stephen Keener, is well-versed in applying precise chiropractic adjustments to the C1 and C2 bones. He is also passionate about helping patients lead a happy and pain-free life by keeping the body in optimum condition.

On your first visit, our neck pain Chiropractor in Encinitas will perform a thorough assessment of your case. You will need to undergo an upper neck X-ray examination and other physical diagnostic procedures to gauge the severity of your C1 and C2 vertebrae misalignments. The initial process will help us provide you with a customized chiropractic care plan. 

Additionally, we will monitor your recovery progress during your follow-up appointments so you can help your cervical spine go back to its original curvature. 

We are open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm and by appointment on Tuesdays and Fridays. You can book your first-ever consultation with Dr. Keener via email, consultation form, or phone call at (760) 280-5460.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Keener, call our Encinitas office at 760-456-9470. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.