Bottom Line:

You know that feeling - the one where you start to feel a headache coming on. For many people, it is a daily occurrence and often begins in the neck and shoulders. That’s right - tight muscles around your neck can result in tension headaches. What’s more, if you sit at a computer all day, your posture may also be contributing to a decreased range of motion, premature degenerative changes in your spine, and headaches - but there’s good news!

There are a few simple steps you can take to help you feel less pain, increase your energy, and fend off those degenerative changes. New evidence-based guidelines strongly recommend a combination of exercise, stretching, and Chiropractic adjustments to help reduce neck pain, headaches, and muscle tension.

 Why it Matters:

Chronic neck pain can rob you of the things you love. Enjoying your hobbies, taking a few moments to relax, and time with your family can all be affected. However, neck pain and headaches don’t have to be a part of your daily life. By understanding the latest research, you can take massive action to improve your health. Check out the next steps below to find a few tips to help you take your life back from pain.

-        Research recommends a combination of Chiropractic, exercise, and stretching to reduce neck pain.

-        Chiropractic has an extremely high patient satisfaction score of over 90%.

-        An amazing 85% of people receiving Chiropractic adjustments for acute neck pain experienced significant improvement.

Next Steps:

 It’s exciting that research has continued to showcase that you’re in charge of your health. Your habits and lifestyle can make a massive impact. Start reducing neck pain today by taking breaks every 45-60 minutes and stretching out your neck and shoulders.

Take a brisk walk during lunch or hit the gym a few times a week to increase your activity levels. Finally, don’t forget about getting adjusted. Research proves that Chiropractic adjustments are a smart decision!

Science Source(s):

Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise with Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain- A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 156, 2012

Perceived Value of Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Exercise Among Seniors with Chronic Neck Pain: A Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2014

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 37. 2014

Outcomes from Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Confirmed Symptomatic Cervical Disk Herniation Patients Treated with High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulative Therapy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2013

Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 6 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).