Hard to turn your Head? You Need a Neck Chiropractor!

Many people suffer from several conditions of the neck--chronic pain, strained muscles, or just plain stiffness. A stiff neck is typically characterized by soreness and difficulty moving the neck, especially when trying to turn the head to the side. It could also be accompanied by a headache, neck pain, shoulder pain and/or arm pain. If a person has to turn their entire body rather than just pivoting your head to look sideways or backward, it is time to find a chiropractor for neck pain problems.

McKim Chiropractic is a health care Neck Chiropractor Nampa ID vital to the injured athlete with Chiropracters Nampa ID concern deliberate for your particular problems.

What can cause a stiff neck?

• Sports injuries;
• Activity that involves repeatedly turning the head from side to side;
• Poor posture;
• Excessive stress;
• Holding the neck in an abnormal position for a long period;
• Cervical spine disorders, including herniated discs, degenerative discs, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs.

One or more of a combination of the following treatments can significantly decrease the stiffness and soreness in your neck:

• Rest --- Resting for one or two days allows injured tissue to heal, which in turn helps relieve stiffness and possible muscle spasms. However, too much inactivity can lead to a weakening of the muscles, which will then struggle to adequately support the neck and head.

• Gentle Stretching -- Stretching, as tolerated, will help ease the stiffness and restore the neck to a more natural range of motion.

• Heat and Ice -- Cold therapy will help relieve most types of neck stiffness by reducing local inflammation. Applying heat can increase blood flow, which fosters a better healing environment. Both may be used alternately.

• Medication -- Many over-the-counter and prescription medications are available. NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) will reduce inflammation. Even nonprescription medications have risks, so be sure to discuss any medications with your pharmacist or medical doctor.

• Low-Impact Exercise -- Any form of low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking, is often helpful in relieving any type of stiffness. It helps circulate oxygen to the soft tissues throughout the spine, promoting healing.

There are other, more serious symptoms and signs to watch out for. For example, if you experence fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, can’t get to sleep, or sweating, it could be a sign of an infection. Your chiropractor will recommend that you see your health practitioner.

Even for mild symptoms, it is wise to seek treatment from a licensed neck chiropractor in order to learn neck stretching and strengthening exercises, improved posture, and follow the rules of ergonomics to help prevent or minimize future episodes of stiffness or pain. In the majority of cases, a stiff neck is caused by a simple muscle strain or sprain and treatment will bring relief within a few days.

If you’re having trouble looking over your shoulder, call our offices of McKim Chiropractic and make an appointment with a neck chiropractor. Chiropractic care is a natural and drug-free treatment that will improve physical and emotional health as body functions are freed from vertebral subluxation stress. Call McKim Chiropractic today! Our licensed and certified staff is committed to helping the residents of Boise, ID, Nampa, ID, and Caldwell, ID, enjoy life, not just survive it!