Move Freely Again: What to Expect from a Chiropractor for Neck Pain
Sometimes we don’t think about our necks until we have a problem. Waking up with a stiff neck means you can barely move your head and checking your blind spot requires your whole body to twist round like a robot! By the evening you’ll be sat on the sofa with a heating pad on your shoulders and searching on your phone for a local chiropractor for neck pain.
I have seen this many times. Most of the time neck pain doesn’t occur suddenly; it can be caused by lots of things such as poor posture using phones, laptops on your lap, flat pillows and stress causing stiffness between the shoulder blades. If you’re in Kingston, Teddington or Hampton Wick there are many clinics available.
Local chiropractor for neck pain’ is a very popular search, but so is ultrasound therapy Teddington. However, there is a lot of noise and not much clarity. Here’s what you need to know.
What to expect from a local chiropractor for neck pain
Most of the time you will be asked questions. A good local chiropractor for neck pain will ask you how your neck pain started, what makes it worse, what your sleeping pattern is like, what you do for a living, have you had a whiplash injury or bad fall.
They will then perform a physical examination assessing how far you can move your neck, where it is painful, and how your upper back and shoulders move.
Neck pain can be a generic term and can be caused by many things such as stiff joints, tight muscles, irritated disc and trapped nerve. Without knowing exactly what is causing your pain you can’t really plan any treatment.
You may receive some gentle joint manipulation, soft tissue release, some exercises and some basic advice on your desk setup. If they promise to sort your neck pain in 2 sessions they are trying to sell you something!
A good chiropractor Kingston upon Thames has to offer will give you a general idea of how long your treatment would take and will be honest if they aren’t the right person for you.
What is ultrasound therapy Teddington?
Just a quick note to clarify. Therapeutic ultrasound is not the same as ultrasound you would have during pregnancy. It uses high frequency sound waves through a small head with some gel.
This creates a gentle vibration and slight warmth to the area underneath. It is often used for soft tissue issues such as muscle strains, irritated tendons and tight knots.
You won’t feel much, sometimes nothing at all! Sessions are usually 5-10 mins. It usually works best when used in conjunction with hands on treatment and exercises.
There is mixed evidence around ultrasound therapy Teddington and honest practitioners will be upfront about this. It also needs to be used carefully during pregnancy, with certain implants and areas of decreased sensation. If they don’t ask about your health before providing ultrasound therapy Teddington then this is a red flag.
Combining hands on treatment and ultrasound therapy
You may assume that you can only have one or the other. However, it is often a combination. A local chiropractor Kingston you can trust may provide some joint manipulation and exercises to get your neck moving again. Ultrasound therapy Teddington may be used to calm the irritated soft tissue around your neck.
Usually the soft tissue is treated first then the joint manipulation, however a good practitioner will adapt to how you are feeling that day. It shouldn’t be a one size fits all approach.
If you haven’t had great results with just one of the treatments then combining them may be the answer. Just ensure they can explain why they are doing each part.
If they want to aggressively manipulate your neck on your first session with a local chiropractor for neck pain then be cautious. Always go with gentle and measured.
Mid thoracic pain
Neck pain and mid thoracic pain often go hand in hand. Mid thoracic pain is the tight burning knot between your shoulder blades. It is a common issue with those who sit down a lot, drivers, new parents carrying their baby and those who hunch over their screens.
The neck and upper back share a lot of muscles so if one is being grumpy the other will be too. Mid thoracic pain can be caused by many things such as stiff joints, tight muscles, irritated rib joints and referred pain. Rarely it can be more serious so if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing or pain going down your arm this needs urgent medical attention.
This is not something a chiropractor can help with, this is a doctors job. However, if your mid thoracic pain is just a mechanical issue then hands on treatment can usually help.
Sometimes ultrasound therapy Teddington can be used on the surrounding muscles and some simple stretches. Don’t just roll on a tennis ball.
Y strap adjustment UK
Have you ever seen someone hanging from a padded strap under their chin and wondered what on earth they were doing? This is called a Y strap. It is a form of traction treatment to stretch the spine and help release any stiff joints. This treatment has become extremely popular with searches for Y strap adjustment UK.
Thanks to videos online it can look quite dramatic. A Y strap chiropractor will put you in a set position and apply a constant pull through your neck and spine. If done correctly it can feel amazing.
However, if done incorrectly it can be risky especially around the neck. Please don’t try to replicate what you see on social media.
If you are searching for Y strap adjustment near me make sure they are qualified, how often they use it and what the risks are. A responsible Y strap chiropractor will complete an assessment to check for any neck issues, high blood pressure and previous injuries. It is just one tool in their toolbox.
Osteomyologist vs Chiropractor?
A quick note. An Osteomyologist uses a mixture of joint techniques and muscle and connective tissue techniques. It is a more holistic hands-on approach.
This title is well known in parts of Europe but not as much in the UK. Ultimately it doesn’t really matter what they are called. Some practitioners have training in both. This can be helpful if your pain doesn’t fit into a box.
A good chiropractor Kingston upon Thames residents recommend won’t be fussy about what they are called. If you would benefit from another approach they will tell you. When searching for a local chiropractor make sure they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council. Read the middle reviews.
Be wary of anyone trying to sell you a large package of treatment on your first session. How did you feel in the room? Were you rushed or confused?
Final thoughts
Neck pain shouldn’t be ignored. Whether it is caused by a stubborn disc, mid thoracic pain or tight muscles there are options available.
A local chiropractor for neck pain can help identify what is causing your pain, ultrasound therapy Teddington can help calm the irritated tissue and a safe Y strap adjustment can be used to provide an extra boost when needed.
Finding the right chiropractor Kingston has to offer is about finding someone trustworthy, honest and who can provide a plan.
If you want a team who aren’t pushy and really listen then Achieve Spinal Health are worth contacting. Whether you want a Y strap chiropractor, osteomyologist or just a local chiropractor you can rely on,
Achieve Spinal Health will point you in the right direction. Contact Achieve Spinal Health today to book your assessment. Your neck has been holding your head up so give it a return!
https://medium.com/readers-club/do-you-feel-neck-pain-after-sitting-for-long-hours-b941abde2f46
FAQs
What does a local chiropractor for neck pain do?
They will assess your neck, upper back and shoulders. They will then provide some gentle joint manipulation, soft tissue release and exercises. The treatment will depend on the cause.
Is ultrasound therapy Teddington painful?
No, most people don’t feel anything or just a slight warmth. Sessions are usually 5-10mins.
Is Y strap adjustment UK safe?
Yes if you are assessed by a trained Y strap chiropractor. It isn’t suitable for everyone so always ask about the risks.
How do I find Y strap adjustment near me?
Make sure they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council. Ask how experienced they are with the treatment. Read honest reviews. Don’t go to anyone who doesn’t complete the exam.
What is the difference between an osteomyologist and chiropractor?
An osteomyologist uses a combination of joint and muscle techniques. A chiropractor mainly focusses on the spine and nervous system. It depends what your issue is.