What Kind of a Doctor Should I See If I Am Having Chronic Neck Pain?

Neck pain can happen to anyone. There are many different causes, and the severity of pain differs depending on the individual and how the neck pain occurred. Neck pain that lasts for more than a few weeks is considered chronic neck pain. If you are experiencing chronic neck pain, the following doctors will be able to help treat you effectively.

Orthopaedic Care

• According to the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, orthopaedists are specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and help prevent problems associated with chronic neck pain. This involves treating the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons in the neck area. Orthopaedists can correctly identify the source of the neck pain, which is essential for proper treatment. Your orthopaedist will ask you about any illnesses you may have, and about any injuries that are related to your neck pain. She will also ask you about any previous treatments you may have had, take X-rays of the neck, and perform a physical exam. The overall treatment plan will depend on the diagnosis and test results. However, most orthopaedic treatment plans include a combination of rest, physical therapy and exercise, relaxation, reduced activity, and pain medication.

Chiropractic Care

• Chiropractors have the ability to ease and correct chronic neck pain through spinal and muscle manipulation, and spinal adjustment. According to ChiropractorGuide.com, spinal manipulation and spinal adjustments are an important part of the treatment program for chronic neck pain. Your chiropractor will first ask you about your medical history and if you have suffered from neck pain in the past. He will then ask about the severity of your pain. Severe neck pain may indicate a serious medical problem, such as spinal degeneration or scoliosis. Chiropractic therapy is based on the premise that each bone in the spine is directly related to other parts of the body. Therefore, chronic neck pain indicates a misalignment in a specific part of the spine. The same could be said for arm or leg pain. This is the reason chiropractors will focus on spinal manipulation rather than the neck pain itself. In addition to spinal manipulation, your chiropractor may use an ultrasound for treatment. An ultrasound works by initiating blood circulation throughout the body. The result is reduced swelling and stiffness. Muscle spasms also ease and relax, which reduces pain and aches. Unlike an orthopaedist, a chiropractor will not prescribe any pain medication. Chiropractic therapy is considered to be a form of holistic treatment, which is always drug-free.