Yes, you can take your child to a chiropractor. My name is Anna, and I work for a chiropractic medical office. Some people believe that children are not good candidates for chiropractic services because they are still growing. This is simply not true. Kids' bodies experience the same kinds of stress and pressure as adults' bodies do, and they can also benefit from the attention a chiropractor can give. This is especially true for children who participate in sports and other physically demanding activities. This blog will help you understand what a chiropractor can do for your child and why you should make an appointment to see one.
Chiropractors For Kids
What A Chiropractor Wants You To Know About Neck Pain
Neil Fuller
Chances are pretty good you will experience a stiff neck at some point in time during your life. It may be something you experience first thing in the morning after you slept the wrong way or it may be something you endure after a long day of work. However, what if you experience pain when you turn your neck from side to side?
It is important to understand there is a difference between having a stiff neck and having neck pain. If you experience regular neck stiffness that turns into serious neck pain – or you just experience serious neck pain – it is a good idea to learn more about what you can do to remediate the pain, and when a chiropractor could help.
How to Remediate the Pain From Home
Fortunately, there are a handful of things you can try from your own home to help remediate your neck pain.
Use Ice
If your neck is inflamed, cold will help reduce the swelling. A good cold treatment for pain is to place it on your neck for 20 minutes, remove it for 40 minutes, and then put it back on for another 20 minutes. You can repeat this cycle until you start to feel better. A cold pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or some ice in a zip lock bag covered with a light towel would all work for this form of treatment. If the cold treatment does not help with the pain – or the pain starts to feel worse – you should consult with a chiropractor.
Inspect Your Pillow
It is important to make sure your pillow is firm – or extra firm – if you are a side or back sleeper. A flat pillow will force your neck to bend in a position that is not natural for it to be in. Whether you sleep for a long, or short, period of time, your neck will be so stretched out it causes you pain all morning.
Perform Light Neck Exercises
A light neck exercise may be all your neck muscles need to loosen up. Gently tense up your neck muscles as you move your neck up and down and from side to side. Just be careful not to overextend your neck if it hurts and avoid pushing your neck beyond its limits. Stretching can be helpful, but it can also be harmful if you push your neck too hard.
So, When Do You Need a Chiropractor?
While trying to remediate the neck pain from home is great, it is a good idea to know when the self-treatment isn't enough. Here's how you know to contact a chiropractor:
- If, with treatment, the neck stiffness – or pain – doesn't improve after a couple of days.
- If you are not capable of looking in any direction other than straight ahead without pain.
- You don't want to – or are sick of using – over-the-counter pain medication.
- You require over-the-counter pain medication to get through the day.
- Your neck pain has spread to other parts of your body.
- Your neck pain started a couple of days after an auto accident.
A chiropractor will be able to conduct an examine and determine what is causing the neck pain. Then, he or she will be able to recommend appropriate treatment for the pain.
Share