The neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. The cervical spine supports the full weight of your head which is on average about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.

The neck’s susceptibility to injury is due in part to biomechanics. Activities and events that affect cervical biomechanics include extended sitting, repetitive movement, accidents, falls and blows to the body or head, normal aging, and everyday wear and tear. Neck pain can be very bothersome, and it can have a variety of causes.

A neck adjustment (also known as cervical manipulation) is a precise procedure where pressure is applied to the joints of the neck, usually by hand. A neck adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine and to restore range of motion. Patients typically notice an improved ability to turn and tilt the head as well as a reduction of pain, soreness and stiffness.

Pain in any area of your spine is considered back pain. The spine consists of a column of bones or vertebrae held together by muscles, tendons and ligaments separated by shock absorbing disks. Chiropractic care is beneficial for many different conditions, not just back pain. However, many patients initially visit chiropractors seeking relief from back pain. It is reported 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time.

Back pain is caused by a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. When you sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks and irritate joints, these all can lead to back pain. Sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain as well as simple movements like bending over to pick up a child. Other factors to consider are arthritis, poor posture, obesity and psychological stress which can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots or bone loss. A knowledgeable chiropractor will rule out these findings before a treatment plan is put into place.