- 50 - 70% of the population will experience neck pain at least once in their lives.
- Acute neck pain usually resolves within days or weeks, but becomes chronic in about 10% of people.
- Between 10 - 15% of the population may have neck pain on any given day.
- There is a less than 1% chance that the pain is due to a serious medical condition.
What you can do to help yourself
- Appropriate early management of neck pain is important to prevent long-term problems.
- If recent onset neck pain is very painful then the use of cold or heat or simple analgesics (such as Paracetamol) may be beneficial.
- If pain is present for more than a couple of days seek attention from your chiropractor.
There are a number of effective treatments for neck pain, this includes spinal manipulation.
- With appropriate treatment most people will recover within a few weeks.
- Being fearful of movement and concerned that you may do more damage is often a factor in slowing recovery, so try and remain active within your pain limit.
- Pain that persists for more than a few weeks may cause you to overly avoid normal activities. Not coping with pain and avoiding activities may result in anxiety and further problems in the long-term.
- The role of your chiropractor is to help you recover via hands-on treatment and appropriate self-management.
For more information about neck pain treatment, contact us today!
