In April I covered headaches. In May I am moving down the body to the neck.
Many of us have had the misfortune of experiencing neck pain. Whether neck pain started last night or you have had episodes for years, the evidence tells us that the best thing to do is to keep moving. Specific exercise to address motion loss is good. However, simply continuing general exercise will be effective in many cases.
Some people may benefit from traction, which is creating space in the neck by pulling the head away from the torso. Others, may benefit from different hands-on techniques. Some may be wary of manipulations or adjustments, but this is a safe and effective method to restore motion in the right circumstances. A manipulation does not always have to result in an audible pop or crack to be effective. Also, force can be applied with speed for a manipulation or pressure can be applied more slowly in the form of a mobilization. Both have been shown to be effective.
I find that many people have an instinct to protect their neck, but immobilization and cervical collars are a thing of the past unless there is a fracture. Even in cases of whiplash, the neck is better served by the medicine of movement.
