Whether you’ve slept on a bad pillow or been in a car accident, neck and back pain are hard to live with. Discomfort in those areas shouldn’t be ignored, as it can compromise your lifestyle and even be an indicator for more serious future problems. At Back to Health Chiropractic in Florence, KY, the team is committed to not only treating the symptoms of neck or back pain but also identifying what is causing the pain. Getting to the root of the problem is the only way long-lasting pain relief is possible.

Neck pain is most commonly a result of strained muscles or sprained ligaments. Muscles and ligaments become irritated if you have a tendency to slouch, sleep in an awkward position, or turn your head in a certain direction for long periods of time. Other causes include whiplash — where the head is jerked suddenly — and ruptures in the soft tissues of the neck. Sports injuries are also common causes of neck pain. Chronic causes of neck pain can be related to degenerating or herniated discs in the spine or narrowing of the spinal canal.

Back pain can be a result of an equally wide range of causes. A job that requires regular lifting, a particularly heavy book bag or purse, a workout injury, and bad posture are all triggers for back pain. Like neck pain, chronic back pain may also be caused by disc injuries or a narrow spine. Stress is another trigger of neck and back pain.

Treatment for neck and back pain depends on the cause. Visiting a chiropractor or doctor is the first step to getting relief. Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment plans include strengthening exercises, massages, and chiropractic care, which is especially effective at relieving pain by addressing trigger points. Yoga, heat therapy, and ice packs are also known to help with neck and back pain relief. For chronic conditions, surgery is an option, but it’s usually a last resort.

The bottom line: if you’re suffering from neck or back pain, don’t wait to see a doctor or chiropractor. The pain can usually be managed in a methodical way, but early care is always recommended to avoid exacerbating the discomfort. Get neck and back pain relief as soon as possible by calling Back to Health Chiropractic at (859) 746-2222 or visiting their website.