Cervical discomfort means neck pain, which is highly common with an age-standard prevalence of nearly 30% in 1,000 people in 2022. There is a constant need for sustainable treatment options that are less invasive and limit exposure to medication. Yoga, chiropractic care, and spinal manipulation are a few alternative treatment options that are gaining traction as being safe and efficacious. This article explores these treatments and their approaches.

Doctors often recommend alternative treatments for neck pain, such as acupressure, chiropractic, therapeutic massage, functional movement, and many others. Sometimes they are combined with more mainstream clinical treatments and surgery. 

Alternative approaches to treating neck pain have several reports of positive feedback from patients. But how it functions varies depending on the individual needs of the recipient. So rather than trying this out to “see what happens,” always see your doctor and select an evidence-based therapy.

What Causes Neck Pain And Why You Should Not Overlook Minor Symptoms 

The first seven stacked bones of your spine, known in medicine as the C1-C7 vertebrae, make up the nape of the neck between your head and shoulder, and this area is called the cervical spine. 

Neck pain is pretty much everyone’s problem, but it is not a disorder, it is a symptom. It may be caused by poor posture or prolonged strain, sports injuries, or it may be caused by reduced range of motion, it can be a symptom of disorders like disc degeneration, Lumbar spinal stenosis, or arthritis. If you want to get rid of the symptom, it is essential to trace the disorder causing the discomfort. Otherwise, the pain will keep coming back! 

Innovative Evidence-Based Approaches for Alternative Treatment of Cervical Pain Relief 

An innovative approach to alternative treatment for neck discomfort has been developed by the Five Dock Osteopathic and Chiropractic Center in Canada Bay. To provide comprehensive, safe, and scientifically proven therapy, the clinic offers personalized treatment regimens. 

Instead of treating the symptoms for the moment and superficially, the treatment plan focuses on the underlying source of the symptoms. The multi-disciplinary approach would be applied in a step-by-step style over the course, with consultation, prognosis, treatment, analysis, and progress tracking. This is effective because each step is built on the progress of the previous one, meaning that each time, the improvements are greater. 

So as more and more alternative therapies come up with evidence-based approaches, it becomes easier to choose the best option, with a realistic expectation. It never works with preconceived notions. 

Different Options of Alternative Treatment for Neck Pain 

The best alternative treatments for neck pain focus on stiffness, mobility, and functional movement simultaneously. While there are some herbal treatments and home cures available, the more sensible and long-lasting course of action would be to choose those that are made specifically for the type and severity of neck pain and also address any additional issues.

• Spinal Manipulation & Mobilization for Neck Pain 

Spinal Manipulation can be performed by a chiropractor, osteopathic doctor, or physiotherapist. This is basically performed by hand, but some devices are available to create high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts. Spinal manipulation is not a form of massage, it is a coordinated movement that aims to mobilize spinal joints very slowly yet firmly. 

In its early stages, spinal manipulation was misunderstood with polarized views of medical professionals on its efficacy in treating neck pain. Over the years, however,  the benefits have been discovered with more evidence of complete pain alleviation. To dispel any misconceptions, spinal manipulation cannot cure serious conditions like arthritis or cervical spondylolysis. It works by improving mobility, and the functioning of the nervous system. While it is often used as a stand-alone treatment, it is more beneficial when combined with other forms of physical therapy.

• Therapeutic Massage 

Similar to spinal manipulation, hands-on massage techniques were created by trained chiropractors with the goals of enhancing muscle movement, increasing blood circulation, and promoting a certain amount of relaxation. The massages target deep tissue and are frequently part of a regimen that also includes physical therapy and exercise.

• Exercise for Neck Pain 

To prevent slouching or developing a hump and the development of muscle or joint stiffness from inactivity, doctors may recommend specific exercises and guided movements that encourage functional mobility, enhance posture, and promote body strength and stability. Additionally, staying active helps you maintain a healthy weight, particularly after surgery or a protracted illness.

The neck is a very delicate area, and careless movements or unintentional manipulation can lead to injuries or conditions that hurt and limit motion. Always choose experienced professionals with a good reputation who have treated people with problems similar to yours in the past.

The author has hands-on experience writing about chiropractic and osteopathic topics related to cervical pain relief, knee pain, back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. If you are looking to get help for your neck pain, these articles can give you valuable insight and advice to make a conscious decision.