Tired of suffering from neck pain and headaches? Dr. Andrew Harrison and the team at Harrison Chiropractic Center in McHenry, IL, offer cervical decompression and other effective techniques for relief.
Cervical Decompression in Chiropractic Care
You might have heard of spinal decompression and how it can reduce or eliminate back pain. Cervical decompression is a similar technique that is performed on the neck and provides many similar benefits. Learn more about this technique and its role in chiropractic care in the guide below provided by Dr. Harrison at Harrison Chiropractic Center in McHenry, IL.
Why Does the Neck Need to Be Decompressed?
Cervical decompression is just one of the techniques employed in many treatment plans, but it’s an important one. Thanks to the digital age, more and more people spend hours at a time leaning over a device. This leads to too much strain and pressure on the neck and its discs.
As the discs become compressed, they often tear and spill out onto the nerves. When this occurs, it can cause everything from headaches to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms, shoulders, and upper back.
This extra pressure on the neck also causes muscle tension and trigger points that can be very difficult to stretch and release. It typically leads to tension headaches and migraines, difficulty concentrating, and more.
Digital devices are not the only cause of such issues in the neck, though. Injuries, such as whiplash, and various other events can play a role. Regardless of the cause, though, cervical decompression can help relieve your symptoms and address the root cause.
What Is Cervical Decompression, and How Does It Work?
Decompression therapy employs the use of a computerized machine that gently stretches the neck. It alternates between stretching and relaxing to prevent involuntary tension from impeding the stretch. As the neck is stretched, several things occur.
- It stretches muscles that you might not be able to reach through regular stretching methods.
- It relieves pressure on the nerves.
- It creates a vacuum-like effect that pulls fluids and healing nutrients to the neck. The discs are then able to plump back up and provide the necessary cushion.
Decompression therapy is typically combined with other treatment techniques to ensure optimal healing. These can include adjustments, massage therapy, therapeutic exercises, and more, depending on the individual patient.
Learn more about cervical decompression and the role it can play in your life by visiting Dr. Harrison at Harrison Chiropractic Center in McHenry, IL. Call (815) 344-1025 to schedule your appointment today.