Should I see a chiropractor or get a massage for neck pain?

Neck pain happens for many different reasons. Sometimes, sleeping in an awkward position or on a new pillow can cause an aching neck, and on the other end of the spectrum, neck pain can be caused by physical accidents, like falls and sports injuries.

If you want to avoid taking NSAIDs and other pain meds, or you simply want to explore holistic treatments, both chiropractic and massage therapy are options.

Let’s look at some of the differences between massage therapists and chiropractors, so you can decide whether you prefer chiropractic or massage for neck pain relief.

Massage Therapy Education

In Texas, a massage therapist requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Masseuses who want to seek higher education can enter a 55-hour training program to acquire accreditation by The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), which is recognized by the US Department of Education. The program is usually offered by trade schools and community colleges.

Only two or three types of massage are thoroughly taught, in most cases. The most popular types of massage techniques are Swedish massage and deep tissue massage.

Chiropractor Education

To become a chiropractor in Texas, a student needs a bachelor degree in sciences before applying to chiropractic school, which is a four-year program. All chiropractors in the US are required to have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited college. The chiropractor must then pass an examination to hold a license to practice.

Afterward, continuing education classes (CEs) must be accrued every year to maintain the license.

First Visit to a Massage Therapist

Whether you choose an independent masseuse or a massage center that has many therapists, your initial appointment will be very much the same. The therapist will ask you about areas you’re experiencing discomfort, and what type of pressure you prefer. Most will not treat the abdomen but will ask whether you want your glutes treated.

A full-body massage involves the neck, shoulders, back, glutes, legs, arms, feet, and hands. Some therapists will massage the scalp and/or jaw upon request. Make a special request that you be given massage for neck pain, in particular.

A one-hour treatment is most common. Afterward, you’ll be told to drink plenty of water to hydrate and help flush toxins from the body. The effectiveness of massage therapy depends greatly on the skill of the masseuse and the patient’s expectations. For reducing stress, massage can be quite effective.

First Visit to a Chiropractor

Dr. Cody Doyle, whose chiropractic office is in Roanoke, Tx, will spend one to one-and-a-half hours talking with you about your overall health, areas of concern, surgeries, diet, activity level, and medications. He will perform a physical examination of your spine, range of motion, balance, and other important aspects of physical health. To may patients, he has been a chiropractor for neck pain relief.

If you have x-rays or MRI findings to share with Dr. Doyle, he will review them prior to your visit. In most cases, spinal manipulation (often called an adjustment) will be performed, focusing on pain relief if that’s what you need most.

How does a chiropractor treat neck pain?

Your first visit is imperative, because it’s then when Dr. Doyle will learn about your neck pain, when it started, what treatments have not worked, what helps and what worsens the pain, etc. With this knowledge and the information you discussed during your consultation, he will develop a treatment plan specifically for you.

The doctor has a table with moving parts, as well as solid tables, where patients are treated. In addition to musculoskeletal manipulation, he may use muscle stimulation, ice packs, or heating pads to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Chiropractic treatment is not particularly painful, but some temporary discomfort and soreness are to be expected. The goal is long-term pain relief. Dr. Doyle uses effective, proven treatments to relieve neck pain.

As a holistic practitioner, Dr. Doyle is both a chiropractor and acupuncturist. He may recommend acupuncture, if appropriate for your case. You can also expect Dr. Doyle to let you know how many visits he suggests for your situation.

Which chiropractor should I call in Roanoke, Tx?

For over two decades, Dr. Doyle has explored alternative medicine for pain relief and wellness. He does recommend therapeutic massage for patients, as a supplement to chiropractic. Whether you want find out if chiropractic is right for you or you’d like to become a patient, contact his office at (817) 767-5430.

Note that Doyle Chiropractic is a fee for service office that will bill your insurance, if your policy covers chiropractic or acupuncture.