Chiropractic and Guided Imagery in the Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is a major occurrence in the human population, so common that it has come to be accepted as a normal part of our lives. One study estimated that in any year, at least 1/3 of adults have an episode of neck pain. Even worse, it is said that approximately 15% of those people have chronic or recurrent neck pain (Shoffferman, 2001). Chiropractic has proven to be highly effective in the treatment of neck pain, both acute and chronic. Treatment consists of Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy coupled with appropriate stretching and strengthening programs. Guided imagery is a way of using our creative imagination powers. It is an imagery exercise designed to relax the body and reduce stress levels. It is also a relaxation technique aimed at easing stress, and promoting a sense of peace and tranquillity and balance to stressful situations in one's life. Guided imagery has been proven clinically to be one of the most powerful tools in stress reduction (Campbell-Gillies, 2003.