Neck pain is a common complaint that can stem from a variety of causes . While occasional discomfort may be harmless, chronic neck pain can interfere with daily life and lead to more serious issues if not properly managed. If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain, then you could benefit from seeing an experienced chiropractor. At Better Back and Body, we provide expert chiropractic care in the greater Kirkland, WA area. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing neck pain. Here are four helpful tips for preventing neck pain before it starts. Practice Good Posture Maintaining proper posture throughout the day is one of the most effective ways to prevent neck pain. Whether you’re sitting at a desk, standing in line, or scrolling through your phone, it’s important to keep your head aligned with your spine. Slouching or hunching forward places unnecessary strain on the neck muscles and can lead to stiffness and pain. Try to keep your shoulders back and down, your chin slightly tucked, and your ears aligned with your shoulders. Set Up an Ergonomic Workspace If you spend a significant amount of time at a desk or computer, your workstation setup can have a major impact on your neck health. Your monitor should be at eye level to prevent you from bending your neck down or tilting your head forward for extended periods. A supportive chair, a desk at the proper height, and a keyboard positioned so your arms can relax naturally can also help minimize neck strain. Making a few ergonomic adjustments can go a long way in keeping neck pain at bay. Take Frequent Breaks from Screens Long periods of screen time can encourage poor posture and muscle fatigue, especially if you’re often looking down at a phone or tablet. To counteract this, make a habit of taking short breaks throughout the day. Every 30 to 60 minutes, stand up, stretch your neck and shoulders, and reset your posture. These mini-breaks can help prevent the buildup of tension and promote better circulation in your neck and upper back. Stay Active and Stretch Regularly Regular physical activity helps strengthen the muscles that support your neck and improves overall flexibility. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga can be especially beneficial. Incorporating gentle neck and shoulder stretches into your daily routine can also reduce muscle tightness and increase range of motion. Consistency is key—staying active and limber is one of the best long-term strategies for keeping neck pain at bay. Chiropractor in Kirkland, WA For a chiropractor in Kirkland, WA and the surrounding area, contact Better Back and Body at  425-629-0326  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an evaluation!

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor aches to serious musculoskeletal damage. Even in low-speed collisions, the body can experience trauma that affects the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves. While some symptoms may appear immediately, others can take days or weeks to develop. Seeking chiropractic care after a car accident can be a critical step in the recovery process. Chiropractors specialize in treating injuries that impact the body’s alignment and mobility, offering natural and non-invasive methods to support healing. At Better Back and Body, our local chiropractic office provides expert auto injury therapy in the greater Kirkland, WA area. Here are four important ways a chiropractor can help you recover after a crash. Treating Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash, which occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward. This motion can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck and upper back. Chiropractors are trained to identify the signs of whiplash and other soft tissue injuries and provide targeted spinal adjustments, stretching, and therapies to reduce inflammation and restore mobility. Reducing Inflammation and Pain Naturally After an accident, your body may respond with swelling and stiffness due to microscopic tears in the muscles and ligaments. While inflammation is part of the body’s healing process, excessive swelling can lead to pain and limited movement. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques such as spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy to reduce inflammation without relying on pain medications, which only mask the symptoms. Restoring Proper Alignment A car accident can throw your spine and joints out of alignment, leading to chronic discomfort and limited function if not corrected. Misalignments can cause nerve interference and put extra strain on surrounding muscles and tissues. Chiropractors specialize in realigning the spine and other joints to help restore balance and promote natural healing. Preventing Long-Term Complications Ignoring injuries or delaying treatment after a car accident can lead to long-term problems like chronic pain and reduced mobility. Early chiropractic care can help prevent these complications by addressing the root cause of the pain and dysfunction. By correcting alignment issues and encouraging healing in the early stages, chiropractors can help you avoid more serious and lasting consequences. Auto Injury Therapy in Kirkland For auto injury therapy in Kirkland and the surrounding area, contact Better Back and Body at  425-629-0326  . At our nearby chiropractor’s office, we specialize in treating patients who’ve recently been in car accidents. Feel free to give us a call to arrange an evaluation!