Neck pain often means a dispersed area of pain in the neck, upper back, or trapezius muscles, as well as pain in the shoulder blade region. Neck pain is a very common pain complaint that may develop from an injury or even just poor sitting posture while working at the computer. Dr. Richard Kowal uses gentle techniques to help you get relief from your neck pain at his chiropractic practice on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. Schedule an appointment for neck pain relief by calling the office or request one online today.
Neck pain is pain that emanates from the neck but may include pain over a broad area, including the neck, upper back, shoulder blade, shoulder, and arm. In fact, many people just feel pain in the shoulder blade area, without pain in the neck, which is actually originating from the neck.
Usually, the pain is worsened with movement of the neck and sometimes it’s hard to move the neck at all without pain. This pain presents on a spectrum. It can be mild, chronic background pain, but it can also be severe, incapacitating pain, which makes even concentrating difficult.
With the right care, Dr. Kowal will help you get relief from your neck pain no matter the severity.
You may develop neck pain after an injury, poor posture, or an underlying degenerative condition that affects the normal structure of your cervical spine.
Common causes of neck pain include:
The good news is, no matter the cause, you can get relief from your neck pain.
Dr. Kowal begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the major area of your pain as well as any other areas that may be related to your condition. The goal of the exam is to find the root cause of your pain. During your consultation, Dr. Kowal will review your symptoms, including the types of pain you experience, when they started, and the activities that worsen or alleviate the pain. He then performs a physical exam, paying close attention to your alignment, movement, and mobility.
While X-rays and MRI’s aren’t usually required before beginning treatment, if needed, Dr. Kowal will make the appropriate orthopedic referral and help you to get a consult scheduled as quickly as possible.
Dr. Kowal first addresses the painful areas, whether the result of trauma or chronic overuse, with techniques to eliminate the pain. These methods include gentle joint mobilization, myofascial release techniques, and therapeutic exercises. He doesn’t use the “cracking type” maneuvers that you may associate with chiropractic care.
Treatment does not stop with attention to the painful areas. In the treatment process, Dr. Kowal also pays careful attention to how you move and hold yourself. Addressing faulty movement patterns can be the key to lasting pain relief.
Most patients experience a rapid improvement in their pain as soon as they begin treatment. In addition to his gentle hands-on techniques, Dr. Kowal also provides a home care program for you to follow after your first visit. This program includes the “what to do” and the “what not to do” so you can get better as quickly as possible.
Don’t let your neck pain keep you from doing the things you enjoy. Contact the office of Dr. Richard Kowal by phone or online today to get immediate and long-term relief.
Fees & Insurance
Yes. If we are under contract with your insurance company, we will collect the co-payment at the time of your visit and submit the claim for you.
If we do not currently participate in your health insurance plan and you have out of network benefits we will file a claim directly with your insurance company. You can expect your out of pocket expense to be $65.for regular office visits.
Medicare: Please call to speak with us personally so we can review your specific Medicare benefits and give you an exact answer regarding finances.
We never perform any service without discussing it, and its cost with you beforehand, and receiving your approval. We are very respectful around finances, and no one ever receives a bill from “out of nowhere” from us!
Give a call to discuss your specific health concerns with Dr. Kowal and he’ll be able to clarify what finances, evaluative services and/or care would look like for you personally.
Some of the plans and providers we accept
