The neck, or what we call the cervical spine in medical terms, contains seven small vertebrae starting from the base of the skull. It can only be called incredible that these seven vertebrae support the weight of our entire head, which is nothing short of hefty at an average of 12 pounds. As the neck moves in virtually every direction, it is also susceptible to all kinds of injuries and pain. If you have sustained a neck injury or are feeling pain in your neck due to osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or plain old age, a chiropractor can be consulted for a swift, nonmedicinal and non-surgical treatment. To treat the neck, a chiropractor will first do a physical or neurological exam. He will ask you all sorts of questions about the beginning of the neck pain, its duration, and all the treatment you have opted for so far. After acquiring enough information about your problem, the chiropractor will perform a neck adjustment, which is also known as cervical manipulation. This precise procedure is applied to the cervical joints, using the pressure of the hands. An adjustment like this will work to improve the mobility of the spine and adjoining muscles. Most patients notice an improved ability to maneuver the head and neck, and a significant reduction in pain, stiffness, and soreness.