A popular response to neck pain is taking drugs to cover up the problem (aspirin, analgesics, pain pills) or treating its symptoms (muscle relaxers, massage, hot packs). But neck pain isn’t caused by a lack of aspirin or drugs. The Chiropractic approach to neck pain is to locate its underlying cause. This begins with a complete case and thorough examination. Special attention is given to the structure and function of the spine, and its affect on the nervous system.

• Is the proper spinal curve present?
• Are the nerve openings between each pair of spinal bones free and clear?
• Is the head balanced?
• Are the shoulders level?

These and other considerations are used to create a plan of specific chiropractic adjustments to help improve the motion and position of spinal vertebrae.

With improved structure and function, neck pain often diminishes or totally disappears without addictive drugs or harmful side effects! One study, published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients who received chiropractic care reported significant improvement in their neck function and a reduction in their neck pain whereas those taking pain-killers did not.

A COMMON HEALTH COMPLAINT

Is it hard to look over your shoulder?
Is there a constant pulling or throbbing pain in your neck?
Do you notice a “grinding” sound as you turn your head?

Contact  THE LIFE CENTER CHIROPRACTIC  for a thorough history and examination

Problems in the neck can cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or a loss of strength in the hands. How may chiropractic care help? The major nerve controlling the thumb, index, and parts of the middle, and ring finger is called the median nerve. From the tip of your fingers, it travels through the bones in your wrist, past your elbow, up your arm, through your shoulder and neck, and finally to your spinal cord. Problems can develop in one or more of these areas.

The “carpal” tunnel is formed by bones in the wrist. The median nerve, tendons, and blood vessels pass through this opening. If one or more of the bones forming this tunnel should collapse, inflammation, nerve pressure, and painful symptoms in the wrist area can result.

The median nerve connects to the spinal cord through openings between several bones in the lower neck. When these spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, they can cause problems in the fingers and wrist.

After a thorough examination, your chiropractic doctor will perform specific adjustments where needed to help normalize structure and reduce nerve irritation. When given time, conservative, chiropractic care has produced excellent results with carpal tunnel problems – without drugs or surgery.

Injuries to the neck caused by the sudden movement of the head, backward, forward, or sideways, is referred to as “whiplash”. Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck from behind or that collides with another object. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine and head can be overstretched or torn. The soft, pulpy discs between spinal bones can bulge, tear or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position, reducing range of motion. The spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck can get stretched and irritated. While the occupants can suffer considerable soft tissue injury, the car may be only slightly damaged.

The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissues can result in headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulder, arms and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and even low back problems. As the body attempts to adapt, symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months later.

The chiropractic approach to these types of injuries is to use specific chiropractic adjustments to help return spinal function. After a thorough case history and examination, the doctor will recommend a series of visits to help restore proper motion and position of spinal bones. If caught early enough, inflammation can be reduced and scar tissue can often be minimized.

Consult a Doctor of Chiropractic before enduring constant headaches, depending upon addictive pain medication, or submitting to surgery!