Neck Pain and the Chiropractic Lifestyle
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 history 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
wheras those taking pain-killers did not.
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 a Doctor of Chiropractic for a thorough history
and examination.
Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and
connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the
joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its
optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Doctor
of Chiropractic for more information about a care program that may
include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations,
nutritional advice or other conservative methods of care based on your
health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.
REFERENCES:
Breig, A., et al., Effect of Mechanical Stresses on the Spinal Cord in Cervical Spondylosis, Neurosurgery, 25: 45-56, 1966.
Harrison, D., D.C., Spinal Biomechanics: A Chiropractic Perspective, Journal of Clinical Chiropractic, 1992.
Kirk, R., D. C., Lawrence, D., D. C., Valvo, N., D. C., States' Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extravertebral Technics, 3rd edition, National College of Chiropractic, 1991.
Maynard, J., D.C., Healing Hands, 4th edition, Jonorm Publishing, 1991.
McAlpine, J., D.C., A Discussion of the Dentate Ligament Nerve Traction Mechanism, International Review of Chiropractic, October-December 1980.
Schafer, R., D.C., Faye, L., D.C., Motion Palpation and Chiropractic, 2nd edition, Motion Palpation Institute, 1990.
Strauss, J., D.C., Chiropractic Philosophy, 3rd edition, Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Education, 1994.
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