Chiropractic treatment is a non-surgical treatment option that is highly proven to help reduce neck pain and other related symptoms. Numerous studies have discovered that spinal manipulation delivers advanced results as compared to regular medical treatments for neck conditions. Plenty of reports reveal chiropractic treatments to be more inexpensive and cost-effective and highly favored by patients over medical care for several conditions including neck complaints. Neck pain results from irregularities in the ligaments, muscles, soft tissues, nerves and the bone and joints of the spine. Soft tissue abnormalities from persistent wear and tear and/or injury are the most common triggers that are recognized by chiropractors on a regular basis, …show more content…
although many factors may contribute to neck pain such as trauma, poor posture and muscle overuse. If muscle strain is the recognised cause of neck pain it is likely that an individual may experience stiffness and aches beginning in the neck and spreading to the upper arm and forearm. Hunching over work stations and driving for hours in not an uncommon practice that individuals regularly participate in, in todays modern society. Therefore, is should come as no shock that neck pain is the second most regular complaint that chiropractors treat. Although less common than lower back pain, neck pain affects millions of people at some stage of their lives and consequently seek chiropractic care. There are many types of cervical (neck) conditions treated by chiropractors some of these include: Cervical intervertebral disc injuries (that specifically don’t require surgery), Cervical sprain injuries, Degenerate joint syndrome of the cervical spine, Facet joint sprain and whiplash, just to name a few. The most common approach a chiropractor will take when treating neck pain is to complete a thorough exam prior to deciding the approach that they intend to take for treatment. Prior to deciding which approach to take in treating a patient’s neck pain, the chiropractor will complete a thorough physical exam, which enables them to establish the precise trigger and location of a patient’s neck pain. They will attempt to establish areas of restricted movement and will examine overall posture and spinal alignment, as further regions of the neck (cervical), mid back (thoracic) and low back (lumbar) may also be affected. This thorough examination assists the chiropractor in understanding a patient’s specific body mechanics. Usually the following step would involve a detailed analysis of past medical history and the practitioner may order X-ray or MRI imaging tests to be undertaken in order to establish a clearer understanding of the cause of the pain.
Imaging tests allow the chiropractor to rule out surgery, if he/she believes a patient’s neck pain would be more successfully treated by surgery then the patient will be referred to a spinal surgeon. However, if surgery is not required the imaging tests also allows the chiropractor to customise a treatment plan specific to the patient.
Chiropractic treatment for neck pain may involve a combination of spinal manipulation, manual therapy and other techniques as a part of the treatment plan. Some of the techniques may include spinal manipulation techniques such as:
Flexion Distraction technique: a mild, hands-on spinal manipulation practice that involves a pumping action on the intervertebral disc rather than direct force.
Instrument assisted manipulation: uses a hand-held instrument that enables a chiropractor to use force without propelling into the
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spine. Specific spinal manipulation: helps reestablish joint movement by exercising a gentle thrusting technique. A chiropractor may also use manual therapies to treat neck pain. These may include: Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy: uses specific instruments to identify and treat muscle strain. Manual joint stretching and resistance techniques: can help to diminish neck pain and additional symptoms. Therapeutic massage: can assist in relaxing tense muscles. Trigger point therapy: is used to release tense, painful points on muscle. Other therapy techniques may also be used to alleviate neck pain symptoms. Inferential electrical stimulation: involves the use of a low frequency electrical current to stimulate neck muscles. Ultrasound: conducts sound waves into muscle tissues to help stiffness and pain in a patient’s neck. Therapeutic exercises: may also be suggested—these can help improve general range of movement in your neck and prevent neck pain from advancing. However, the treatments listed are simply examples of potential chiropractic treatments for neck pain; a patient’s specific treatment plan will depend on their particular diagnosis. A chiropractor should thoroughly explain treatment options so that the patient clearly understands the treatment plan proposed to alleviate the neck pain. A 2010 analysis of scientific evidence on manual treatments for a range of conditions determined that spinal manipulation/mobilization would be beneficial for numerous conditions including migraine and cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches, neck pain etc. In addition, a randomized trial study, conducted from 2001- 2007 in Minneapolis, Minnesota on the “affects of Spinal manipulation technique (SMT), medication and home exercise and advice (HEA)” on acute and sub acute neck pain whereby 272 people, ages 18-65 years of age who suffered with non-specific neck pain for 2-12 weeks participated in 12-week trial of treatments. The treatments included 3 groups, one group undergoing 12 weeks of spinal manipulation, another group being treated with medication and a third group being treated with home exercise and advice. SMT treatments were conducted for approximately “15-20 minutes and included a brief history and examination of the cervical and thoracic spine. The main focus of the treatment was manipulation of areas of the spine with segmental hypomobility by using diversified techniques, including low amplitude spinal adjustments and mobilization” (Bronfort,G, Evans,R, Anderson, A.V, Svendsen, K.H, Bracha,Y, Grimm, R.H, 2012). The results showed that “for pain, SMT had a statistically significant advantage over medication” (Bronfort,G, Evans,R, Anderson, A.V, Svendsen, K.H, Bracha,Y, Grimm, R.H, 2012). However, had a similar pain reduction outcome to that of HEA. It was also found that “for participants with acute and sub acute neck pain, SMT was more effective than medication in both short and long term” (Bronfort,G, Evans,R, Anderson, A.V, Svendsen, K.H, Bracha,Y, Grimm, R.H, 2012). At 12 weeks, a considerably greater proportion of the SMT group experienced reductions in pain of at least 50%. All in all, it is clear that manipulation of the thoracic and cervical spine can provide beneficial results for the treatment of neck pain and other-related conditions in most patients treated. However, just like any medical practice it can not be promised that chiropractic treatments will be successful for everyone who seeks out chiropractic treatment. References: 1. Hurwitz, E. L., Morgenstern, H., Harber, P., Kominski, G. F., Yu, F., & Adams, A. H. (2002). A Randomized Trial of Chiropractic Manipulation and Mobilization for Patients With Neck Pain: Clinical Outcomes From the UCLA Neck-Pain Study. American Journal of Public Health, 92(10), 1634–1641. 2.
Bronfort G, Evans R, Anderson AV, Svendsen KH, Bracha Y, Grimm RH. (2012). Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2012;156:1-10. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-156-1-201201030-00002
3. Ndetan,H, Hawk,C, Sekhon,V.K, Chiusano,M. (2015). The Role of Chiropractic Care in the Treatment of Dizziness or Balance Disorders: Analysis of National Health Interview Survey Data. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 21, 138-142. doi: 10.1177/2156587215604974
4. Emary, P. C. (2010). Chiropractic management of a 40-year-old female patient with Ménière disease. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 9(1), 22–27. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2009.12.007
5. The Canadian Chiropractic Association and the Canadian Federation of Chiropractic Regulatory Boards, Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Initiative, Guidelines Development Committee (GDC) comprising, Anderson-Peacock, E., Blouin, J.-S., Bryans, R., Danis, N., Furlan, A., … White, E. (2005). Chiropractic clinical practice guideline: evidence-based treatment of adult neck pain not due to whiplash. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 49(3), 158–209.
6. Spineuniversecom. (2016). SpineUniverse. Retrieved 24 May, 2016, from
http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/neck-pain/chiropractic-care-neck-pain
following back pain (Chapman-Smith, 71). Treatment for head and neck pain are similar to back treatments in that they both undergo a sequence of mechanical and neurological effects (Chapman-Smith, 72).
Shoulder and neck pain are the most common musculoskeletal disorders one can get. Right sided neck and shoulder pain is one that the assistant is highly prone to developing, and is difficult to avoid. Reason being is frequent reaching across the assistant’s mid-line with the right arm. Neck pain can also be caused by leaning forward with your head bent down for a long period of time.
Journal of chiropractic medicine. Volume 11, Issue 1:58-63. Papa J. 2012. The. Conservative management of lumbar compression fracture in an osteoporotic patient: a case report.
“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease” by Thomas A. Edison. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments on the spine which will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Chiropractic care began in 1895 when its founder, Daniel David Palmer, claimed any and all diseases could be healed by nothing more than just his hands. Dr. Palmer examined a janitor who was deaf for 17 years after the janitor felt his back was out of place, so Dr. Palmer gave an adjustment to what was felt to be a misplaced vertebra in the upper back. The janitor then observed that his hearing improved thanks to Dr. Palmer. Chiropractors use manipulation to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by sitting without proper back support. Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. About 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually
Arthritis, muscle pain, low back pain, swelling or weakness- if you suffer under one on these conditions, doctors might recommend a treatment that you might not be familiar with- acupuncture.The ancient treatment used in China thousands of years ago involves thin, metal needles being placed in the patient’s skin. The human body is described as a composition of yin and yang, two fluids that balance each other out and are responsible for the body’s mental and physical health.If yin isn’t able to flow anymore, the human body is said to be imbalanced, mental and physical disease occur as a result. The Acupuncture needles are now supposed to help unblock the flow of yin and cure the conditions by connecting with special points selected from lines
through the Eyes of a Participant Observer." Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. Vol. 20, No. 1, 19 Jan. 2012, p. 1. EBSCOhost. 2017 October 25.
The word “chiropractor” has two word origins, the Greek words cheir and praxis; meanwhile, cheir means “hand” and praxis means “practice.” Also, most of the work that chiropractors do is done by hand (Pike para. 5). In 2002, going to a chiropractor was found to be the most commonly used program for therapy. Seventy-four percent, about 4 million, of people that had back pain went to a chiropractor to get treated. Among that 74 percent of people, 66 percent of them stated that they got “a great benefit” (Pike para. 9). Many chiropractors work full time but 1 out of 3 chiropractors work part time. Chiropractors work whenever their patients need them, even on w...
Public Health Reports (Interagency Team at NIMH and NIDA Studies How Acupuncture Works.) (1974-) , Vol. 95, No. 5 (Sep. - Oct., 1980), pp. 503-504
I have always aspired to be a chiropractor. Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system including the nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments as well as manipulation, usually on the neck back (“Summary”). I chose to go down the path of chiropractic practice because I have always been interested in it. It is important to understand the education and training requirements, skills and talents needed, salary and benefits offered, and the duties while making your career choice a chiropractor.
Chronic lower back pain is a major health disorder in the world today (Mendelson, Selwood, Kranz, Loh, Kidson, Scott, 1983). It can cause many physical, mental, and emotional problems on the victim (Mendelson, Selwood, Kranz, Loh, Kidson, Scott, 1983). Many people find their work so unbearably painful that they often have to stay home. Others experience depression, inactivity, and social isolation (Kaplan, Sallis, Patterson). Treatments range from the conventional methods such as medication and surgery to the alternative or unconventional methods such as acupuncture. However, only a small percentage of low back pain patients have the type of condition for which surgery can be used so acupuncture is becoming more popular (Lehmann, Russell, Spratt, 1983).
Pain Relief – Causes of acute and/or chronic back pain may include weak stomach and/or back muscles, poor posture, spinal misalignment, and the force of compression caused by gravity. Inversion therapy is used like traction to relieve pressure on the discs and elongate the spine, which reduces the pressure on nerve roots, discs, and ligaments. All that relates to lessening back and neck pain. Sometimes those tense muscles create painful muscle spasms, which are also temporarily relieved by inversion therapy.
For many centuries, humanity has been on an eternal quest for cures and treatments for many chronic conditions. At the present time, conventional medicine is mostly performed by doctors and other health care professionals, with the extensive use of pharmaceutical drugs, surgery or radiation treatments for disease treatment. Conversely, even though not as popular, complementary and alternative medicine and treatment options are slowly gaining popularity and becoming an addition to traditional medicine.
Weiner, S.S. & Nordin, M. (2010). Prevention and management of chronic back pain. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 24, 267-279. http://dx.doi:10.1016/j.berh.2009.12.001
Positional release technique was given in supine. Tender points were palpated; the most painful ones were palpated first followed by the less painful ones. The patients neck was put in the PRT position by elevating the patients shoulder, rotating the neck onto its opposite side and bending the neck on the same side. The trigger points were treated by applying the pressure for approximately 90 seconds and then was released. Following the release, the neck was put in neutral position.
According to Massage Today “Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old”. I feel that the benefit of rubbing aching muscles and hurt limbs comes to us as naturally as breathing air. Among its many purposes and advantages, massage soothes achy muscles, helps heal injuries, strengthens baby’s muscles and relieves stress. To me, massage is not only a way to soothe the muscles and relieve the everyday stresses of society, massage is a way to connect with others through the common practice of touch. We have needed touch in our lives since the first seconds after our birth, so it’s not surprising that we would seek out touch in the form of massage.