Back Clinic Neck Treatment Team. Dr. Alex Jimenezs collection of neck pain articles contain a selection of medical conditions and/or injuries regarding symptoms surrounding the cervical spine. The neck is made up of various complex structures; bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other types of tissues. When these structures are damaged or injured as a result of improper posture, osteoarthritis, or even whiplash, among other complications, the pain and discomfort an individual experiences can be impairing. Through chiropractic care, Dr. Jimenez explains how the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations focuses on the cervical spine can greatly help relieve the painful symptoms associated with neck issues. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.
Often referred to as C1-C7, with the “C” indicating cervical, and the numbers 1-7 indicate the level.
C1 is closest to the skull
C7 is closest to the thoracic chest/rib cage area
The cervical spine is particularly susceptible to degenerative problems because:
Highly mobile with a broad range of motion
Supports the skull
Neck anatomy is complex
Many degenerative problems, including osteophytes or bone spurs, can develop.
Neck Pain Symptoms
Several symptoms can occur and indicate the presence of a degenerative condition:
Neck pain
Pain around the back of the shoulder area
Arm pain, numbness, or weakness
Difficulty with hand dexterity or walking
Conditions That Affect the Neck
The degenerative process begins in any of the joints in the spine, but over time it can cause changes in the other joints.
An example is an intervertebral disc�where:
The disc narrows and the normal movement becomes altered, and the adjacent joints are subjected to force and pressure, which can lead to degenerative arthritis joint inflammation.
Spondylosis or spinal osteoarthritis causing pain in the neck is common. The pain can radiate, or spread, into the shoulder/s or down the arm/s. Arm pain or weakness caused by a bone spur compressing a spinal nerve root can also occur.
Diagnosing Cervical Spine Conditions
Once examined one or more symptoms are likely to be present.
The doctor will ask the patient questions to learn the history of the patient.
A thorough evaluation of the patient will be conducted, including tests to identify the cause of pain and symptoms.
A neurologic examination is performed to rule out neurological disorders
Shoulder examination will also be done to ensure that the symptoms originate from the neck
Diagnostic tests
X-rays for:
Narrow intervertebral disc space
Anterior osteophytes or bone spurs
Spondylosis (ie, arthritis) of the facet joints
Osteophytes created from the uncovertebral joints
CT Scans or computed tomography can show bone changes associated with degenerative spondylosis. Osteophytes can be observed and evaluated.
CT does not provide an optimal evaluation but can sometimes show disc herniations.
MRI magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful tool for cervical spondylosis.
MRI can help doctors identify:
Disc herniation
Osteophytes
Joint arthrosis a type of osteoarthritis
MRI is best for soft disc herniation/s.
Myelogram/CT can be utilized in complex cases that involve multi-level spinal diseases.
It is very useful in delineating bone spurs from safe disc herniations.
Discography is used diagnostically when viewing the lumbar/low back and thoracic/mid-back spine, but using it in cervical spine imagery is debated among doctors.
Treatment Options
After the tests have been performed, a custom treatment plan is created.
Nonsurgical Neck Pain Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment of cervical degenerative disease has been proven to provide excellent results in over 85% of patients.
A multi-disciplinary approach:
Immobilization of the neck�to reduce motion can be beneficial during acute episodes of pain.
Physical therapy (PT) and Chiropracticcan be useful to decrease muscle spasms and return motion.
Non-surgical treatment provides positive long-term pain and symptom relief.
Surgery
A surgeon is likely to consider surgery for a disorder if one or more of the following criteria are met:
Nonsurgical care has been tried and has not worked
Spinal cord dysfunction
Arm pain or weakness (neurological symptoms) that do not go away
Depending on the diagnosis, surgical procedures can vary:
One type of surgery is the removal of the bone spur(s)
Cervical spinal fusion that joins two or more vertebrae
But the surgical procedure is based on the way you the patient wants to go, the diagnosis, general health, and what the spine surgeon recommends.
The surgeon will explain the recommended procedure to you clearly.
Most of the time the preferred approach is anterior or from the front interbody fusion.
A cervical plate could be placed over the interbody device or graft to stabilize the neck. This can avoid the need for a brace after.
A posterior approach from the back of the spine is considered when a disc has herniated laterally or to the side.
Things You Can Do
Cervical spine disorders can be diagnosed�and treated more accurately with today’s advancing technology.
With the guidance and treatment of an expert medical team, patients can expect to see a definite improvement in their condition and symptoms.
El Paso, TX Neck Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Sandra Rubio discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatments of neck pain. Headaches, migraines, dizziness, confusion, and weakness in the upper extremities are a few of the typical symptoms. Trauma from an accident, such as that from an automobile accident or a sports injury, or an aggravated illness because of improper posture can commonly cause neck pain and other ailments. Dr. Alex Jimenez uses spinal alterations and manual manipulations, one of other chiropractic treatment techniques like deep-tissue massage, to reestablish the alignment of the cervical spine and improve neck pain. Chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez is your non-surgical choice for restoring general patient well-being.
Neck pain is a frequent health issue, with roughly two-thirds of the people being influenced by neck pain at any time throughout their lifetimes. Numerous other health issues can cause pain arising in the upper back, or the spine. Neck pain can result emanating from the vertebrae, or because of muscular tightness in both the neck and the upper back. Joint disruption in the neck causes migraines, and headache, as does joint disturbance at the trunk, or can generate a variety of other symptoms. Neck pain affects about 5 percent of the worldwide population as of 2010, based on figures.
NCBI Resources
A chiropractor evaluates the spine as a whole because other regions of the�neck (cervical), mid-back (thoracic) and low back (lumbar)�can be affected as well. Along with treating the spine as a whole, chiropractic medicine treats the entire person and not just a specific symptom/s. Chiropractors may�educate on nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle goals in addition to treating neck pain.
Cervical radiculopathy happens when a pinched nerve in the neck (cervical spine) causes pain.
Radicular pain can extend beyond the neck and radiate down:
The shoulders
Arms
Fingers
This type of nerve compression also causes:
Weakness
Numbness
Tingling
Reflex problems
The neck consists of 8 pairs of nerves that control several motor (strength) and sensory (feel) functions.
The cervical nerve roots at the top send movement and feeling signals to the head and neck, and the nerves at the bottom enable motor and sensory function to the arms and hands.
If one or more of the spinal nerves in the neck gets pinched, it can disturb its ability to function correctly.
This results in radiating pain in the neck and other areas of the body.
This condition can affect anyone but usually affects middle-aged adults.
Men also tend to develop cervical radiculopathy more than women.
Causes
The natural aging process on the spine is what usually causes cervical radiculopathy.
The spine goes through the aging process just like the rest of the body and even more as it is the basis of our structure.
This process can lead to several degenerative spinal disorders, that include:
Cervical spondylosis (osteoarthritis)
Spinal stenosis
Herniated discs
When nerve passageways begin to narrow, intervertebral discs begin to protrude,� and bone spurs, caused by these disorders can put pressure on the nerves in the neck.
The condition can also be caused by a traumatic injury to the neck like whiplash or sports injury.
Rarely is it caused by an infection or spinal tumor.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is pain radiating from the neck down to the:
Shoulders
Arms
Hands
Fingers
The above is an example of sensory function, which is related to feeling.
In addition to sensory symptoms, radiculopathy can also cause motor dysfunction.
Motor dysfunction relates to muscles and movement.
Reflex changes in the neck and upper body and weakness are examples of motor dysfunction.
Diagnosis
A spine specialist/chiropractor has several tools to diagnose cervical radiculopathy.
First and foremost your medical history will be reviewed and then will be:
Asked to describe symptoms
A physical exam will be conducted�to recreate the pain in a controlled manner in the:
Neck
Shoulder
Arms
Example: Spurling�s maneuver, which gently rotates the head, while applying gentle pressure.
Once the information from the medical history and physical exam are done,��imaging tests such as an MRI�may be ordered so they can pinpoint the location of the nerve compression.
MRI scans show the soft tissues in the spine, including the nerves.
The doctor may request a pair of diagnostic tests called electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction exam if there are significant upper nerve arm and neck pain.
These tests help understand if there is nerve damage, the cause of the damage and if the symptoms are related to the nerve damage.
EMG and nerve conduction tests are usually performed together to help in the diagnosis.
Emergency Symptoms
Once the spine specialist confirms the diagnosis, they will develop a treatment plan to relieve the nerve compression or prevent it from getting worse.
Most cases are taken care of with non-surgical treatment, however, if the following occurs you should contact your doctor:
Neck pain does not improve with treatment in the time your doctor expects.
Pain worsens regardless of treatment
Or you develop new:
Numbness
Weakness in the
Neck
Arms
Upper body
Develop fever
If you experience symptoms in the lower body like:
Weakness in the leg
Difficulty walking
Lack of bowel/bladder function, then seek medical attention immediately.
These symptoms may indicate cervical myelopathy, a more severe condition.
Cervical myelopathy is the compression of the spinal cord.
When the spinal cord gets compressed, it can generate widespread spine issues and usually requires surgery.
Treatment Cervical Radiculopathy
Like most types of spine pain, a doctor will recommend trying one or more conservative treatments first.
Conservative treatments are nonsurgical means.
It�s important to understand that just because a treatment is considered conservative does not mean it is ineffective.
In fact, it�s quite the opposite. Most people with nerve compression in their neck respond well to conservative therapies.
Though research on the efficacy of conservative treatments for cervical radiculopathy has produced mixed results, findings show that these therapies help eliminate pain and other nerve-related symptoms (like numbness and muscle weakness) in 40-80% of people.
The following are the most common conservative treatments:
Over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications(ibuprofen, Motrin)
Prescription medications, like steroids (prednisone), neuropathic agents (gabapentin, pregabalin), and muscle relaxants (baclofen, cyclobenzaprine)
Cervical spinal traction, that can be performed during physical therapy
Avoiding strenuous activity, but don’t avoid all activity, as too much rest can exacerbate the injury and extend the recovery time
These conservative treatments can go on for 6 to 8 weeks. If there is no improvement or it gets worse, then a doctor may want to step you up to the next level.
This may include steroid injections.
Spinal Injections
Cervical epidural steroid injections are considered a second-line treatment for radiculopathy that is not responding to conservative therapy. These injections send a dose of anti-inflammatory medicine into a specific nerve root�s that can relieve pain.
The number of injections differs from patient to patient. A doctor will make recommendations based on the condition and response to the first injection.
If the first injection reduces the pain and symptoms, a second or third injection might not be necessary unless symptoms recur.
If more than one is needed, they are given 3 weeks between each injection.
Injections can help manage pain and inflammation, but cannot strengthen or improve the flexibility of the cervical muscles.
Because of this, a doctor may prescribe physical therapy, chiropractic or an exercise program to condition the neck muscles.
Surgery Considered
When surgery is needed it is considered a last resort option. This is not a guaranteed solution and there are risks and complications.
Different types of surgical approaches are available. These procedures can be performed minimally invasively in a hospital setting or an outpatient surgery center.
Discussing options with a doctor and whether you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery or not, along with other types of surgery e.g. artificial disc, is a discussion that is different for everybody, as some patients have existing medical conditions that can increase risks and complications.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
This approach is the most widely used surgical approach.
The surgeon makes an incision through the front of the neck and removes the damaged intervertebral disc, fills the empty space with spacers to restore the height and attaches spinal instrumentation (plate, screws) for stabilization.
A bone graft is then packed into and around the body spacers for bone ingrowth and healing.
Posterior cervical foraminotomy
Here, the surgeon accesses one or more levels of the cervical spine with an incision in the back of the neck.
Foraminotomy decompresses the nerve root by removing whatever is compressing the nerve like a bone or soft tissue.
The procedure opens/widens the neural foramen or the nerve passageway where the nerve exits the spinal canal.
Cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR)
Here an artificial disc device is implanted in the empty disc space.
C-ADR is like a shock absorber and enables healthy movement the way that an actual disc does.
Conclusion
A compressed nerve in your neck can lead to radiating pain. This pain can make it almost unbearable to do simple tasks, even moving the neck from side to side or just opening a jar. Conservative treatment like chiropractic and exercise can ease the pain of this condition and restore function. Fortunately, surgery is rarely necessary.
El Paso, TX Neck Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Alfonso J. Ramirez now retired, found follow-up treatment with Dr. Alex Jimenez for his neck pain. Mr. Ramirez experienced chronic pain and headaches, but after receiving chiropractic care, he found relief from his symptoms. Ever since that time, Alfonso Ramirez has continued to maintain the alignment of his backbone with Dr. Jimenez. Mr. Ramirez is grateful for the chiropractic care he’s received for his neck pain and for his knee and shoulder pain. Alfonso J. Ramirez recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-invasive pick for neck pain.
NCBI Resources
Approximately two-thirds of the population being affected by neck pain at any time throughout their lives. Pain that originates in the cervical spine, or upper spine, can be caused by numerous other spinal health issues. Joint disruption in the neck can generate a variety of other common symptoms, which include headaches, head pain, and migraines. Neck pain affects about 5 percent of the global population, according to statistics.
Weighing an average of 10 pounds, the human head is heavier than most people think. The head can put a great deal of pressure on the neck when it is placed in different positions for prolonged periods � especially regularly looking down at your phone.
The damage caused to the neck from time spent staring at mobile screens has been given the name �Text Neck�, and it is a growing problem among not only teens but for everyone.
Regularly Looking Down at Your Phone Is Cause For Neck Injury
Your body is well-designed to bear the weight of your head when you maintain good posture � but tilting your head down to look at your phone is not good posture. In fact, for every inch you move angle your head downward, you double the pressure on your spine.
Looking at your phone can put an extra ten or twenty pounds of pressure on your neck. That would be worth noting even if you only did it occasionally, but most people spend hours looking at their phones throughout the day. That amounts to hours of excessive pressure on the soft tissues that make up your neck � pressure that will inevitably lead to inflammation and discomfort if left unchecked.
According to this article featured in the Washington Post, the pressure you put on your neck by bending and staring at your phone is much like bending your finger back as far as it will go, and then keeping it in that position for approximately an hour. Day after day, such stress is bound to lead to complications.
Resulting Injuries from Text Neck
The strain put on the neck by text neck is enough to cause mild to severe injuries, including:
Sore muscles
Inflamed Tissues
Pinched nerves
Herniated discs
Elimination of the natural curve of the neck
These injuries can cause considerable pain and discomfort and may lead to further health complications. They can lead to neck and back pain that can last for years.
Tips to Avoid Text Neck
Smartphones offer numerous benefits and opportunities for enjoyment, so it is unlikely that most people will stop using them. Luckily, there are things you can do to protect yourself, including:
Work Your Eyes, Not Your Neck
One of the simplest ways to avoid text neck is to look down with your eyes instead of tilting your head down. While it may not be practical to always use this technique, it is certainly useful in many circumstances. Your eyes can tilt down with little effort and can allow you to lessen the tilt of your neck as you use your phone.
Strength Train your Neck & Shoulder Muscles
You will inevitably do some head tilting as you use your phone throughout the day. Strengthening the muscles that support your head is one way to protect your delicate neck tissues and maintain mobility. Simple exercises like turning your head each way repeatedly and using your hands to provide resistance can make your neck much stronger. Your shoulders also provide a lot of support for your neck. Shoulder exercises can increase the stability of your neck as well.
Have an Awareness of Your Head Position
Just maintaining awareness of how your head is tilted as you use your phone can help you avoid excessive tilting. Practice looking at your smartphone with your head upright to remind yourself of what good posture feels like, and pay attention during the times you deviate from good posture.
Chiropractic Treatment
If you are experiencing neck pain from text neck, or from any other type of injury, chiropractic can help. Please contact us now to schedule your appointment and get some relief!
Text neck is a very real condition that is caused by staying in a prolonged �texting� position � hunched shoulders and neck tilted forward. As a result, the back, neck, and shoulder muscles become overworked and your spinal structure is actually changed. Many people who spend a lot of time on their mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, develop this condition (and others including �cellphone elbow� and tendinitis of the wrist and hand) and it can be very painful, even causing mobility problems. More than 95% of Americans have a smartphone or mobile device and most people spend a great deal of time on their devices � it is easy to see how this is a common problem.
What Exactly is Text Neck?
A normal human neck has a slight curve to it that travels along the spine. It is part of the intricate system that supports the head and body. However, a person with text neck will have a straight cervical spine. Their neck will not have that slight curve and that is a problem.
The cause of the absence of the curve is because of the position that the head stays in for such long periods of time. The average adult human head weighs between 10 and 12 pounds. When the head is upright, the neck supports it and the slight curve gives it the stability that it needs.
When you keep your head tilted forward, such as when you are hunched over your smartphone or mobile device, your head is thrust forward instead of sitting over the balanced curve of the cervical spine. The gravitational pull is greatly increased and the neck is already in an unnatural position. This combination places unnatural and damaging stress on your neck. It is like carrying around an additional 60 pounds on your neck.
Symptoms of Text Neck
In the early stages of text neck, a person may feel some tightness in their shoulders, neck, and upper back. This may progress to discomfort in those areas and eventually pain. If left untreated, you can develop pinched nerves and herniated discs.
Your central nervous system begins at the base of your skull, so it extends down your neck and upper back. When you put unnatural pressure on your neck, you are also affecting your nervous system, causing it to malfunction. This can lead to pain throughout your body, stiffness, headaches, low back pain, and problems with your hands and arms.
How to Prevent Text Neck
Text neck is surprisingly easy to prevent. Your first step is awareness. Over two or three days, take some time to be very aware of your body�s position. Carefully examine your posture while you go about all of your daily activities. It is important to remember that text neck is not strictly confined to texting. You can get it any time you have your head bent down for an extended period of time, such as when looking at a laptop screen or even writing for a long time.
The best way to avoid the problem is to keep your devices at eye level. If you have a handheld device, hold it up at the level of your eyes instead of bending your neck to look down. The same goes for your laptop; arrange it so that your screen is at eye level.
Chiropractic for Text Neck
If you are already suffering from the effects of text neck, your chiropractor can help reverse the condition if it hasn�t progressed to disc degeneration (even then he or she can help with associated pain). Regular chiropractic treatments, along with following expert recommendations for screen heights, can help reduce the pain and discomfort. It is smart to address these issues before they become a bigger problem. Your chiropractor can help.
As we age, specific changes take place in the body. The spine gets a lot of wear and tear because it is the primary supportive structure that does everything from keeping the head upright to providing a pathway for neural impulses, to providing mobility. It�s no wonder that there comes the point where the body does not function like it once did. Cervical spondylosis is a broad term describing a condition that is related to the natural wear and tear on the disks in the neck.
What is Cervical Spondylosis?
Also known as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis is very common in elderly patients, particularly in those over age 60. More than 85% of people over 60 years of age have some form of it, usually with few or no symptoms present. It does get worse with age, though, so it could progress to the point where the patient does experience pain, reduced flexibility, stiffness, lack of mobility, or other symptoms.
Cervical spondylosis is a blanket term that is used to describe some conditions, and while it is usually considered an age-related condition, it can have other causes as well including heredity. This condition often begins with changes in the disk.
With age, the disks in the spine and neck will dehydrate. This causes them to shrink, leaving little or no padding between the vertebrae. As a result, the patient may develop signs of osteoarthritis and in some cases, bone spurs. Depending on how the condition progresses and presents, it can be a cause of chronic pain.
What are the Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis?
Treatment for cervical spondylosis involves relieving the symptoms. There is no way to reverse the effects that it has on the body so treating the pain, stiffness, and other issues that accompany the condition is the course that is usually taken by doctors. Depending on the exact symptoms, treatment may include using an ice pack, bed rest, warm compress, and low impact exercise as the patient can handle it.
The doctor may recommend an analgesic or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In cases where the pain is severe and difficult to manage, they may prescribe a narcotic painkiller, steroids, or a muscle relaxant.
They might also combine drug therapy with physical therapy. In very severe cases the doctor may recommend spinal injections or surgery. Some common operations for cervical spondylosis include intervertebral disc arthroplasty, invertebral disc annuloplasty, and spinal fusion.
In many cases, soft collars, rigid orthoses, molded cervical pillow, or a Philadelphia collar may be recommended to provide support. However, many doctors believe that these methods are not entirely effective and that any benefit the patient receives is primarily due to a placebo effect.
This is because the neck is still mobile and does not have�restrictions of movement. If used correctly, though, it can provide some support. This means that the patient needs to wear it as much as possible when they are not sleeping.
In many cases, the medications have unpleasant side effects, and some can even be harmful. This is especially true with prescription pain medications which can be addictive.
Surgery is also not a preferred treatment due to potential complications, the invasiveness of the procedure, and the length of time it takes to heal. Often patients seek other forms of treatment that are more natural and gentle on the body. Chiropractic is one of the most popular remedies for cervical spondylosis.
Chiropractic for Cervical Spondylosis
Chiropractic is a popular treatment for cervical spondylosis. Many patients gravitate toward it because it is non-invasive and does not use harmful medications. Its natural, whole body approach makes it an appealing treatment method.
In addition to spinal manipulation, the chiropractor may use massage to help relieve stiffness and pain. He or she may also recommend ice or heat, rest, stretching, lifestyle changes, and even dietary modifications.
Patients may be advised to remove foods from their diet that increase inflammation and taught special exercises that help keep the neck supple. Some chiropractors recommend special supplements to help work with the body enabling its natural ability to heal itself.
Have you ever had a pain in the neck? And your kids or significant other don’t count. If you’ve ever had a stiff, sore neck, then you’ve more than likely experienced cervicalgia. You’re not alone. The American Osteopathic Association estimates that more than 25% of Americans have experienced or chronically experience neck pain. Neck pain is one of the primary causes of chronic pain, ranking number three behind knee pain (number two) and back pain (number one). Chronic pain affects around 65% of people in the United States, ranging in age 18 to 34. They either have experienced it firsthand or care for someone who has recently experienced it. That number increases as the population ages.
It is also worth noting that most doctors prescribe pain medications, but more than 33% of patients with chronic pain won’t take them because they are afraid of becoming addicted.
What is Cervicalgia?
Cervicalgia is a blanket term used to describe neck pain. It can range from a simple crick in the neck to severe pain that prevents you from turning your head.
Knowing the term for the pain, though, does not help when it comes to treatment because treatment lies in the cause of the pain. It can become quite complex because there are so many causes for the pain. Sometimes the cause itself must be eliminated before the treatments for the pain can be effective.
What are the Causes of Cervicalgia?
The causes of cervicalgia are vast and varied. A patient who sits at their desk for too long or sleeps in a poor position can develop neck pain.
Injuries such as sports injuries and whiplash fall at the more severe end of the spectrum. Even simple gravity can be a culprit.
The human head can weigh as much as 10 pounds, sometimes even more, and the neck is tasked with keeping it upright. Just the action of fighting gravity and keeping the head erect for long periods of time (like all day) can cause the neck muscles to become strained and fatigued. This can also cause neck injuries to heal slower because the neck is almost always in use and under consistent stress.
How is Cervicalgia Treated?
Treatment for cervicalgia depends on both the symptoms and the cause. If you have been injured, you should immediately seek medical attention to assess the injury’s severity.
You can apply ice to help reduce inflammation and swelling, but do not delay a medical evaluation. Some neck injuries can be severe, causing severe conditions, including paralysis.
After an assessment, your doctor may prescribe medication such as anti-inflammatories and stronger painkillers. A cervical collar may also be recommended since it allows the neck to rest, which will promote healing.
If the pain is caused by other reasons such as stress, poor posture, or sleeping on the wrong pillow (in other words, you have a crick in your neck), you can use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, and using a heating pad will help. Massage is also effective.
However, prevention is the best cure. When you know what is causing your cervicalgia, you can take steps to prevent it. Chiropractic can help both in prevent cervicalgia and in treating it.
Chiropractic for Cervicalgia
Chiropractic treatment can help relieve cervicalgia pain for many of the causes, including injury, stress, and misalignment. Depending on the cause, the chiropractor will use specific techniques to treat the root of the problem.
They will bring the body back into alignment, which also helps to prevent the pain of cervicalgia. The most attractive aspect is that it allows for pain management without the use of any medications.
When you get regular chiropractic care, you can reduce your chances of experiencing pain in your neck and back. That is why so many people are choosing chiropractic care for their neck and back pain instead of turning to traditional medicine because it works.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic health issue which affects approximately 1 percent of the population in the United States. RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes the inflammation and degeneration of the synovial tissue, specific cells and tissue which form the lining of the joints within the human body. Rheumatoid arthritis may and generally does affect every joint in the body, especially as people get older. RA commonly develops in the joints of the hands and feet, severely restricting an individual’s ability to move, however, those with significant disease in the spine are at risk of damage like paraplegia. Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine is frequent in three areas, causing different clinical problems.
The first is basilar invagination, also referred to as cranial settling or superior migration of the odontoid, a health issue where degeneration from rheumatoid arthritis at the base of the skull causes the it to “settle” into the spinal column, causing the compression or impingement of the spinal cord between the skull and the 1st cervical nerves. The second health issue, and also the most frequent, is atlanto-axial instability. A synovitis and erosion of the ligaments and joints connecting the 1st (atlas) and the 2nd (axis) cervical vertebrae causes instability of the joint, which may ultimately result in dislocation and spinal cord compression. In addition, a pannus, or localized mass/swelling of rheumatoid synovial tissue, can also form in this region, causing further spinal cord compression. The third health issues is a subaxial subluxation which causes the degeneration of the cervical vertebrae (C3-C7) and often results in other problems like spinal stenosis.
Imaging studies are crucial to properly diagnose patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine. X-rays will demonstrate the alignment of the spine, and if there is obvious cranial settling or instability. It can also be difficult to demonstrate the anatomy at the bottom of the skull, therefore, computed tomography scanning, or CT scan, with an injection of dye within the thecal sac is arranged. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is beneficial to assess the severity of nerve compression or spinal cord injury, and allows visualization of structures, including the nerves, muscles, and soft tissues. Flexion/extension x-rays of the cervical spine are usually obtained to evaluate for signs of ligamentous instability. These imaging studies entails a plain lateral x-ray being taken with the patient bending forward and the other lateral x-ray being taken with the individual extending the neck backwards.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, spinal injuries, and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury
Whiplash is one of the most common causes of neck pain after an automobile accident. A whiplash-associated disorder occurs when a person’s head and neck moves abruptly back-and-forth, in any direction, due to the force of an impact. Although whiplash most commonly occurs following a rear-end car crash, it can also result from sports injuries. During an auto accident, the sudden motion of the human body can cause the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the neck to extend beyond their natural range of motion, causing damage or injury to the complex structures surrounding the cervical spine. While whiplash-associated disorders are considered to be relatively mild health issues, these can cause long-term pain and discomfort if left untreated. Diagnosis is essential.
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