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.
Should you be worried about that nagging neck pain that’s been bothering you for the previous couple of days? If you wait until it goes away or do you call a doctor and/or chiropractor?
It Could Be A Muscle Strain
Did you lift something heavy recently? Or maybe you slept wrong on your neck last night? If that’s the case, your neck muscles may have been hyperextended (you stretched them past normal range), which may be causing stiffness. Muscle strains on your neck usually are not severe, but that isn’t always true. Watch your symptoms over the next few days.�If they get worse, call your doctor or chiropractor.
It Could Be Whiplash
Whiplash can cause acute neck pain, which means your pain and soreness lasts a few days or weeks. It usually goes away by itself. If you notice that your pain is getting worse or develop other symptoms, i.e. weakness, numbness, and tingling, call your doctor right away.If you have been in an auto accident, it’s important to get checked out. Sometimes ligaments can stretch and lead to spine problems.
It Could Be Poor Posture
If you’re sitting hunched over a desk all day, tight neck muscles may be causing your neck pain. Chronically tense muscles never get a break, so work with a chiropractor, physical therapist or personal trainer who will teach you easy neck exercises in addition to how to keep good posture. Also, take frequent stretch breaks throughout the afternoon, and elevate your monitor so you don’t need to hunch over it.
It Could Be A Herniated Or Bulging Disc
For those who have neck pain that does not go away even with rest, it might be a herniated or bulging disc. This usually means an intervertebral disc in your cervical spine (neck) may be pressing on a nerve, which could be causing pain. Or it may lead to pain down your arm and into your hand. Let your physician or chiropractor know if you experience these symptoms.
When To Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor immediately if your neck pain becomes worse and you develop other symptoms, including tingling, weakness, dizziness, or loss of bowel or bladder control. It’s far better to be safe when it comes to your neck health. The bottom line is that you never really know whether that neck pain is severe or not, so don’t be afraid to talk about your health.
Question: My car was rear-ended. Since then, my neck hurts, feels rigid, and I have upper back pain. My wife says it’s whiplash and that I should see a physician. Is there anything that I can do to accelerate my recovery? Should I see my physician and/or chiropractor? How long will my pain last?
El Paso, TX
Answer: Your symptoms are typical of a whiplash injury caused by a vehicle accident. Whiplash is cervical spine strain caused when the head and neck are thrust quickly forward and backward. To fully grasp how whiplash can lead to neck pain, you want to recognize the head, which weighs 8-13 pounds and is supported and moved by the neck. Because of this, it’s easy to understand how soft neck muscles and ligaments are stretched during a whiplash accident!
The seriousness of whiplash is dependent on the force of the impact, the way you were seated in your vehicle, and if you were properly restrained with a shoulder and seat belt. By way of instance, if your head was turned, your neck injury may be more painful.
Whiplash Home Treatment Tips
1. Even though your neck injury occurred last week, you may try ice and heat. Ice will help to reduce swollen overstretched muscles and ligaments. Heat increases circulation and eases tight stiff muscles.
Ice: Apply an ice pack for 15 minutes as often as once each hour.
Heat: Apply warmth (moist is greatest!) For 15 minutes every 2 or 3 hours.
Skin Safety:
Never sleep with a ice or heat pack!
Wrap heat or ice in a towel to protect your skin.
Discard punctured store-bought ice or heat products.
2. If your doctor agrees, try an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
3. Move your neck softly to assist in preventing additional stiffness.
4. Should you work in a computer or desk, take regular breaks to relax your neck muscles.
5. Avoid cradling the phone between your shoulder and head.
6. Avoid carrying heavy packages, especially things such as a pocket book or backpack slung over only one shoulder.
Check With Your Doctor & Chiropractor
Neck pain is common either immediately after or several days following a whiplash injury. Other symptoms can develop too. Fortunately, most symptoms go away in two to four weeks. If your symptoms worsen, or you develop headache, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, arm or hand numbness, check-in with your physician or chiropractor. If necessary, you’ll be referred to a spine specialist.
Your physician or chiropractor will carry out a physical and neurological examination, and acquire a neck X-ray. After they produce a diagnosis, treatment is coordinated for your recovery! Treatment may include prescription pain medication, anti inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, a cervical collar, massage and physical therapy.
Other�Symptoms Associated With Whiplash Or Neck Strain:
Headache
Dizziness
Ringing in your ears
Blurred vision
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Hoarse voice
Upper back, shoulder, and/ or arm pain
Back pain
Abnormal sensations such as numbness, burning or prickling
Fatigue and sleep problems
Keep in Mind
Most individuals with whiplash improve quickly within a matter of weeks. When you have concerns, we recommend you to speak to a doctor or chiropractor.
Fractures in the cervical spine may occur with severe or repetitive trauma. Clay shoveler’s fracture is an avulsion fracture of the spinous process. It happens with abrupt flexion of the head, most commonly from a variety of accidents. It also occurs with stress caused by the pulling of the muscles around the thoracic and cervical spinous processes. The process breaks up and pulls on the avulsion segment from the original spinous procedure.
Clay shoveler’s fracture most frequently results in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinous processes, namely C6, C7, and T1. Fractures and spinal avulsion can also be brought on by damage or injury as in direct blows to the neck’s base. This is a fracture that is stable and doesn’t produce any neurologic deficits. This part of the bone isn’t near nerve roots or the spinal cord, although patient’s are alarmed when they hear the term fracture or fracture in the neck.
Clay shovelers fracture derives its name from a common event among clay miners in Australia during the 1930s. The workers were digging deep ditches and tossing clay 10-15 feet above their heads with long handled shovels. Instead of having the clay come off the shovel, it would stick. The sticking clay produces a contraction of the trapezius and rhomboid muscles in reaction from the weighted shovel. The muscles react forcefully and immediately, contracting to stabilize the spine and shoulders. The Australian clay shoveler’s will hear a pop and feel a sharp contrast between the shoulder blades. They would feel sharp pain, making them unable to continue working because every time the trapezius or rhomboid muscles could contract. The mechanism of injury is believed to be caused by powerful and abrupt muscle contraction transmitting pressure via the ligaments. The enormous force is concentrated round the spinous processes and creates an avulsion fracture over the cervical and upper thoracic spine’s spinous processes.
Plain Film X-rays and Examination
Regarding lateral (side view) x-rays, a triangular radiolucent fracture line can be seen via the base of the spinous procedure. It is more likely to maintain the distal or trunk tip of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinous procedure. Rough margins or serrated edges are commonly seen with the acute fractures, which differentiates it from this secondary expansion center of the process.The distal part of the fractured spinous process is frequently displaced down (caudally or inferior). This is due to the pull on the segment of bone.
Frontal x-rays (anterior to posterior) may demonstrate the look of two spinous processes at a single vertebrae, which can be called the “double spinous process sign.” Especially when the cervicothoracic junction is visualized on the view this signal is helpful for determining a clay shoveler’s fracture. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) is not typically required. A bone density scan could be indicated in a person who has undergone prior avulsion, thoracic, or lumbar spinal compression fractures. A bone density scan can evaluate and measure lumbar and cervical spine t-scores; which gauges relative risk of spinal compression fractures if bone density is in question.
Symptoms of Clay Shoveler’s Fracture
Clay shoveler’s fracture can occur with almost any repetitive and forceful activity utilizing the trapezius and rhomboid muscles. It might occur with automobile accident injuries for traumatic blows to both sides and top of the spinous procedure. Generally, pain is associated immediately after the injury and can be described as a burning or “knife-like” traumatic pain. Other symptoms include muscular stiffness and pain which increases with repeated action, similar to muscle strain at the top back joints or muscle strains. The broken spine is very tender, as are the muscles.
Treatment of Cervical Spine Avulsion Fractures
Most cases resolve in a few weeks. Pain or aggravation to the area could be associated with the tendon and muscle junctions that insert on the spinous process or avulsion segment. Some patients do not require treatment apart from remainder or NSAIDS (non steroidal anti medication). Others may benefit from pain medicine or muscle relaxers.
Medications could be applied at the neck and upper back into the muscles to ease soreness and possible rhomboid muscle strains. Bones and ribs shouldn’t be influenced or produce back pain. Some individuals require physical therapy or massage therapy, including chiropractic care, to help decrease muscle pain and stiffness. Ice, heat ultrasound, mild stretching, and range of motion exercises can help relieve neck and upper back pain. Some individuals respond to course IV cold laser treatments (low level laser treatment) to help reduce pain and inflammation in the muscles and tendons. Others might benefit from muscle treatments like Active Release Technique or Graston Technique to break up scar tissue or adhesions associated with years of repetitive activities. Patients may expect some discomfort for several weeks during the healing process.
Symptoms may worsen at the the front of the body with arms and the head, such as driving or working in the computer. With time and some therapy, symptoms will decline with time. Exercise and strenuous activity might need to be avoided for 1-2 months post injury. For patient’s having a history of stress fractures or avulsion fractures, a bone density scan could be indicated. Some kinds of fractures need immediate attention and could be unstable. Fractures must be assessed to make sure they are stable and tracked by an orthopedic surgeon.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries
Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, are frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine, as well as to the rest of the spine. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.
A good read to understanding alteration of motion segment integrity (AOMSI) is the article �Biomechanical Analysis of clinical instability in the cervical spine� White, et al., Clin Ortho Relat Res, 1975;(109):85-96.
AOMSI is a biomechanical analysis. It�s all about numbers that have clinical meaning and significance. Threshold values have been determined that quantify without a doubt the patient has serious injury. It is a test of structural integrity of the ligaments interconnecting the motion segments. In this case, structural integrity has to do with the material properties of ligament tissue. Those properties include strength and flexibility. When a material is both strong and flexible, it�s called a semi-rigid material. Strength is related to the composition of the material. Strength might be thought of as load carrying capacity before failure.
Mechanism of Injury: Ligaments
Ligament tissue has previously been bench tested to describe its physical characteristics of stress/strain. That is, given so much load (stress) how much elongation will occur (strain). During normal physiologic loads the ligament remains intact and recoils to its original length when the load is removed. If the load becomes too large the materials (ligaments) begin to yield. They go past their elastic limit. When this happens the (strained) ligament fibers will not return to their original shape. The ligament loses its restraining capacity to hold the joint in normal stabilization and hypermobility occurs.
The ligaments, if sufficiently strained or avulsed results in AOMSI. The following paragraphs illustrates that if AOMSI is found there must be gross destruction or yielding of multiple ligaments. We need to build a BIG motion segment with Velcro ligaments. When you tear them off, they make a really nice ripping noise. That drives home the point.
In the White et al work, they found that the motion segment stayed intact i.e., less than 11 degrees� rotation (angualr mtion) and less than 3.5 mm translation, until they transected over 50% of the ligaments from an anterior or posterior approach. And when they transected from either approach the loss of stability was not linear but suddenly catastrophic. And they meant that suddenly the two vertebra totally separated in rotation or translation.
Suddenly Separated: pulled apart, head off of body, all neural components compromised, paralysis. Keeping that in mind, what are the injuries of someone just under the threshold? Severe to very severe. They stand the possibility of a serious event with much less force.
Prevalence of Ligament Injury: AOMSI
If AOMSI is detected, think about more than 50% of ligaments transected. That will start to explain the seriousness of the finding. In a patient/child that demonstrates hypermobility everywhere, then you take a statistical average of all segments, and look at the aberrant statistical finding if it exists. There are clues to injury everywhere when you understand what the numbers mean in reference to stability and function.
To diagnose ligament laxity, it is imperative that imaging be performed and a basic flexion-extension x-ray is all that is required. In today�s medical economy, advanced imaging of MRI or CT Scan, although accurate becomes an unnecessary expenditure and an x-ray renders very accurate demonstrative images to conclude a definitive diagnosis. In determining if there is an impairment, it is necessary to follow the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment as the 4th, 5th and 6th editions all render an impairment for AOMSI as sequella to ligament laxity, which is damage to the ligament from trauma.
This document is intended to serve as a simple explanation as to the severity of ligament damage and how to demonstrably diagnose the injury. It is also critical to remember that ligament do �wound repair.� In normal physiology, ligaments grow during puberty from cells within the ligaments called fibroblasts. They produce both collagen (white) and elastin (yellow) tissue, which gives the ligaments both tensile and elastic strength. Upon puberty the cells stop producing tissue and remains dormant. Upon injury, the fibroblast reactivates, but can only produce collage leaving the joint wound repaired in an aberrant juxtaposition (place) with poor movement abilities due to the lack of the requisite elastin. In turn, according to Hauser et. Al (2013) this leads to permanent loss of function of the ligament and arthritis of the joint. This is not a speculative statement; it is based upon Wolff�s that dates back to the late 1800�s and has been a guiding principle in healthcare for more than a century.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
References:
White, et al., Clin Ortho Relat Res, 1975;(109):85-96
Hauser, Dolan,Phillips, Newlin, Moore Woldin, B.A.(2013) Ligament injury and healing: A review of current clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.The Open Rehabilitation Journal, 6,1-20.
Additional Topics: Weakened Ligaments After Whiplash
Whiplash is a commonly reported injury after an individual has been involved in an automobile accident. During an auto accident, the sheer force of the impact often causes the head and neck of the victim to jerk abruptly, back-and-forth, causing damage to the complex structures surrounding the cervical spine. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option utilized to help decrease the symptoms of whiplash.
Title: The Efficacy of Chiropractic Adjustments in the care of Migraine Headache with patients presenting with cervical disc bulge.
Abstract: Objective: To explore the efficacy of chiropractic adjustments, and non-surgical spinal decompression in the treatment of cervical spine disc conditions presenting as neck pain, migraine headache, dizziness and visual disturbances. Diagnostic studies included physical examination, computer aided range of motion, orthopedic and neurological examinations, plain film x-ray studies, brain MRI, cervical spine MRI examinations.� Treatments included specific spinal adjustments, low level laser therapy and spinal decompression.� The patient�s outcome proved excellent in reduction of neck pain, headache severity and frequency as well as elimination of dizziness and visual disturbances.
Introduction: On 11/19/13 a 37-year-old female presented for examination and treatment of neck pain, migraine headaches with associated dizziness and visual disturbances.� The patient denies and recent injuries.
Presenting Concerns of Research Study
The patient reports neck pain in the cervical occipital region as a 4 on the Verbal Analog Scale of 0 meaning the complete absence of pain and 10 being unbearable pain.� The duration of the current symptom picture is 2 years and 1 month.� The patient further reports episodic migraine headaches starting at the upper cervical region and progressing into her occipital area.� These episodes are accompanied by dizziness and visual disturbances described as kaleidoscope vision.� At the time of the initial consultation these episodes were occurring 2-3 times per week.� The patient reports being afraid to drive her car due to concerns about headache onset.� The patient reports past consultations with her medical doctor who diagnosed her with vertigo and previous chiropractic care without results.� The records from both consultations were reviewed personally.
Clinical Findings:��The patient presents with complaints of neck pain, headaches, dizziness and visual disturbances of 2 years duration.� The patient is a 37-year-old female who is a mother of 2.� The ages are 16 and 3.
Her vital signs are:
Height – 5 ft. 0 inches
Weight – 130 lbs.
Handedness – R
Blood Pressure – L – 107 systolic and 78 diastolic
Radial Pulse – 75 BPM
The patient�s Review of Systems and Family History were unremarkable.
Palpation/Spasm/Tissue changes:� The patient was evaluated by palpation and observation with the following findings: Bilateral cervical spine spasms rated at +2 in the cervical-occipital region.� Orthopedic testing was unremarkable.� Range of motion examination revealed mildly decreased left lateral flexion, moderately decreased flexion, right lateral flexion and extension. No pain was produced during range of motion examination.
Neurological Examination: Biceps, Triceps and Brachioradialis reflexes were rated at a +2 bilaterally.� Sensory examination revealed normal sensation bilaterally for dermatomes C-5 through T1.� Motor/Muscle testing revealed 5 out of 5 bilaterally for Deltoids, Biceps, and Triceps, Forearm and Intrinsic Hand muscles.
Radiographic findings: reversal of the cervical curve with altered C5/C6 disc space is noted. (Fig. 1, (A) (B) A small osteophyte is observed on the posterior inferior body of C5.� Flexion malposition of C5 is also noted.� (Fig. 1, (B).
Fig. 1,� (A), (B) show loss of the cervical lordosis, flexion malposition of C5, partial collapse of C5/6 anterior disc space.
Fig. 1. (B) shows upon magnification a small posterior-inferior osteophyte.
Fig. 2,� (A), (B) shows in T2 MRI images (A) is Sagittal and (B) is Axial a
C5/6 central disc herniation contacting the ventral cord.
Diagnostic Focus and Assessment:�Diagnoses considered are: Brain Tumor, Cervical Disc Displacement, and Cervical-cranial syndrome.� A brain MRI was ordered and produced normal findings.� Diagnostic reasoning included the C5/C6 disc/osteophyte complex and the encroachment into the ventral aspect of the central canal and contact with the cervical spinal cord. (1)�Peter�J. Tuchin, GradDipChiro, DipOHS, Henry Pollard, GradDipChiro, GradDipAppSc, Rod Bonillo, DC, DO.� Received 29 June 1999.��Another consideration was the treatment schedule because the patient lives 60 miles west of the clinic and 2 treatments was the ordered therapeutic schedule.
Therapeutic Focus and Assessment:��Assessment of the cervical spine MRI both sagittal and axial views of the C5/C6 and C6/C7 segmental levels revealed adequate space between the cervical cord and posterior vertebral elements.� It was determined that conservative management of this patient was appropriate.� Therapeutic focus was reducing the pressure of the C5/C6 disc/osteophyte complex on the ventral cord.� Promoting healing of damaged nerve tissue and restoring more favorable position and motion of vertebral segments C5/C6.� The modalities used to treat this patient were:
1.�����Specific Spinal Adjustments: utilizing a Sigma Precision Adjusting Instrument to introduce a percussive force of 20 lbs. with a maximum of impact number of 50.
2.�����Spinal Decompression: A Hill Spinal Decompression table was utilized with 8 lbs. of pull maximum and a cycle of 5 minute at maximum and 5 minutes at reduction to 50% over a 25 minutes treatment session.� The patient completed 18 sessions in total.
3.�����Low Level Laser Therapy was used to promote healing on a cellular level using a Dynatron Solaris system.� Treatments consisted of 30 seconds of exposure to an 860-nanometer beam at C5/C6 and C6/C7 levels.
Follow-up and Outcomes
The patient�s compliance to the treatment schedule as rated at 9 of 10.� Completion of the recommended 18 treatments required 1 week longer than anticipated.� For personal reasons the patient missed 2 treatment sessions but made them up by adding a week to the estimated completion date. Upon discharge examination the patient reports her neck pain on the Verbal Analog Scale a 2 of 10 with 0 being the complete absence of pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. She further reported her headaches as a 1 on the Verbal Analog Scale.� Both symptoms were constant since 10/01/11.� This is duration of 25 months prior to her first visit. Her symptoms of dizziness and visual disturbances have been absent since 12/13/13.
Discussion:�Headaches and Migraine Headaches are a big health problem. It has been estimated that 47% of the adult population have headache at least once within last year in general.��More than 90% of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during their migraine. American employers lose more than $13 billion each year as a result of 113 million lost workdays due to migraine. (2)�Schwartz BS1, Stewart WF, Lipton RB. J Occup Environ Med. 1997 Apr; 39(4): 320-7.
This case report is very limited because it represents the experience and clinical findings for just 1 patient. However a study of the references included with this report as well as reports by care providers as well as testimonials from patients indicates that more study should be invested in the relationship of the cervical spine, its structures and biomechanics during the diagnostic workup on headache and migraine patients.
Informed Consent:�The patient provided a signed informed consent.
Competing Interests:�There are no competing interests writing of this case report.
De-Identification:�All the patient�s related data has been removed from this case report.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
References:
1. Schwartz BS1, Stewart WF, Lipton RB.
J Occup Environ Med. 1997 Apr; 39(4): 320-7.
Lost workdays and decreased work effectiveness associated with headache in the workplace.
2. Vernon, H., Humphreys, K., & Hagino, C. (2007). Chronic mechanical neck�pain in adults treated by manual therapy: A systematic review of change scores in randomized clinical trials,�Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 30(3), 215-227.
3.�Peter J. Tuchin, GradDipChiro, DipOHS, Henry Pollard, GradDipChiro, GradDipAppSc, Rod Bonillo, DC, DO.� Received 29 June 1999
A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine?
4.Mark Studin DC, FASBE (C), DAAPM, DAAMLP, William J. Owens DC, DAAMLP Chronic Neck Pain and Chiropractic. A Comparative Study with Massage Therapy.
5.�D�Antoni AV, Croft AC. Prevalence of Herniated Intervertebral Discs of the Cervical Spine in Asymptomatic Subjects Using MRI Scans: A Qualitative Systemic Review. Journal of Whiplash & Related Disorders 2006; 5(1):5-13.
6.��Murphy, D. R., Hurwitz, E. L., & McGovern, E. E. (2009).�A nonsurgical approach to the management of patients with lumbar radiculopathy secondary to herniated disk: A prospective observational cohort study with follow-up.�Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(9), 723-733.
Additional Topics: Chiropractic Helps Patients Avoid Back Surgery
Back pain is a common symptom which affects or will affect a majority of the population at least once throughout their lifetime. While most back pain cases may resolve on their own, some instances of the pain and discomfort can be attributed to more serious spinal conditions. Fortunately, a variety of treatment options are available for patients before considering spinal surgical interventions. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option which helps carefully restore the original health of the spine, reducing or eliminating spinal misalignment which may be causing back pain.
A cervicogenic headache begins in the cervical spine, or the neck. Sometimes these headaches mimic migraine headache symptoms. Initially, discomfort may start intermittently, spread to one side (unilateral) of the individual head, and become nearly continuous. Furthermore, pain can be exacerbated by neck movements or a particular neck place (eg, eyes centered on a pc monitor).
Possible Causes of Cervicogenic Headaches
The trigger of a headache is often associated to extreme tension to the neck. The headache may be a consequence of cervical osteoarthritis, a broken disc, or whiplash-type movements that irritates or compresses a cervical nerve. The neck’s bony structures (eg, aspect joints) and its delicate tissues (eg, muscles) can give rise to the improvement of a cervicogenic headache.
Nervous System Function
Certain nerves structures are involved in several cervicogenic headaches. Spinal nerves are signal transmitters that allow the body via the spinal cord and communication between the brain. At each level of the cervical spine is one on the right of the spine and a set of nerves; one on the left side. C1, C2 or C3 may be involved in development of cervicogenic headaches because these nerves permit function (motion) and feeling of the head and neck. Compression can cause pain and inflammation.
Cervicogenic Headache Symptoms
A cervicogenic headache provides in base and the back of the skull as a steady, non-throbbing pain, sometimes extending downward into the neck and between the shoulder-blades. Pain could be felt behind forehead and the brow, although the problem originates in the cervical spine.
Pain usually starts after a sudden neck movements, such as a sneeze. Along with head and neck discomfort, signs may include:
Stiff neck
Nausea and/or vomiting
Dizziness
Vision
Sensitivity to light or sound
Pain in both arms or one
Risk facets that will be engaged in headache on set or irritate cervicogenic headaches include:
Fatigue
Sleep difficulties
Disc problems
Current or neck injuries that are preceding
Poor posture
Muscular stress
Diagnosis of Cervicogenic Headaches
The analysis of a headache commences using a thorough medical background using a physical and neurological evaluation. Diagnostic testing may include:
X-rays
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
CT Scans (rarely)
Nerve block injections to validate the diagnosis, cause
Treatment for Cervicogenic Headaches
Initially, your doctor may advise an over-the counter nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug (eg, aspirin, Aleve). If this is ineffective, then a prescription anti-irritation and pain reliever might be prescribed. Other treatment options, outlined in purchase of from non-invasive to invasive, include:
Spinal manipulation or alternative manual therapies
Behavioral methods (eg, bio feedback)
Acupuncture
Trigger level injections
Prolotherapy
Facet joint blocks (a type of spinal joint injection)
Nerve blocks (this is generally of the medial branches of the nerves that provide you with the the facet joints)
Radiofrequency pulse ganglionotomy of the nerve root (eg, C 2, C-3)
Spine surgery to reduce nerve or vascular compression (this is rarely necessary)
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Cervicogenic Headache and Chiropractic
Neck pain associated with whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident are reportedly the most prevalent cause for discomfort along the cervical spine. The sheer force of an impact from a rear-end car crash or other traffic incident can cause injuries or aggravate a previously existing condition. While neck pain is commonly the result of damage to the complex structures of the neck, cervicogenic headaches may also result due to neck issues. Chiropractic care can help carefully restore the alignment of the cervical spine to relieve headaches and neck pain.
Manual manipulations and spinal adjustments have been demonstrated to be successful treatment alternatives for patient’s with headaches.
Chiropractic’s capability to correct bio-mechanical dysfunctions can help eliminate common factors which may lead to head and neck pain. A majority of headaches are associated with neck pain and other cervical spine issues, best known as cervicogenic headaches. These headaches are musculo-skeletal in nature and are related to tension headaches, which may also relate to migraines.
According to some research studies, there’s less risk of further injury or aggravation of a previous condition through chiropractic adjustments than with popular medical remedies. Additionally, newest research indicates that nine percent of men and 12 percent of women in the United States experience at least one to two headaches per month, with four percent of the population experiencing more regular headaches.
Prevalence of Head Pain & Neck Pain
Two-thirds of all adult males and greater than 80 percent of females in developed countries suffer from persistent headaches, according to the World Wellness Organization (WHO). Headaches are just as harmful in developing nations as well, primarily because such are not considered to be a symptom of disease. WHO estimates that about half of the individuals who experience headaches never receive any treatment for them.
People who suffer from chronic, everyday headaches amount to about four or five percent of the world’s population, surpassing the percentage of several other common illnesses. Experts genuinely believe the connection of headache victims to those with disabilities is approximately the same.
Headaches are so frequent that Americans pay more than one billion annually to get alleviation from them. Medical expenses plus lost-work time and productivity accounts for an estimated $50 billion in losses for American companies. Just as troubling: The discomfort associated with headaches and migraines might be so extreme, it’s often reported that mental illness follows soon after.
Approximately 95 percent of headaches are categorized as stress, migraine, or cervicogenic, originating in the neck. Symptoms include head pain on either side of the head or a stiff feeling in the neck, along with tightness and soreness. A small percentage of headaches is on the array that is more hazardous and it’s possible for these to need further referral to appropriate healthcare professionals to treat them as necessary.
Treatment for Headaches Associated with Neck Pain
By utilizing risk-free and beneficial treatment protocols, many doctors of chiropractic, or DCs, effortlessly help many individuals reduce the symptoms of headaches. A spinal adjustment can certainly help lessen the strain being placed on the spine and its surrounding structures, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels, diminishing the signs of a headache and allowing for better function.
Particularly as it relates to neck modifying, many people have worries about chiropractic manipulation. Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic is a different kind of chiropractic treatment which is performed without manipulation of the head or neck. The �snap,� �crack,� or �pop� sound usually associated with chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation is not necessary to move a vertebra, especially the atlas or upper cervical joint complex.
Chiropractors in general are perhaps not taught aggressive, forceful techniques; the type that’ll injure vessels or tissues. Chiropractors are taught to use speed and finesse as an alternative to pressure. When the physician performing the procedure compensates for slow-pace by increasing pressure in the manipulation, problems can occur.�Chiropractors provide by far the greatest number of manipulations to the spine than any other profession, but other healthcare professionals can also perform manipulation and mobilization techniques.
Chiropractic health practitioners have had the same simple coaching as any other primary care physician. The variation between DCs and MDs lies in their treatment protocols for certain types of injuries and/or conditions.
Conclusive Findings
The need to seek assistance in emergencies is essential, if all other choices happen to be explored. When seeking specific treatment for cervicogenic headaches as well as neck pain, it’s suggested to seek medical attention with Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic, followed closely by other actions that are less-invasive. Surgery is often suggested and recommended to be used as a last option unless otherwise necessary.
Most people that have had an Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic adjustment report feeling as either a puff of force or nothing at all. They hear a tiny tap and they describe feeling the neck’s tightness and soreness decrease. Some explain the experience as initially underwhelming.� Others report a wave like feeling rushing through the body, especially after various treatments. The healthcare professional�may determine substantial changes between his objective findings from before the adjustment and those he finds afterwards in the patients.
About the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique
Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic therapy could be an excellent instrument in the prevention of headaches, accidents and several other problems and includes a calming outcome for many individuals.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Cervicogenic Headache and Chiropractic
Neck pain associated with whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident are reportedly the most prevalent cause for discomfort along the cervical spine. The sheer force of an impact from a rear-end car crash or other traffic incident can cause injuries or aggravate a previously existing condition. While neck pain is commonly the result of damage to the complex structures of the neck, cervicogenic headaches may also result due to neck issues. Chiropractic care can help carefully restore the alignment of the cervical spine to relieve headaches and neck pain.
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