Neck pain caused by a whiplash injury definitely warrants a visit to a chiropractic whiplash specialist that can provide non-surgical treatment and pain relief.
Whiplash is an injury to the neck muscles from a rapid forward and backward motion of the neck caused by trauma from a car accident, sports injury, slip and fall accident or even just turning one’s head but doing it with a fast whipping motion that causes the neck/spine muscles to become swollen and irritated. It can cause acute short-term neck pain and restricted movement.
How a Whiplash Injury Is Diagnosed
A chiropractor evaluates the spine in its entirety. If you go to a chiropractic clinic with neck pain following trauma. The chiropractor will examine the whole spine because the other areas of the spine could be affected and not just the neck region.
The chiropractor locates the areas where motion is restricted if there are any disc injuries, muscle spasms, and ligament injuries. They will first apply motion and staticpalpation diagnostic techniques where they feel and touch the various areas where the pain is present, as well as where there is no pain. A chiropractor will also feel for:
Tenderness
Tightness
How well the spinal joints move
They will also analyze the patient’s walk noting their posture and if there is possible spinal misalignment. This will help the chiropractor understand the patient’s body’s mechanics and what their spine is doing to compensate for the injury. This can mean:
Leaning to one side
Getting up in a very careful way so as to avoid pain
Hunching over
Only turning in one direction
In addition to the evaluation, they will also order an x-ray or an MRI to evaluate any deteriorating changes that could have existed before the whiplash injury. The images and physical and neurological evaluation resultsare compared to figure out and develop the best treatment plan.
Whiplash Treatment Stages
After a whiplash injury happens a chiropractor works to reduce neck inflammation with various therapies like:
Massage
Ultrasound
Light stretching
Soft manual therapy techniques
They may also recommend applying an ice pack on the neck and light neck support for a short time. As the inflammation and pain decrease the chiropractor will begin applying gentle spinal manipulation along with other techniques to restore the normal motion to the neck’s facet joints.
Chiropractic Whiplash Injury Treatment
A treatment plan depends on the severity of the whiplash injury. Some manipulation techniques used are:
Flexion-distraction technique
This is a gentle non-thrusting type of spinal manipulation that helps treat herniated discs. A whiplash injury can cause an aggravated bulging or herniated disc. If this happens a chiropractor uses a slow palm pump action on the disc rather than direct thrusting force.
Instrument-assisted manipulation
This technique also non-thrusting utilizes a hand-held instrument. A chiropractor generates force without thrusting directly into the spine. This therapy is great for older patients who may have degenerative joint syndrome.
Specific spinal manipulation
Spinal joints that are restricted or have abnormal motion are identified. Then the chiropractor restores motion to the joint with a gentle thrust. This stretches the soft tissue and stimulates the nervous system to bring back normal motion.
Along with these spinal therapies/techniques, a chiropractor also uses manual therapy to treat the soft tissues like the ligaments and muscles. Some examples of manual techniques are:
Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy is where a chiropractor uses an instrument/s like the Graston technique, that gently treats any injured soft tissues. They will gently apply the instrument along the injured area with repeated strokes.
Manual joint stretching and resistance therapy is a form of manual therapy that uses the muscle’s own energy to create isometric contractions that help relax the muscles, and help lengthen the muscles.
Therapeutic massage is where a chiropractor or physical therapist performs massage to ease and relax muscle tension in the neck.
Trigger point therapy identifies specific tight painful points/areas of muscle by applying direct pressure with the hands or fingers on these points to alleviate the muscle tension.
Interferential electrical stimulation This technique uses low-frequency electrical current to stimulate the muscles and reduce inflammation.
Ultrasound increases blood circulation and helps reduce muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. This happens by sending sound waves deep into the muscle’s tissue which generates low heat and increases circulation.
Therapeutic exercises to restore normal spinal motion and reduce whiplash symptoms.
Chiropractic medicine looks at the whole person and not just the symptoms. Neck pain is different for everyone, so chiropractors don�t just focus on the pain because the whiplash injury could have affected other areas that the patient doesn’t feel pain or anything.
But as the spine is a complex structure that works as a unit, a problem in one area can slowly or quickly start to create problems in other areas of the spine much like falling dominoes.
With these techniques, a chiropractor will help increase a patient’s daily activities back to normal as quickly as they can, depending on the severity of the injury. They will work as hard as they can to address any added spinal or nerve-related causes/injuries stemming from the original whiplash injury and treat them as well until normal movement is restored and there is no longer pain.
Remember that prevention is the key to optimal long-term health!
Our team has taken great pride in bringing our families and injured patients only clinically proved treatment protocols. �By teaching complete holistic wellness as a lifestyle, we also change not only our patient�s lives but their families as well.� We do this so that we may reach as many El Pasoans who need us, no matter the affordability issues.
El Paso, TX Chiropractic Neck Pain Treatment
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Often,�people with whiplash don�t experience any effects until a day, or even two, after. The key is to stay ahead of the pain and take measures sooner rather than later to relieve it and keep it at bay. It also provides documentation should other issues arise, and you need the information for legal purposes.
If you are in an accident, especially if you get rear-ended, and experience whiplash, see a doctor that day ��even if you don�t feel much pain. The sooner you visit a chiropractic clinic, the sooner you can begin treatment should a problem develop.
Q: Recently diagnosed with a bulging disc at C5-C6, is there anything I can do at home to relieve my pain?
� El Paso, TX.
A: Great question because anyone that has woken up with a stiff neck can relate. This is the most common area of herniation in the neck. It is highly susceptible to regular wear and tear but poor neck posture, like looking down at a phone for too long and improper motion mechanics can also be a cause.
Taking care of yourself without having to go to the doctor is very important and it is critical to learn proper healing methods, and techniques.
Healthcare professionals will say that most of the healing takes place at home.
There are various ways to reduce pain at home, but remember that there is a point when symptoms do warrant professional medical attention.
Good news
Bulging and herniated discs typically heal within six months � and less than 10% ever need surgery.
Non-surgical treatment for cervical bulging discs is usually enough to relieve pain and the best part is that you can do many of these treatments yourself.
Under chiropractic/therapist supervision, these treatments can be utilized at home or with the assistance
Cervical pillow
A proper pillow will help improve the quality of sleep and also give the neck proper support and position to heal.
Herbal remedies
The natural approach to medications is also welcome. There are plenty of herbal supplements to help relieve pain. There is capsaicin cream, that you can apply and helps reduces pain.
Ice and heat therapy
Ice should be applied in a bag or towel for 15-20 minute intervals, two or three times daily. Heat treatment comes in the later stages of the therapy but follows the same on-off interval technique.
Over-the-Door Traction
This therapy is very effective in helping relieve pain and muscle spasms. Your head and neck are attached to a harness. This is connected to a rope that is connected to a pulley system that goes over a door at your home. Then while sitting, leaning back, or lying down you go through the exercise.
Motion exercises
These exercises help the neck recover its full range of motion. This prevents stiffness from setting in and also helps strengthen the muscles in the neck. A therapist or a chiropractor can show a variety of exercises depending on the area of injury/stiffness.
However, if the pain does not go away a physical therapist/chiropractor can be your best option. Passive physical therapy includes:
Ultrasound
T.E.N.S electrical nerve stimulation
Mild neck traction
These treatment options are non-invasive and effectively help manage pain. It’s always important to remember that if your pain continues or starts to become worse tell your doctor and get medical attention.
Chiropractic Alignment
If the pain continues, then you may be referred to a chiropractor for spinal alignment.
Chiropractors are experts at treating neck conditions.� Aligning the cervical segments of the neck is a must as the injury can return if the cervical discs are not in proper alignment or even worsen. Chiropractic treatment can give relief and also stop cervical spine degeneration.
*Neck* Pain Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas
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People have a 70% likelihood of developing neck pain lives and neck pain is an important issue affecting economic productivity in modern society. Neck pain is a work-related musculoskeletal disorder that can occur when a person works for a long time or at a high intensity. An increase in the number of individuals visiting hospitals with pain in the neck, upper extremities, and the head as a result of excessive tension. Home therapies can help reduce pain.
Q: My neck pain comes and goes, depending on the weather, and has for a few years. I have found certain exercises that help and others that make the pain worse. A co-worker told me about Mechanical diagnosis therapy. What is it and can it help? � El Paso, TX.
A: Mechanical Diagnosis Therapy also known as the McKenzie Method is a spinal technique that teaches how to safely and effectively reduce neck pain and improve neck function.
The goal of mechanical diagnosis therapy is to:
Assess
Treat
Prevent back and neck pain
This puts you in a position to control the pain. This technique can also help with joint problems that cause
Shoulder
Hip
Knee pain
Exercises that help reduce neck pain are highly beneficial, especially combined with chiropractic, physical therapy, rehabilitation treatment plan. But, mechanical diagnosis therapy definitely would be worth trying out for relief and prevention of neck pain. This method finds a key exercise that you can do to control the pain, which can be more effective than other exercises.
This is known as the directional preference of movement�and can hold the key to reducing pain.
The best results have been demonstrated with patients who work with chiropractors and physical therapists who have completed training and passed a standardized examination by the McKenzie Institute.
Chiropractic/Physical Therapy session that incorporates Mechanical Diagnosis Therapy:
A physical therapist or chiropractor will perform a detailed assessment. Your health history, neck pain, and other symptoms.
The therapist instructs the patient on how to perform specific, structured exercises.
This helps determine what movements or positions cause the neck pain and which positions and movements are more comfortable, and help reduce symptoms.
Patients often show signs of centralization. This is when the original�pain in the neck is felt in other parts of the body like the arm or hand and radiates toward the spine from specific positions or movements.
The chiropractor/therapist will create a customized exercise plan that the patient will do at work/home to reduce neck pain and other symptoms.
Every patient’s plan is different and completely individualized to treat your specific neck pain.
After the first appointment, the patient will perform the exercises themselves. But depending on the treatment plan, chiropractic exams could be implemented for 3 to 4 weeks to monitor progress. As these appointments are fulfilled the chiropractor could add or alter the exercises as the pain and symptoms reduce and range of motion increases.
Doing these exercises regularly will help reduce neck pain and prevent it from worsening.
The exercises can be performed quickly and easily so they become a part of the patient’s regular routine. A chiropractor/therapist will work with the patient to design a simple but effective exercise plan that fits into their schedule. The chiropractor will also teach ways to prevent aggravating neck pain by avoiding positions and other activities not thought about.
Mechanical Diagnosis Therapy can create tools to help reduce and prevent neck pain along with other symptoms. Most of the time, a few sessions are all that is needed to see benefits. Results happen rather quickly, especially as the patients are managing their neck pain between visits with their chiropractor.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Clinic,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
El Paso, TX Chiropractic Neck Pain Treatment
Shane Scott was involved in an automobile accident when he heard about Dr. Alex Jimenez from a friend. After experiencing headache, neck and low back pain, several days after the incident, Shane’s quality of life, was tremendously affected. Thankfully, treatment with Dr. Jimenez helped Shane return to his normal life. Shane recommends Dr. Jimenez as the non-surgical choice for neck pain treatment.
Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem, where two-thirds of individuals will experience neck pain some time in their lives. Neck pain can be brought on by numerous other spinal issues. It can arise from muscle tightness in either the neck and upper spine or pinching of the nerves in the cervical vertebrae.
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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 treatment is geared toward the entire body and not just symptom/s. Chiropractors will also educate on nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle goals in addition to treating neck pain.
We’ve all seen the commercials, web ads, emails, etc�about the best pillow around. Getting a good night’s sleep can be a struggle these days and any type of physical aid is welcome, specifically a pillow. This is especially true of people with chronic, acute cervical neck/back and neuropathic pain.�
Stores carry various lines of pillows that all claim to be the best pillow for neck pain.
With all the different designs out there, choosing the right pillow for your way of sleeping can be a challenge. Dr. Jimenez takes a look at finding the right pillow that will help you sleep, stay asleep and wake up refreshed and with no neck/back pain.
Throughout the sleep cycle, and therefore has a big responsibility. This guide will help you find the right one to meet your sleep needs.
Sleeping position and the pillow can play a major role in comfort or pain.
Example – Stomach sleepers usually have the most neck pain. This is because the neck is turned to the side and the spine is arched.
For relief, try sleeping either on your back or on the side. This along with a pillow that supports the neck and the natural curve of the spine.
Tips for Buying The Right One
These guidelines apply to anyone looking for a pillow that can support the spine. It should:
Keeps your spine naturally aligned meaning the head should rest directly over your shoulders and should not be propped up or pushed back too much
Can be adjusted for maximum support
Supports your head
Eliminates pressure on the cervical spine
Increases sleep duration
Hypoallergenic for those with allergies
Pillows come in all types and sizes, but don�t get it based on how it’s going to look on your bed. Take into account your body size and match that to the size of the pillow.
Picking Based On Your Sleep Position
Picking the right one for you and understanding how you sleep is important, as your sleep position can lead the way.
Stomach sleepers
Thin pillows are the way to go and sometimes not using a pillow at all could be beneficial.
Sleeping on your stomach puts more pressure on the lower back than any other sleeping position. Consider sleeping on your side/back or only sleep on your stomach for short periods then once comfortable switch to the side/back position.
Back sleepers
Thin pillows are also the way to go, but this pillow should have some lift at the bottom to help support your neck.
Memory foam is an option for back sleepers because it adjusts to your�head and neck shape.
Side sleepers
A firm pillow specifically one with a gusset or a piece of material that adds strength and thickness is more structured and can keep your spine aligned.
Specialty�
With severe spine pain or if pregnant, standard pillows do not work. There are specialty pillows that can provide comfort and pain relief.
Chiropractic
Known also as a cervical pillow, these can help if you have chronic neck or back pain that�s not allowing sleep. These are molded to your neck and keep your spine aligned during sleep, and come in a variety of styles and materials. A chiropractor can help you choose the right type and instruct you on how to use it correctly.
Pregnancy
These also come in different types but the aim is to provide support to your growing abdomen. Pregnancy pillows also come with extra body pillows designed to fit under the abdomen and between the knees supporting the entire body.
When To Replace Your Pillow
It is recommended that individuals should replace every 18 months to 2 years depending on how aggressively you sleep.
Using a pillow beyond its lifespan means there is no longer support for your spine which can exacerbate and create new injuries.
How to tell when a pillow is done its duty, fold it in half. If the pillow stays and does not return to the original position is a good indicator that it�s time for a new pillow.
El Paso, TX Neck Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Sleep allows your body to heal and the spine to rejuvenate. It helps you handle stress better and manage pain more effectively. It is an essential part of good health so making sure that you get good quality sleep should be a priority � and it is possible.
NCBI Resources
The�position that you sleep in can help relieve your back pain, but getting good quality sleep will help you manage your pain much better so it should be your goal to get proper sleep every night. And you should change it out on a regular basis.
They can get worn and no longer deliver the support they once did. If you are waking up with neck or back pain or headaches, it could be your pillow. Additionally, studies show that making your bed every day improves your quality of sleep. Make sure that the temperature is comfortable and avoid electronic devices for about an hour before bedtime. Be kind to your spine and make sleep�a priority.
A look at what a stinger or burner injury is and what they can do to the neck and shoulders. We will look at:
Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Contact sports, like:
Football
Hockey
Soccer
Basketball
This is a very common cervical injury that affects the neck and upper body. This is known as a stinger.
A stinger can also be called a burner and is an injury that happens when the head or neck gets hit to one side, which causes the shoulder to be pulled in the opposite direction.
Stingers/burners often happen at the high school level but can occur at all levels of play.
Stinger/Burner neck injury cause
A stinger is caused by stretching the brachial plexus nerves.
These peripheral nerves that come out of:
Spinal cord
Run across the shoulders
Under the collarbone
Into the arms
The brachial plexus nerves give the arms their strength and sensation.
When a sideways hit to the head or hit to the shoulder occurs, the nerves can become:
Compressed
Stretched
Irritated
Symptoms of a cervical stinger
This type of sideways collision causes immediate and intense pain, tingling or burning sensations that can run down the arm into the fingers.
Weakness in the affected arm or hand is common.
The weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations can last a few minutes or for a few weeks.
Stinger/burner injury treatment
Fortunately, most stinger injuries heal on their own with rest and relaxation of the neck muscles.
Athletes are placed on the disabled list until symptoms are gone and a doctor has cleared the athlete.
Players can return to sport once the pain is gone and they’ve regained:
Full range of motion
Strength
Normal sensation in neck and arms
Constant or recurring symptoms could indicate a more serious injury.
Cervical x-rays, a CT scan, or MRI could be used to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Can stinger/burner injuries be prevented?
Strengthening exercises for the neck muscles are an important way for athletes and beginners to help prevent these injuries.
Using the proper and correct technique in contact sports to avoid spearing/spear tackles and head down tackling.
Safety equipment, like neck rolls, can help limit the backward movement of the neck.
Players who experience stinger symptoms should immediately report it to their coaches or team/personal physician.
Ignoring or playing through a stinger injury can lead to more severe injuries.
*Neck* Pain Chiropractic Care | El Paso, Tx
Following a balanced diet along with healthy lifestyle habits can help promote optimal health and wellness.
People with neck pain realize how much their symptoms affect their ability to engage in everyday activities.
Dr. Alex Jimenez helps patients achieve neck pain relief through chiropractic care, an alternative treatment option that carefully corrects any spinal misalignments or subluxations.�
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Stretching is an outstanding complement to chiropractic care.
Blood flow to the muscles is increased, helps lower the risk of injury and improves performance.
Stretching is good for the joints, it helps them function through their full range of motion.
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.
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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.
Myofascial syndrome, what is it? You’re probably thinking I don’t have that, but more than likely, you have.
Myo means muscle and fascia refer to the tissue bands that cover and connect the muscles/organs.
Tightness
Twitching areas
Painful knots
In the neck/back, then myofascial pain syndrome could be the cause.
Myofascial syndrome is a very common condition. It affects about 44 million people in the United States.
Trigger Points The Areas Where Pain Can Develop
Myofascial pain is associated with trigger points. These are areas that can become tender and stiff inside muscle tissue that reduce the range of motion.
Myofascial pain syndrome can happen when you have several active trigger points.
Trigger points are often referred to as knots because they feel tight and balled up compared to the softer relaxed surrounding muscle/s.
If the muscle becomes tight, it can cut off its blood supply, that can trigger:
Muscle tenderness
Pain
Spasm
Tightness
Trigger points can form all over the body which includes:
Neck
Mid-back
Low back
Common characteristics of trigger points are that they cause pain that travels or spreads to the surrounding area. For example, shoulder pain can radiate across the upper back.
The muscles can also twitch when touched.
Pretty much everyone has trigger points, but not all triggers cause symptoms.
Dormant or latent��trigger points can reduce the range of motion but only cause pain when directly palpated or compressed,
Active trigger points are painful any time, even when at rest.
Lifestyle factors like:
Stress
Poor posture
Can make a dormant trigger point become active.
Trigger Point Causes in the Spine
Spinal injury or trauma can result in myofascial pain syndrome, but lifestyle factors usually have a hand in the condition.
Poor posture over a long period, for example, sleeping in an awkward position can cause physical muscular stress on the spinal muscles.
Mental and emotional stress can present itself through muscle tension that helps the development of trigger points.
The trapezius muscle, that extends from the back of the neck down the shoulders and upper back, is the most common site of spinal trigger points and myofascial pain because of the significant amount of pressure that the muscle has to bear and its susceptibility to whiplash.
The Difference Myofascial Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Because myofascial syndrome is linked to triggering points, fibromyalgia and its tender points bring out a comparison of the two.
Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two distinct conditions, and the table below outlines the primary differences.
Because they are unique conditions, there is a possibility to develop both conditions.
Doctor(s) can help craft a treatment approach that addresses the pain of both trigger points and tender points.
Diagnosis can be difficult
Myofascial pain syndrome is common but can be difficult to diagnose.
The challengingreasons behind diagnosing include:
Scientists are not sure how these trigger points cause pain.
The condition is often confused for other spinal disorders and conditions.
An example is having low back pain caused by myofascial syndrome in the lumbar spine. But low back pain brought on by arthritis can cause similar pain. That’s when the cause needs to be carefully and properly assessed.
There is no standard test for myofascial pain syndrome diagnosis yet.
There�s no standard diagnosing protocol but manual palpation or use of the hands to feel for:
Tenderness
Twitching
Tightness around the area
Is the most common way doctors diagnose the condition.
Some doctors might only utilize manual palpation but ultrasound is emerging as a diagnostic tool for myofascial pain syndrome.
Ultrasound produces clean images of the soft tissues and shows the active trigger points.
However, more research is needed to secure its place as a diagnostic method and tool.
A personal or primary care doctor can diagnose myofascial syndrome, but they may refer you to a pain specialist or a spine specialist like:
Doctors and researchers are still learning about myofascial syndrome, therefore, treatment options differ from doctor to doctor.
But most doctors do support a multidisciplinary treatment approach that is, using a variety of therapies and employing lifestyle changes to manage trigger point pain and prevent it from coming back.
Below are common treatments for myofascial pain syndrome.
Release Therapy
Myofascial release is a broad treatment option that consists of manual or instrument-guided therapydesigned to release the muscles and fascia by use of applying pressure.
Practitioners and clinicians are trained in myofascial release therapy, including:
Massage therapists
Physical therapists
Chiropractors
Physiatrists
The goal is the same:
Put pressure on the trigger point and release it.
Myofascial release technique might sound like a massage, but it is a distinct method compared to massage.
Massage moves muscles up and down,� myofascial release utilizes direct pressure into the stiff fascia and muscle.
Repeated pressure on the tight areas is not soothing, and patients tell of soreness during and after the treatment.
Once the trigger point loosens up, blood flow and nerve function begin to return to the area.
Then the pain is gone, hallelujah!
Additional Care Options
Myofascial release therapy is just one option for trigger point pain.
Other common treatments to manage spine-related pain include:
Home
If you know the location of the trigger points you can treat them at home with simple tools.
Rolling the trigger point over a:
Foam roller
Golf ball
Tennis ball
Can help loosen any of the tight areas.
Over-the-counter medication
If doctor-approved, then taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can help with spine pain and allow daily activities.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy like:
Massage
Chiropractic
Heat
Electrical stimulation
Ultrasound
There are also stretches/exercises to keep muscles warm and flexible to help any future trigger points from forming.
Massage therapy
Licensed massage therapists practice myofascial release therapy, but also include other forms of massage
Deep tissue massage
Swedish massage
Can also help relieve trigger point pain.
Massage can also help to relax, and this is very important in preventing myofascial pain syndrome.
Also, learn how to keep stress and anxiety in check, and avoid tension that can turn into trigger points.
Dry needling/acupuncture
While both therapies use needles, dry needling and acupuncture are different treatments that can reduce the pain.
There is not a lot of research on dry needling like acupuncture, but it can help increase blood flow to the trigger point area.
Acupuncture means inserting needles into specific points on the body.
These needles help stimulate the body’s energy and help in sending signals to the nervous system to release chemicals into the body to help with the pain, which means less pain.
Trigger point injections
If any of these treatments don’t seem to be working, then you might want to talk to your doctor about trigger point injections.
Many people who have trigger points or myofascial pain syndrome in their spine have knots and tightness throughout their back and neck.
To prevent myofascial pain syndrome one needs to practice a healthy lifestyle that promotes good spine health.
Stretching and exercising regularly can help keep stress under control and prevent tension from building up, which makes it harder for trigger points to activate and cause pain.
El Paso Chiropractic Back Pain Therapy
Andres “Andy” Martinez first came to see Dr. Alex Jimenez in Push Fitness after undergoing back pain and knee issues. Following a period of physical therapy and rehabilitation, Andy became engaged in Crossfit, where he learned everything he needed to know about health and wellness from the coaches at Push. Andres Martinez expresses how grateful he is to receive the amount of care he does against the staff and he clarifies how much his perspective of fitness has shifted from the first time he walked into Push Fitness. Andy has seen a family at Push who led him to a healthy, clean life and both the trainers and staff mean everything to Andres Martinez.
NCBI Resources
The knots you have probably felt in your muscles or had others identify are also known as trigger points. These tight spots are often sensitive to the touch and can be found in any muscle in your body. As they develop, they may produce symptoms like numbness, burning, weakness, pain, and tingling. Trigger points are caused by trauma to the body, such as an accident in a car or during athletics. They can also be caused by more mild, long-term trauma, such as working at a desk without proper ergonomics or making a repetitive motion over a long period of time. Chiropractors are not only good at finding trigger points, but they are also good at treating them.
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