Neck Pain
Saturday, June 7th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Tip! Treatment relies on the reduction of the disc bulge by changing the mechanics of the spine and reducing the tension in the connective tissue with Connective Tissue Manipulation and Manual Lymph Drainage. Correct posture is very important to improve the neck pain and prevent recurrence.
Pain in the neck can be caused by irritation, inflammation, injury, or infection. Pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, hand or head “most” frequently results from irritation of cervical nerve roots in the region of the intervertebral foramen, encroachment of the vascular supply as it courses through the vertebral canal, or invasion of the cord in the spinal canal.
If unhealthy, the neck’s normal forward curve may reduce, become straight, or “military,” or even reverse its curve. Over time arthritic changes in the vertebrae such as lipping or spurring (bony growths); disc thinning or degeneration; or deterioration of muscles, ligaments and other structures may occur. In spite of all these changes, however, there may or may not be pain. In fact, studies show little or no correlation between the degree of pain felt in the neck and arthritis changes found on X-rays and MRI.
Tip! The Internet is flooded with neck-support pillows in various shapes, sizes and materials. Many of these pillows claim to promote better sleep, relieve neck pain and prevent episodes of stiff neck and frozen shoulder.
Lipping, spurring, and other irregularities (osteoarthritis) do not in themselves constitute a disease but are rather defense mechanisms that arise to stabilize an off-balance spine. Recent research has shown that manipulative care can reverse some of the effects of osteoarthritis - something that had previously been considered impossible.
As a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of neck pain. After a thorough neurological examination, I determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly. In many neck pain patients, I find a high mesencephalic output.
There are three parts to the brain stem: top, middle and lower. The mesencephalon is the top part of the brain stem. A high output of the mesencephalon will cause an increased pulse and heart rate, the inability to sleep, or a waking, fitful sleep. Other symptoms might include urinary tract infections, increased warmth and sweating, and sensitivity to light.
Along with a high mesencephalic output, the neck pain patient may present with a decreased output of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is in the back part of the brain. It controls all of the involuntary spinal musculature.
No matter what the condition, it is imperative that the chiropractic neurologist performs a thorough and comprehensive exam to determine the exact nature of the patient’s condition.
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Dr. Michael L. Johnson is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, one of only 700 in the country, with over twenty years of experience in private practice. He has completed over 850 hours of neurological studies and 3800 hours of postgraduate education. His book “What Do You Do When the Medications Don’t Work? - A Non-Drug Treatment of Dizziness, Migraine Headaches, Fibromyalgia, and Other Chronic Conditions” outlines his groundbreaking work in the treatment of chronic pain and is a national best-seller. It is available wherever books are sold. Tip! More recently some TENs machines are now available with an electrical probe which can be used to stimulate acupuncture points to bring pain relief. While almost all TENs machines have cautions about placing the electrode pads on the head and neck these �accu TENs� machines will permit users to stimulate the accu points or channels elsewhere on the body to bring relief to head or neck pain. � 2005 Michael L. Johnson, D.C., D.A.C.N.B. |
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