Neck Pain Treatment

Evolution of Chiropractic Medicine in Health Care

cmaynard — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:54:22 -0800

The scientific merit of spinal dysfunction and therapeutic benefits of spinal manipulation for neuromusculoskeletal conditions were challenged in the early days of chiropractic. Manipulation has been generally accepted for back pain, neck pain, sciatica, joint problems, sprains, strains, osteoarthritis, herniated discs and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

American Chiropractic History of Treatment for Back Pain and Neck Pain

cmaynard — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:53:12 -0800

Since its inception in 1895, chiropractic has provided treatment for patients with back pain, neck pain and headache.

Cervical Pain from Degeneration and Injury

cmaynard — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:56:34 -0700

If a cervical vertebra is fractured by trauma, such as in a car accident, a fall, a diving accident that jars the head, or any other significant cervical injury, the spinal cord can be damaged, possibly resulting in not only cervical pain but different types of impaired functioning depending on which cervical vertebra has been injured.

For example, a cervical injury to:

The Latest Chiropractic Debate

cmaynard — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:57:17 -0700

July 30, 2009
by: Sylvia Marten

While [url:1621,type=|node|,content=|chiropractic treatment|] of the spine may have been considered unproven at one point in time, that opinion has been dispelled more recently as nearly 9 percent of Americans now seek chiropractic care each year, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

While chiropractic treatment has gained acceptance in the mainstream as a valid form of health care, there is now a growing debate among [url:1624,type=|node|,content=|chiropractors|], specifically as a result of those who claim that chiropractic offers holistic treatment for much more than [url:145,type=|term|,content=|back pain|] and other symptoms associated with the spine.

Since its inception, chiropractic has held as a central tenant that the anatomical relationship between the spine and nervous system is vital to a person’s health.

Traditionally, chiropractic care has been used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, specifically via non-surgical and drug-free means. Chiropractors have based their practice on the idea of manipulating the spine through a series of short-lever, arm thrusts with the goal of reducing subluxation (the altered position of the vertebra and subsequent loss of function as a result of the vertebra being mispositioned in comparison to the other vertebrae) and providing relief for:

Upper and lower back pain
[url:149,type=|term|,content=|Neck pain|]
[url:998,type=|node|,content=|Sciatica|]
Muscle strains
Arthritic pain
Other conditions of the spine.

The acceptance of [url:1620,type=|node|,content=|chiropractic manipulation|] has naturally coincided with strong evidence to its effectiveness in improving function and reducing symptoms of acute and chronic back pain.

With its evolution, chiropractic treatment has expanded and incorporated the use of massage, exercise programs and physical modalities like heat/ice therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and X-ray to help diagnose and treat back pain.

A Holistic Approach to Chiropractic Care

More recently, some chiropractors have provided chiropractic care for not only back pain but acid reflux, digestive disorders, ear infections, asthma, allegories, colic and much more.

These chiropractors promote chiropractic treatment as holistic, using words like “hygiene” and “wellness,” noting how the spine is directly related to all conditions, and using the concept of “subluxation” as a basis of their arguments.

Such chiropractors say that they don’t want to pigeonhole chiropractic in terms of its treatment abilities but rather aim to provide patients with a more well-rounded understanding of its many applications.

Other chiropractors disagree, saying that there is not any evidence at this point to suggest that chiropractic care is an effective treatment for symptoms beyond back pain and opining that it should thus be primarily used for treatment of spinal conditions.

So just as chiropractic has become more integrated with other health care practices, the battle is not over as it continually seeks to define itself, this time as a holistic approach.

Source: Chicago Tribune

More Chiropractic Resources for Patients

The most recent debate on chiropractic care should not confuse or sway patients interested in exploring this treatment in more detail.

Learn more about chiropractic care by checking out the following resources:

[url:1636,type=|node|,content=|How to Select the Best Chiropractor|]
[url:1635,type=|node|,content=|How to Choose a Chiropractic Clinic|]
[url:1633,type=|node|,content=|What to Expect at the First Chiropractic Consultation|]
[url:15655,type=|node|,content=|Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor|]
[url:15656,type=|node|,content=|Chiropractic Treatment Program Guidelines|]
[url:1647,type=|node|,content=|Chiropractic Treatment of the Joints|]

FDA Approves Third Cervical Artificial Disc: the Bryan Cervical Disc from Medtronic

mlepore — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:00:17 -0700

June 4, 2009
by: Spine-health Staff Writer

After long trials of deliberation, Medtronic’s Bryan Cervical Disc became FDA-approved on May 12, 2009. The Bryan Cervical Disc, designed to alleviate [url:149,type=|term|,content=|neck pain|] and related disability caused by degenerative disc disease, had received a favorable FDA recommendation back in July of 2007.

Although approved, conditions have been put in place for the approval of the Bryan for the next ten years. Medtronic will be conducting a post-market study, which will include tracking of patients' neck disability index scores, radiographic information, neurological status and a number of other outcomes in addition to data on adverse events and explanted devices.

What is unique about the Bryan is it is designed to better mimic natural disc shock absorption. It is made of titanium and polyurethane, which is softer than the nuclei of competitive discs, such as the Prestige’s metal on metal design. The polyurethane in the Bryan raised questions on wear debris during the FDA panel, but was determined to not be an issue for short-term use. Long-term use is an area of concern though, and will be under surveillance.

The Bryan (Medtronic), Prestige (Medtronic) and ProDisc-C (Synthes) are the only cervical [url:164,type=|term|,content=|artificial disc replacement|] options for the U.S., although there are expected to be more approvals and launches soon. At this point, Medtronic has not commented on the Bryan’s approval, or on projected launch dates when it will be commercially available.

Posted by: Spine-health Staff Writer

Additional Artificial Disc Replacement sources:

[url:1379,type=|node|]
[url:1380,type=|node|]
[url:1388,type=|node|]
FDA approves Medtronic’s Bryan Cervical Disc

Low-Level Laser Therapy Relieves Neck Pain

cmaynard — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:07:37 -0800

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Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections

mlepore — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:06:43 -0700

Cervical epidural steroid injections relieve neck pain, shoulder pain, and arm pain caused by a pinched nerve or nerves in the cervical spine. It can be used to treat herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy.

Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy

mlepore — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:47:04 -0700

This minimally invasive procedure, also known as a Radio Frequency (RF), reduces or eliminates the pain of damaged facet joints by disrupting the medial branch nerves that carry the pain signals.

Neck Pain and Numbness in the Arm

Ben Parr — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:30:32 -0800

A physician answers patient questions about neck pain, numbness in the arm, and the cervical spine.

Hand Numbness and Neck Pain From a Pinched Nerve

Ben Parr — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:58:35 -0800

A physician answers patient questions about hand numbness due to a pinched nerve in the neck.

Question: Relief for numbness and neck pain?

I have reoccurring numbness in my left hand and have taken Flexeril and have had two pain blocks with PT. Numbness and neck pain keep coming back. Also, I have started to have burning sensation in left shin and I don't know if it is related to back/neck problems or if it is related to my bad left knee (3 surgeries).

Types of Conditions Treated by Cold Lasers

Ben Parr — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:17:25 -0800

Cold laser therapy can stimulate all cell types including muscle, ligament, cartilage, nerves, etc., so a number of conditions can be treated by cold laser therapy. Some of conditions that may typically be treated by cold laser therapy include:

Can a Pinched Nerve in the Neck Cause Loss of Use in The Arm?

Ben Parr — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:10:07 -0800

A physician answers patient questions about Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

Question: What's Causes Loss of Use of the Right Arm?

I have lost most of the use of my right arm and hand over the past 6 to 9 months. I have muscle atrophy as a result, muscle twitching/fasciculation, chronic/dull pain from my hand, right arm, right shoulder, back behind my shoulder blade, neck and up through my neck. I get sharp pains in my neck, behind my shoulder blade, and in my shoulder.

Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain

spine-health — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:42:12 -0800

There are multiple over-the-counter (non-prescription) and prescription medications that can be helpful in relieving pain and addressing related symptoms while an episode of low back pain is getting better. Careful attention to pain management is a critical component of a patient’s recovery, as acute or chronic low back pain can lead to depression, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty exercising and stretching, all of which in turn can exacerbate and prolong a painful back condition.

Cervical Disc Replacement Update (Research Article)

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:24 -0800

Cervical artificial disc

The cervical intervertebral disc is an amazing mechanical structure from an engineering perspective. It has the ability to absorb a large compressive load while still providing adequate motion between two adjacent bony vertebrae. Duplicating the disc’s form and function with a synthetic disc is challenging.

What is the McKenzie Method for Back Pain and Neck Pain?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:47 -0800

The McKenzie Method involves more than just exercise

Many people know about the McKenzie Method of physical therapy and exercise for back pain or neck pain, but aren’t sure exactly what the goals of the program are and what the exercises entail.

The McKenzie Method for Neck and Back Problems

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

The McKenzie Method approach to exercises and neck and back problems

Practitioners who use this approach emphasize that the McKenzie Method is a specific approach to spinal problems, not only a set of exercises for back pain or neck pain. While there are specific exercises a McKenzie trained practitioner may use, the method also includes the overall philosophy and some special procedures:

Neck Pain Treatment

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:31:46 -0800

Stephen
Montgomery, MD

Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:31:46 -0800

More Neck Pain Info

Chronic Neck Pain

Types of Neck Pain

Cervical Myelopathy

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical approaches are available to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms and Treatment

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:47 -0800

Arm pain from a cervical herniated disc is one of the more common cervical spine conditions treated by spine specialists. It usually develops in the 30 - 50 year old age group. Although a cervical herniated disc may originate from some sort of trauma or injury to the cervical spine, the symptoms, including arm pain, commonly start spontaneously.