The cervical spine is a coordinated network of joints, muscles, nerves and bones, all of which function together to provide mobility and support for the head. However, sometimes these structures can be a source of pain and sensitivity, causing local pain in the neck, referral to the shoulder and arm, and up into the head as headaches.
Chronic neck pain
Signs & symptoms our Geelong chiropractors might see:
- Pain that increases with certain postural stresses
- Limited neck range of movement
- Muscle tension, tightness or spasms
- Headaches, jaw, shoulder and arm referred pain
- Difficulty or discomfort with sleeping
What a chiropractic neck pain assessment might look like:
- Comprehensive history of the neck condition
- Postural evaluation of head, neck and upper back position
- Physical examination of the spine
- Neuro-orthopaedic assessment
- Movement and strength assessment
What chiropractic treatment of chronic neck pain might involve:
Chiropractic treatment may include spinal manipulative techniques, soft tissue therapies, exercise and rehabilitation, along with guidance for self-management.
Chiropractic care is focused on reducing pain, restoring movement and regaining function of the spine.
Whiplash-associated Disorder (WAD)
Whiplash injuries can occur during forced flexion and extension motions to the cervical spine (e.g. motor vehicle accidents, sporting injuries). Following a whiplash injury, it is common for people to experience pain, stiffness or tenderness, along with a reduction in neck range of motion.
Currently, it has been identified that 50% of whiplash sufferers will experience ongoing symptoms one year following the initial injury.
Signs & symptoms our Geelong chiropractors might see:
- Neck pain
- Headache
- Shoulder and arm pain
- Dizziness and altered balance
- Vision and sound changes
- TMJ dysfunction
- Fatigue
What a chiropractic WAD assessment might look like:
- Comprehensive history of the condition
- Physical assessment of neck, head and shoulder regions
- Neuro-orthopaedic examination
- Vestibular examination
What chiropractic treatment for WAD might include:
Chiropractic care and management may include spinal manipulative techniques, soft tissue therapy, exercise therapy and vestibular rehabilitation.
Chiropractic care is focused initially on reducing pain and muscle tension, restoring movement and regaining function of the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems.
Acute Neck Pain
Acute neck pain can occur following trauma, or simply following a restless night’s sleep. Symptoms can develop immediately or in the hours to days that pursue. Normally acute neck pain subsides in the days to weeks following its onset.
Signs & symptoms our Geelong chiropractors might see:
- Neck and/or shoulder region pain
- Difficulty bending or rotating the neck
- Associated headaches
Chiropractic care and management may include spinal manipulative and mobilisation techniques, soft tissue therapies, gentle exercises, along with advice and education regarding your condition.
Chiropractic care is focused on reducing pain, promoting movement and function to the involved regions.
References
- Coulter ID, Crawford C, Vernon H, Hurwitz EL, Khorsan R, Booth MS, Herman PM. Manipulation and Mobilization for Treating Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for an Appropriateness Panel. Pain Physician. 2019 Mar;22(2):E55-E70. PMID: 30921975; PMCID: PMC6800035.
- Gevers-Montoro, C, Provencher, B, Descarreaux, M, Ortega de Mues, A, Piché, M. Neurophysiological mechanisms of chiropractic spinal manipulation for spine pain. Eur J Pain. 2021; 25: 1429– 1448. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1773
- STEVEN Z. GEORGE, TREVOR A. LENTZ, CHRISTINE M. GOERTZ,
Back and neck pain: in support of routine delivery of non-pharmacologic treatments as a way to improve individual and population health, Translational Research, Volume 234, 2021, Pages 129-140, ISSN 1931, 5244, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trsl.2021.04.006.