NECK PAIN
Neck pain is a common ailment that affects 50-70% of people some time in their lives. The severity can range from mere nuisance to major disability. There are a number of potential causes of neck pain ranging from poor posture to whiplash.
In most cases, neck pain can be dealt with effectively, if the right approach is taken. However, there are a wide variety of factors that can contribute to neck pain. For successful treatment, these factors must be identified and treated as they affect each individual.
At the Spurlock Spine Centre, we establish a treatment strategy that is personalized to each patient. We treat all patients as individuals with specific needs and treatment goals. We are committed to providing the highest quality non-surgical care for neck pain, in a warm, caring environment.
What Are the Factors That Contribute to Most Neck Pain?
We believe that most cases of neck pain can be attributed to what is called dysfunction. This simply means that the joints, muscles, and nervous system are not performing their job at optimum efficiency.
| Joint Dysfunction Joint dysfunction occurs when one of the joints in the spine or limbs loses its normal resiliency and shock absorption capacity. When a joint develops joint dysfunction, its normal range of movement is affected and the joint can become painful. In addition, because the joint contains nerve receptors, the dysfunction can cause abnormal signals to be sent to the central nervous system that can cause the muscles related to that joint to either become tense or, conversely, to become limp. Muscle Dysfunction Some muscles respond to joint dysfunction by becoming tense and overactive, while others respond by becoming limp and underactive. In either case, one thing that can happen in these muscles is the development of trigger points, areas of congestion within the muscle where toxins accumulate. These toxins can irritate the nerve endings within the muscle and produce pain. Because the joints and muscles contain a great number of nerve receptors, joint and muscle dysfunction can cause abnormal neurological signals to be sent into the central nervous system. This can then disrupt the ability of the nervous system to properly regulate muscles in other parts of the body, leading to the development of instability. Instability Instability occurs when the muscles whose job it is to support the spine and protect the discs and joints fail to function properly. These muscles must work cooperatively and harmoniously to guard against strain to the back. But injury, disuse or joint and muscle dysfunction can cause these muscles to stop working at optimum levels rendering the spine susceptible to injury. Disc Derangement Sometimes these joint and muscle dysfunctions and faulty movement patterns put strain on the discs that are positioned between the vertebrae and small tears in the disc can develop. These small tears can allow the gel that is held in the middle of the disc to seep out into the tears and irritate the nerve endings in the outer portion of the disc. This is known as disc derangement. Occasionally, but uncommonly, this gel can seep all the way out and press on one of the nerve roots that exit the spinal cord in front of the disc. This is known as disc herniation. When this happens, pain in the neck as well as in the arm can develop, along with neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. |
How Does the Doctor Detect the Cause of My Neck Pain?
Dr. Spurlock is trained in the differential diagnosis of neck pain. This includes the identification of significant joint and muscle dysfunction, faulty movement patterns and disc derangement or herniation discussed previously, as well as the more uncommon but potentially serious disorders that can produce neck pain.
| History Taking The process starts with history taking. By obtaining the required detailed information, the doctor is able to rule out more serious problems and direct the examination to the areas and processes that are most likely causing the pain. Physical Examination This is followed by the physical examination, which involves motion palpation, muscle examination, and assessment of mobility and stability as well as neurological and orthopedic examination and general physical tests. Advanced Testing Occasionally, it is necessary to obtain advanced testing such as x-ray, CT scan , MRI , blood tests, or other physical tests to further investigate the problem. |
In most cases, after history taking, examination, and further testing are complete, a diagnosis can be established. If the problem is determined to be one that is treatable at the Spurlock Spine Centre, and your case is accepted, a treatment strategy is formulated and recommended to you. This strategy will be discussed with you prior to the institution of any treatment.
What Will the Treatment Consist of?
The treatment will be directed at those primary dysfunctions that were detected during the examination. The most common treatments are:
| Spinal Manipulation Spinal Manipulation consists of gently moving the involved joint into the direction in which it is restricted and may involve the application of a short, quick movement in that direction. In many cases, a quick movement is not used, but rather, a slow mobilizing movement is used. "Cracking" type manipulation is often useful but, in most cases, non-"cracking" techniques are just as effective. If you are nervous about "cracking" techniques, please speak to your treating chiropractic physician. Muscle Relaxation / Stimulation Muscle Relaxation or Stimulation Procedures consist of gentle stretches to the involved muscle that has excessive tension, or repeated contractions of the muscle that is weak. Gentle finger pressure techniques may be applied to trigger points to relieve the pain associated with these points. Stabilization / Sensorimotor Exercises Stabilization or Sensorimotor Exercises are designed to train your central nervous system to improve stability so that your neck is maximally protected during routine activities. Workplace and Lifestyle Advice Workplace and Lifestyle Advice is designed to address factors in your work, home or recreational activities that perpetuate the dysfunctions that lead to neck pain. |
The treatment strategy will be specific to your problem and may include one or more of these approaches, and may involve others as well. This may include referral to another health professional, if it is deemed appropriate.