Understanding Neck Pain: Causes and Chiropractic Treatment
The neck, or cervical spine, is made up of seven cervical vertebrae, separated by discs that cushion and support movement. Neck pain can stem from a variety of sources, including:
- The cervical spine and its surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues.
- Other structures in the neck such as lymph nodes, vessels, the thyroid gland, and the windpipe.
- Referred pain, which originates from issues outside the neck, such as the heart.
Additionally, several factors can trigger or exacerbate neck pain, including:
- Falls, sports injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.
- Aging, which can lead to wear and tear on the vertebrae and discs.
- Poor posture, often due to prolonged sitting or incorrect sleeping positions.
Chiropractic Assessment and Diagnosis
At our clinic, Dr George Hardas performs a thorough assessment of each patient to pinpoint the root cause of their neck pain. This begins with an in-depth history examination to understand the patient’s symptoms, medical background, and lifestyle factors. If chiropractic treatment is deemed suitable, a full physical examination is conducted to confirm the diagnosis and tailor the treatment approach.
Case Report 1: Chronic Neck Pain and Fibromyalgia
A female patient presented with chronic neck pain and headaches. At 30 years old, she had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition characterised by widespread muscle pain and tenderness. For 15 years, she had sought relief from numerous healthcare providers, including physiotherapists, neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, acupuncturists, rheumatologists, and other chiropractors, with no long-term success. Her treatments had ranged from yoga and Pilates to therapies like the Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, craniosacral therapy, and Bowen technique.
After visiting Dr Hardas at our chiropractic clinic, a specific diagnosis was made for the cause of her neck pain and headaches. Dr Hardas then applied targeted interventions to address her symptoms.
Results and Long-Term Improvement
The outcome for this patient was excellent long-term results, with significant relief from her chronic neck pain and headaches. This success stood in contrast to the temporary or ineffective results from other interventions she had previously tried. Chiropractic care provided her with the specific, personalised treatment she needed to address the underlying cause of her pain and achieve lasting relief.
Conclusion: Effective Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain
Chiropractic care offers a thorough, individualised approach to treating neck pain by targeting the root causes, whether they stem from the cervical spine, muscles, or related structures. By combining detailed assessments with specific interventions, chiropractors like Dr George Hardas can help patients achieve lasting relief from chronic pain, even in cases where other treatments have failed to provide results.
