Neck Pain / Back Pain
Neck Pain
Neck pain 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, your 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. However, in spite of all these changes, 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.
Lipping, spurring, and other irregularities (osteoarthritis) do not in themselves constitute a disease but are instead 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.
Back Pain
About 85 percent of the population will experience disabling, low back pain at least once during their lives! That’s almost all of us. The problem is so bad that, at any one time, 6.8 percent of the U.S. adult population is suffering from an episode of back pain lasting more than two weeks. That’s a lot of bad backs. The estimated cost of this problem in the U.S. is over $50 billion a year.
The standard medical approach to back pain varies depending on the severity of the condition. Music relaxers, painkillers, rest, and physical therapy such as traction, diathermy, ultrasound, hot packs, and cold packs are sometimes used. However, this approach has not been found very helpful. If the problem doesn’t improve or worsens, then surgery may be performed.
The medical approach is sometimes necessary – even back surgery has a place. But, according to some studies, most spinal surgery for acute lower back problems should be rarely performed. Many people who have had back surgery report a recurrence of their symptoms within a year or two of the operation and may return to the operating table. In some cases, the surgery makes no difference whatsoever. In other cases, it does bring long-term relief.
My Different Approach
I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of neck pain and back pain.
One of the unique functions of the brain is to keep our bodies upright against the effects of gravity. A brain that is not functioning appropriately will begin to show what is called “abnormal body contour.” This means that the brain is struggling to keep the body upright against gravity and it is showing up in posture, spinal alignment, movement, etc.
If you find yourself slouching when you sit, leaning against things when you stand, showing what is called “forward head posture” – where the head out in front of the rest of the body when standing, or feeling like your head is too heavy to hold up – you are probably dealing with a deficient brain problem.
After a thorough neurological examination I determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly. In many neck pain patients AND back pain patients I may find a high mesencephalic (brain) 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, inability to sleep or waking up from fitful sleep, urinary tract infection, increase warmth or sweating, and sensitivity to light.
Along with a high mesencephalic output, the neck pain/back pain patient may have a decreased output of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is in the back part of the brain, and it controls all of the involuntary spinal musculature.
No matter what the condition, it is imperative that the doctor performs a thorough and comprehensive exam to determine the exact nature of the patient’s condition.
If you would like to have more information or to set up a consultation and see how we can help you (or someone you know), give us a call to schedule an appointment to see if you are a candidate for these breakthrough procedures.