Neck Pain and Upper Cervical Care to alleviate it!

The neck is a complex structure that includes seven vertebrae, numerous ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, as well as spongy discs that separate the vertebrae. All of these structures must work together to support the head and allow movement in a variety of directions. When even one of these structures becomes injured, strained or inflamed, it can result in considerable pain in and around your neck.

Neck pain affects about 10 percent of the adult population in the U.S. Although not uncommon, it can be extremely debilitating, affecting your ability to work and even sleep.

Anyone can develop neck pain, from children to adults, and both sexes are equally at risk. Because neck pain can involve so many structures, your chiropractor will need to perform a careful evaluation of your neck, spine, shoulders and upper back to help determine the cause of your pain so the proper care can be applied.

In some cases, the cause of the pain may be farther along the spine. Since all the vertebrae are connected, even a problem with your lower back can cause alignment issues that may result in neck pain. Your chiropractor will be able to determine from your evaluation when other issues or structures are at play.
Neck pain symptoms can be chronic or acute and may include symptoms that extend beyond the neck itself. Common symptoms include:

• sharp pain in and around the neck
• dull aching sensations
• tingling in the muscles leading from the neck to the shoulders
• headaches
• fatigued neck muscles
• weakened neck muscles
• pain or soreness in the upper back
• stinging or electrical shock sensation in or around the neck

Chronic neck pain symptoms are typically defined as symptoms that persist for several weeks or that recur over a prolonged period of time.

Because the neck area comprises so many structures and is strongly interrelated with other areas of the spine, back and shoulders, the causes of neck pain can vary significantly. Any strain in these areas can cause the muscles and other soft tissues to become strained and inflamed.


Both physical problems and lifestyle habits can cause neck pain to occur. Some common causes include:

• poor posture, including overuse of computers at work or home


• prolonged use of an unsupportive chair


• a worn or unsupportive mattress


• carrying a heavy bag or backpack, especially on a repeated basis


• whiplash


• trauma from a fall, car accident or other injury


• arthritis


• disc misalignment


• stress


• fibromyalgia


• tension headaches


• Pressure on the brainstem from misaligned vertebra causing body imbalance, which could cause the head to lean to one side or the other and cause the muscle to be achy, stiff, or just painful. This is especially if the nerves that have pressure on them go directly to the muscles that hurt.

In some cases, neck pain can also be caused by a job that requires you to spend long periods of time sitting or standing relatively motionless, or by certain sports. Pregnancy can also cause neck pain in some people because it places extra stress on your spine overall.


Having a complete evaluation to consider all potential factors will yield the best outcome and greatest relief from pain and other symptoms. As your upper cervical chiropractor, we will evaluate the individual cause of your neck pain and provide care as necessary to best relieve your pain.


To find out how upper cervical care can help alleviate your neck pain, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

What is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?

A Quick Video Explaination - seriously check it out!

Upper Cervical Care to Relieve Symptoms and Signs of Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve becomes irritated or compressed, typically causing aching, burning, tingling or numbness in the fingers, hand or wrist. The median nerve runs from the neck to the hand, traveling through the shoulder, arm and wrist. It provides sensation to and facilitates movement of the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

 

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage that contains the median nerve, bones, connective tissue and tendons that pass through the base of the hand on the palm side. Swollen, irritated tendons can compress this tunnel in addition to other swelling that places pressure on the median nerve.

Women are three times more likely than men to suffer carpal tunnel syndrome. People become more likely to develop this condition as they age.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may initially be tolerated without medical care because they are mild, but the condition can worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage. Medical care can also rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms to that of carpal tunnel syndrome.

  Common symptoms include:

• Aching pain in wrist, hand or fingers (with the exception of the little finger), and sometimes in forearm
• Burning, tingling and/or numbness in wrist, hand or fingers (and sometimes in forearm)
• Weakness in the hand
• Muscle weakness and swelling in the hand
• Loss of temperature sensation to affected areas
• Difficulty lifting and transporting small objects or turning doorknobs

A number of factors can cause or contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Sometimes the condition is caused by a combination of factors.


Injury to or fracture of the wrist can cause swelling that can lead to compression of the median nerve. Having a smaller than normal carpal tunnel is a risk factor for compression and entrapment.


Nerve damage can be caused by certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Obesity, thyroid disorders, and kidney failure are also risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.


Fluid retention, a common occurrence in pregnancy and menopause, can irritate the median nerve because of increased pressure in the carpal tunnel.


Repetitive movements, working with vibrating tools, and extensive computer use may exert pressure on the median nerve or exacerbate existing damage to the nerve. However, these factors have not been scientifically determined to directly cause carpal tunnel syndrome.


Poor posture, muscle tension, disc bulges, arthritis and spinal misalignment are spinal problems than can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. The atlas and the axis, the most mobile parts of the spine, are susceptible to injury or misalignment, which can disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body and cause many health problems.


Upper cervical care, which focuses on the atlas and the axis, can help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome and its symptoms by realigning the part of the spine where the median nerve originates. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation to see how an upper cervical chiropractic adjustment may help you if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.

http://www.uppercervicalspartanburg.com/signs-of-stress-list/carpal-tunnel-syndrome

 

Signs of Stress and How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care can help!

Upper cervical chiropractic care can help relieve signs of stress in your body. These can be manifested in physical, mental, or behavioral symptoms, or any combination of the three.
This growing method of chiropractic care focuses on the atlas and the axis, the first two bones in the neck, known as the upper cervical spine. These two vertebrae cradle the brain stem, a vitally important part of the nervous system. The relationship between the upper cervical spine and the brain stem is crucial.
The top two vertebrae are very susceptible to injury or misalignment, as they are the most mobile parts of the spine. Misalignment can interrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body, which can disrupt bodily functions and cause health problems.
Restoring these messages can help the body heal itself from the manifestations of stress in your body. Upper cervical care recognizes your body's role in its own healing and creates a pathway toward a healthier you.
When your brain cannot communicate to the rest of your body due to a subluxation in your spine, the body becomes stressed. Below are some common signs of stress on the body, including physical, mental, and behavioral manifestations.

Physical Signs of Stress

• Headaches
• Anxiety and depression
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Muscle pain and tension
• Chest pain
• Elevated heart rate
• Fatigue
• Decreased libido
• Low energy
• Upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation
• Sleep difficulties and nightmares
• Dry mouth or other difficulty swallowing
• Clenching the jaw or grinding teeth
• Tremors
• Lightheadedness
• Frequent colds and infections
• Rashes
• Allergy-like attacks
• Difficulty breathing
• Frequent urination
• Hair loss
• Eye twitching

Mental Signs of Stress

• Anxiety
• Worrying
• Racing thoughts
• Restlessness
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of motivation or focus
• Poor judgment
• Irritability
• Anger
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Loneliness
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of worthlessness

Behavioral Signs of Stress

• Overeating
• Not eating enough
• Angry outbursts
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Procrastination
• Nervous behaviors such as biting nails, fidgeting and pacing
• Obsessive or compulsive behavior
• Excessive smoking
• Social withdrawal and isolation

Let the Body Heal Itself

These symptoms are not self-contained. Unchecked, seemingly minor signs of stress could lead to serious, chronic medical conditions or major difficulties in functioning, including:

• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Frequent infections and colds
• Mental health problems
• Neck and lower back pain
• Skin and hair problems
• Various cancers
• Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, seizures, etc.

Upper cervical care can help you avoid escalation of stress-related issues. Therapeutic manipulation of a small but vital area of the body lets the body do its job of healing itself with minimal intervention.
By focusing on the upper cervical spine instead of manipulating specific problem areas, upper cervical care makes way for the power of the brain and its ability to tell the body what to do. Your brain is essentially a computer, and like a computer, it needs to be able to properly communicate to the entire body. Upper cervical chiropractic care facilitates this communication.
Dealing with signs of stress sooner rather than later can make your life better, now and in the future.