Head and neck pain or injuries can be improved with non-surgical treatment.

HEADACHES

Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches, according to the American Chiropractic Association.

While many may simply take an over the counter drug to ease the pain, a report by researchers at the Duke University found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for tension headaches that originate in the neck. There were also significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension headache than with a commonly prescribed medication.

What Can You Do?

The ACA suggests the following: If you spend a large amount of time in one fixed position, such as in front of a computer, on a sewing machine, typing or reading, take a break and stretch every 30 minutes to one hour. The stretches should take your head and neck through a comfortable range of motion. Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated with primary headaches as well. However, if you are prone to dull, throbbing headaches, avoid heavy exercise. Engage in such activities as walking and low-impact aerobics.

Avoid teeth clenching — the upper teeth should never touch the lowers, except when swallowing. This results in stress at the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull, leading to TMJ irritation and a form of tension headaches.

Drink water — at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day will help avoid dehydration, which can lead to headaches.

If you're experiencing frequent headaches, reach out to us for help. A thorough assessment including a spinal adjustment may bring you the relief you're seeking.

NECK PAIN

Neck pain is very common today and has a lot to do with our posture and work environments.

The most common condition that contributes to neck pain is forward head and shoulder posture. People who find themselves in front of computers for long hours find themselves looking down and reaching forward. This forward head posture places the head in front of the shoulders and creates strain on the back and neck.

The simple act of sleeping in the incorrect position, or maintaining poor posture can also lead to neck pain. Most episodes of neck pain are due to one of the following:

• muscle strain

• soft tissue sprain

• sudden force such as whiplash

These types of neck pain often improve with time and non-surgical care and chiropractic manipulation. Hands on adjustments and even ART® can help avoid surgery for chronic neck pain.

If neck pain is causing disruption in your daily life, we can help. Contact our office to schedule an assessment today.

TEXT NECK (UPPER CROSS SYNDROME)

The muscle imbalance caused by 'text neck' can throw off alignment throughout the body.

Technology today is causing an epidemic of poor posture and neck strain, and it's starting at a young age. Consider the angle of the head while texting, using a laptop or tablet, or playing on a hand-held device. It hangs low and gets lower as time elapses. The weight equivalent to a bowling ball is straining our necks when we are bent forward as such. The impact on the cervical spine is unhealthy and painful, and can lead to misalignment or injury.

This chronic forward head posture, or flexion, over a prolonged period of time can cause 'text neck,' or a muscle imbalance in the upper body known as Upper Cross Syndrome. In this state, there is a weakening and lengthening of the upper back / neck muscles, offset by a tightening and shortening of the chest/front neck muscles. 

Specially prescribed exercises, extensions and stretches specifically target the muscles in need of strengthening can help with Upper Cross Syndrome. These exercises are designed to balance out the musculature of the upper body and neck and relieve the achy, sore sensations that are caused by 'text neck.'

If your neck is aching as a result of chronic overuse from texting and typing, let us show you how to alleviate the pain. We can help you and prevent the condition from getting worse.

TMJ

TMJ dysfunction can be caused by anxiety, teeth grinding arthritis and more.

The Temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, and is what allows up and down and side to side jaw movement. Its function is essential, as it allows us to eat and talk. Pain in this joint can be disruptive to daily life.

Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction include:

• Jaw clicking noise

• Cracking in the ears or ear pain

• Headaches

Our treatment goal is to restore total jaw function and relieve pain from TMJ syndrome. A combination of therapies, including a chiropractic manipulation, massage, applying heat or ice and special exercises can begin the process of relieving your pain. 

If you have questions about jaw / facial pain, or would like to make an appointment, contact us today!

WHIPLASH

A forceful, quick thrusting of the head forward and then backward, this injury is most often felt from a car accident.

Whiplash is not usually apparent until 24 hours or so after the injury. In addition to neck pain, symptoms include:

• Limited range of motion in the neck

• Headaches

• Shoulder or back pain

The ACA asserts that electrical stimulation and/or ultrasound may provide some short-term relief. A program of exercise and stretching as well as spinal manipulation can also give relief in many whiplash cases.

If you have been in an accident or incurred an injury that you suspect caused whiplash, call to schedule your appointment so we can develop a plan for healing.