It's a fact that 75 percent of Americans have to deal with neck pain at some point in their lives. It's also a fact that alternative medicine is much more effective in this matter as compared to traditional medication and physiotherapy. Cases requiring manipulation of the cervical spine (neck vertebrae) in the U. S. are predominantly handled by chiropractors.
The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and is made up of seven rather tiny vertebrae. It's a marvel of anatomy that enables this delicate arrangement to support the full weight of a head that weighs 12 pounds on average. It's even more of a wonder that the cervical spine can move the head in any direction.
This biomechanical marvel that has such a critical role in the human anatomy is often abused and misused, leading to crippling problems. Things that can damage the vertebrae include whiplash and accidents, strong blows to the head, or even extended stress. Repetitive movements and age may both end up causing more serious neck problems, as can a wrong posture that tilts the head forward by a couple of inches and adds the weight of two to three bowling balls on the cervical spine.
A chiropractor doesn't read tea leaves to find out what's wrong with a patient. They use techniques similar to what any doctor follows, asking about symptoms and finding out when the pain began and why. They will do a physical examination to detect abnormalities, and order a CAT scan or MRI if needed. An EMG may be called for in case there is a chance of nerve damage.
The next step is a procedure called neck adjustment or cervical spine manipulation. Chiropractors are skilled at using their hands to manipulate the vertebrae into their original position. This is done incrementally over many sessions. The result is that the cervical spine is restored to normalcy in short order, and allows the patient to move the head normally without pain.
It seems simple enough in theory, but takes a heck of a lot of talent and experience in practice, when somebody's neck is literally and figuratively in a chiropractor's hands. Obviously, it is incumbent on the patient to find someone qualified and reputed. In general terms, the statistics are clear enough about the relative performance of chiropractic vs. traditional medicine. Consumers give chiropractic care the highest patient satisfaction rating among all providers.
A study published recently in Annals of Internal Medicine says that 57 percent of chiropractic patients in a study group reported a 75 percent reduction in pain after only 12 weeks. In the group that received prescription medication, only 33 percent were able to say the same. A year later, 53 percent in the chiropractic group reported a lasting effect, and said their pain was now just 25 percent of what it was initially.
Another report in the British Medical Journal outlined the results of a 52-week study of a group of patients with neck pain. They were randomly assigned and distributed among chiropractors, physiotherapists and GPs. The results were unequivocal - patients allocated to the chiropractor recovered faster and paid only one-third of the cost as compared to other groups.
The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and is made up of seven rather tiny vertebrae. It's a marvel of anatomy that enables this delicate arrangement to support the full weight of a head that weighs 12 pounds on average. It's even more of a wonder that the cervical spine can move the head in any direction.
This biomechanical marvel that has such a critical role in the human anatomy is often abused and misused, leading to crippling problems. Things that can damage the vertebrae include whiplash and accidents, strong blows to the head, or even extended stress. Repetitive movements and age may both end up causing more serious neck problems, as can a wrong posture that tilts the head forward by a couple of inches and adds the weight of two to three bowling balls on the cervical spine.
A chiropractor doesn't read tea leaves to find out what's wrong with a patient. They use techniques similar to what any doctor follows, asking about symptoms and finding out when the pain began and why. They will do a physical examination to detect abnormalities, and order a CAT scan or MRI if needed. An EMG may be called for in case there is a chance of nerve damage.
The next step is a procedure called neck adjustment or cervical spine manipulation. Chiropractors are skilled at using their hands to manipulate the vertebrae into their original position. This is done incrementally over many sessions. The result is that the cervical spine is restored to normalcy in short order, and allows the patient to move the head normally without pain.
It seems simple enough in theory, but takes a heck of a lot of talent and experience in practice, when somebody's neck is literally and figuratively in a chiropractor's hands. Obviously, it is incumbent on the patient to find someone qualified and reputed. In general terms, the statistics are clear enough about the relative performance of chiropractic vs. traditional medicine. Consumers give chiropractic care the highest patient satisfaction rating among all providers.
A study published recently in Annals of Internal Medicine says that 57 percent of chiropractic patients in a study group reported a 75 percent reduction in pain after only 12 weeks. In the group that received prescription medication, only 33 percent were able to say the same. A year later, 53 percent in the chiropractic group reported a lasting effect, and said their pain was now just 25 percent of what it was initially.
Another report in the British Medical Journal outlined the results of a 52-week study of a group of patients with neck pain. They were randomly assigned and distributed among chiropractors, physiotherapists and GPs. The results were unequivocal - patients allocated to the chiropractor recovered faster and paid only one-third of the cost as compared to other groups.
About the Author:
Ed Rob Munro is an author writing about healthy living. Would you like to know more about a Pittsburgh chiropractor? Get more information about Pittsburgh chiropractic.
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