At one time or another in their lives, a full 75 percent of Americans will be forced to deal with neck pain. The statistics consistently show that alternative medicine methods are much more effective at resolving these pains as compared to physiotherapy or even prescription medication. To be precise, chiropractors handle most cervical spine/neck vertebrae manipulation cases in the United States.
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.
When this biomechanical wonder that is such a critical part of the body is abuse or misused, there's bound to be all kinds of problems. Anything from accidents and whiplash to slip and falls, extended stress and a strong blow to the head can cause damage to the vertebrae. Age and repetitive movements inevitably cause malfunctions of the cervical spine. The wrong posture can be just as dangerous, since leaning the head forward two inches is the same as adding the weight of two bowling balls on the neck.
Chiropractors don't have crystal balls to find out what's wrong. Their diagnostic methods and tools are essentially the same as any doctor. They will ask the right questions about symptoms and find out how and when the patient began to feel the pain. They perform a hands-on examination to detect any abnormalities, and may require the patient to get a CAT scan or MRI done. They may even suggest an EMG to confirm suspicions of nerve damage.
The actual procedure is called cervical spine manipulation, also known as a neck adjustment. Skilled chiropractors use their hands to manipulate and adjust the vertebrae back into their natural positions. This is a gradual shift that takes place across several sessions. By the time it is completed, the cervical spine is at or very close to its normal functioning, and the patient is able to once again move the head 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 recent article in Annals of Internal Medicine reported that a full 57 percent of chiropractic care patients in a study group found pain levels had dropped by 75 percent in 12 weeks. Among patients who were in the group taking prescription medication, only 33 percent reported the same level of relief. After a year had passed, the chiropractic care group reported a lasting effect.
The British Medical Journal similarly published a 52-week study group analysis of neck pain patients. They were randomly assigned and divided among GPs, physiotherapists and chiropractors. The results could not have been any clearer - the group under chiropractic care recovered much faster, and their expenses were only one-third of the amounts spent by patients in the 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.
When this biomechanical wonder that is such a critical part of the body is abuse or misused, there's bound to be all kinds of problems. Anything from accidents and whiplash to slip and falls, extended stress and a strong blow to the head can cause damage to the vertebrae. Age and repetitive movements inevitably cause malfunctions of the cervical spine. The wrong posture can be just as dangerous, since leaning the head forward two inches is the same as adding the weight of two bowling balls on the neck.
Chiropractors don't have crystal balls to find out what's wrong. Their diagnostic methods and tools are essentially the same as any doctor. They will ask the right questions about symptoms and find out how and when the patient began to feel the pain. They perform a hands-on examination to detect any abnormalities, and may require the patient to get a CAT scan or MRI done. They may even suggest an EMG to confirm suspicions of nerve damage.
The actual procedure is called cervical spine manipulation, also known as a neck adjustment. Skilled chiropractors use their hands to manipulate and adjust the vertebrae back into their natural positions. This is a gradual shift that takes place across several sessions. By the time it is completed, the cervical spine is at or very close to its normal functioning, and the patient is able to once again move the head 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 recent article in Annals of Internal Medicine reported that a full 57 percent of chiropractic care patients in a study group found pain levels had dropped by 75 percent in 12 weeks. Among patients who were in the group taking prescription medication, only 33 percent reported the same level of relief. After a year had passed, the chiropractic care group reported a lasting effect.
The British Medical Journal similarly published a 52-week study group analysis of neck pain patients. They were randomly assigned and divided among GPs, physiotherapists and chiropractors. The results could not have been any clearer - the group under chiropractic care recovered much faster, and their expenses were only one-third of the amounts spent by patients in the other groups.
About the Author:
Ed Rob Munro is an author writing about health related topics. Are you looking for a Pittsburgh North Hills chiropractor? Get more information about this chiropractor Pittsburgh North Hills.
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