At some point in their lives, approximately 75% of Americans have to find a way to deal with neck pain. Everyone who checks out the options will easily discover that alternative medicine is far more effective than physiotherapy or prescription medication. To be even more specific, neck vertebrae or cervical spine manipulation in the U. S. is virtually the exclusive domain of 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.
Chiropractors deploy a technique called neck adjustment or cervical manipulation. They use their hands to move the vertebrae into the right position. This is done carefully and in stages over sessions. It quickly brings the cervical spine as close to normal as possible, and restores mobility and motion that would otherwise have caused the patient a lot of pain.
It seems quite easy in theory, but it reality takes a chiropractor with a tremendous amount of skill and experience to do it right. Needless to say, it is up to the patient to find a provider who is reputed and qualified enough. In general, though, the statistics about chiropractic are clear enough since consumers give it the highest patient satisfaction rating among all the different kinds of 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.
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.
Chiropractors deploy a technique called neck adjustment or cervical manipulation. They use their hands to move the vertebrae into the right position. This is done carefully and in stages over sessions. It quickly brings the cervical spine as close to normal as possible, and restores mobility and motion that would otherwise have caused the patient a lot of pain.
It seems quite easy in theory, but it reality takes a chiropractor with a tremendous amount of skill and experience to do it right. Needless to say, it is up to the patient to find a provider who is reputed and qualified enough. In general, though, the statistics about chiropractic are clear enough since consumers give it the highest patient satisfaction rating among all the different kinds of 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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