Cervicalgia, otherwise known as cervical spine pain, is a broad term used to describe pain located in the cervical region. It can range from a mild crick in your neck to extreme pain that keeps you from turning your head during every movement. Understanding the true term for this pain, even if you know the name for the sensation, doesn’t necessarily assist in diagnosis when it comes to therapy. The usual approach to dealing with neck and back pain is with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin. The problem with these medications is that they only mask the problem, they don’t treat it. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, addresses the problem at its source and with proven results.
The primary cause of cervicalgia is poor posture. A person who slouches excessively, for example, can develop problems with their neck, back and shoulders. It’s not just a case of slouching and becoming overweight; poor posture is an issue which affects people of all ages and walks of life. It’s important, therefore, for anyone suffering from cervicalgia to understand the role posture plays in their medical attention and treatment.
It is recognised that chiropractic care can help people suffering from neck and shoulder pain and improve their quality of life by adjusting their alignment. This treatment modifies the soft tissues and muscles around the spine and improves the function and mobility of these structures. Although it is commonly associated with neck and back problems, chiropractic adjustments are also effective for issues such as scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis and impingement of nerve roots. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to reduce pain and restore mobility to the affected area.
Chiropractic treatments for neck and shoulder pain are usually recommended for a limited amount of time to control the problem. If chiropractic is attempted for a prolonged period, it is likely that the problem will recur, with perhaps more unpleasant symptoms. Some chiropractors use the term “cervicalgia” to describe pain and dysfunction affecting the upper or middle back, but this is a term used broadly and is not accepted by all practitioners. In fact, chiropractors might describe a number of different conditions when describing cervicalgia and do not use the term “upper back” to refer to upper back pain or poor posture.
Treatment for cervicalgia involves manipulation, physical therapy, massage and exercise, or a combination of these techniques. If pain is particularly severe, or if the chiropractor suspects that other causes of pain or dysfunction may be involved, diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI’s are recommended. In the early stages, patients are advised to relax properly, pay attention to breathing and reduce any unnecessary stress. This includes avoiding lifting or any activity that placing excess strain on the neck or shoulders.
Long periods of sitting, or excessive lifting, may lead to neck pain that interferes with daily activities. Cervicalgia can also result from long periods of muscle spasm in which case special exercises, chiropractic adjustments or massage may be needed to relieve the pain or return range of motion to normal. Chiropractic adjustment to relieve pain caused by cervicalgia typically involves adjustments to the soft tissue of the neck and shoulder area. Spinal manipulation may also be recommended to relieve problems related to inflammation or swelling in the cervical region. Chiropractic care should not be used for chronic pain or to correct conditions that are of long standing.
