The Pain Puzzle: Neck, Head, and Low Back Connection Unveiled
Nov 6, 2023 -- Posted by :Neck discomfort and rigidity are frequently voiced concerns, and these issues can persistently ebb and flow over extended periods, sometimes spanning decades. Numerous research studies emphasize that exercises and chiropractic care stand out as two of the most effective methods for regaining control over this prevalent, potentially enduring, and occasionally incapacitating condition. Nonetheless, it's essential to recognize that concentrating solely on the neck may not always be the optimal strategy. Instead, addressing the management of weak pelvic and low back stabilizing muscles can yield substantial benefits for individuals grappling with neck pain. Let's delve deeper...
A team of physical therapists in Brazil and Australia undertook a comprehensive review of the existing literature to assess the advantages of specific stabilization exercises in addressing spinal and pelvic pain. They assessed factors such as disability, return to work, recurrence frequency, overall perceived improvement, and quality of life. Their quest extended beyond the beneficial effects on low back and pelvic pain and dysfunction; it also explored the advantages for headaches, with or without concurrent neck pain, and the associated disability. Their findings not only provided strong research support for enhancing pelvic pain and averting recurrences after acute low back pain episodes but also highlighted that the implementation of low back and pelvic stabilization exercises led to improvements in cervicogenic headache and neck pain. Furthermore, researchers noted that patients experienced more significant progress when the stabilization exercises were customized to the individual, as opposed to using a generic "one-size-fits-all" program. Additionally, spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) emerged as the most effective treatment for patients with cervicogenic headaches and neck pain. Other studies reinforced that a combination of exercise and SMT surpassed the outcomes achieved with exercise alone.
The bottom line is that stabilizing the lower quarter (low back and pelvis) helps, as it offers the neck and head a better foundation on which to rest. An analogy would be a house with a weak foundation resulting in the whole house being in jeopardy, especially the attic or the area farthest away from the ground. Like the attic, the head is perhaps more dramatically affected by weak pelvic stability than areas closer to the pelvis / low back.
Researchers have found that doctors of chiropractic can significantly improve neck pain, balance, and headaches in chronic neck pain patients by strengthening the deep neck flexors, or the muscles that attach directly to the front of the cervical spine. We also know that treatments that promote movement such as spinal manipulation, when rendered early-on, can results in better outcomes for the whiplash patient. Therefore, the “key” to the greatest success is chiropractic adjustments + cervical range of motion exercises + cervical stabilization exercises + lumbar/pelvis stabilization exercises! Traditionally, “rest and heat” are commonly prescribed for neck pain patients, or worse, they are placed in a cervical collar and taken off work and told to rest. The evidence published, especially since 2008, STRONGLY disagrees with this approach favoring a treatment plan that incorporates motion, “usual” activity (including work), manipulation, and exercise as soon as possible. Chiropractic embraces not only spinal manipulation but also patient specific range-of-motion and strengthening/stabilization forms of exercises as “main ingredients” to care when patients present for neck pain and headaches.
So, if you are interested in no longer chasing your tail on the pain gerbil wheel and type in pain management near me or chiropractor near me, you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, “Is There a Better Way to Address Actually Fixing the Cause of the Pain?”
Once you have experienced the frustration of simply covering over the pain temporarily, you may be more enlightened to the idea of fixing the problem and then keep it that way. Some around you say one description of such an approach is called wellness care.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22742964/
Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at Coast Chiropractic Centers at (239) 278-3344 or stop by on your day off if we’re near you for a walk in visit and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment. So if you find yourself experiencing lower back pain while running or doing physical activities.
If you feel like a gerbil on a perpetual pain wheel and you know it is negatively affecting your quality of life and keeping you from enjoying walks at Fort Myers Beach, playing golf, tennis, pickle ball or others, come see us at Coast Chiropractic Centers located on 7270 College Parkway.
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If you would like to avoid getting back pain in the first place or to take a proactive approach to your health and wellness nearby, our membership program called Club C may be just the thing for you with great cost savings, convenience, and even more importantly, a plan to get your health back and keep it.
Don't let back pain stop you from enjoying the beautiful SWFL! Dr. Tim Harcourt is here to give you the relief you need.