Torticollis (Wry Neck)
A person with torticolles typically enters my office with his head tilted to one side and is able to turn his head in one direction but not the other. The pain initially is mild but becomes intense as time passes. This can actually happen at any age. Some people are born with it. Torticollis usually has an insidious onset. Sleeping funny or having your head turned to one side for a prolonged period of time. In fact, initially most people think they just have a crick in their neck.
The problem in the majority of cases begins at the spinal joints or facets. When the spine is put into rotation for a prolonged period of time, this causes the affected spinal joints to separate. This separation causes the capsule to stretch. As the spinal joint surfaces get pulled apart, the surrounding capsule can be pulled into the joint due to a negative pressure. Once this occurs, the joints are now able to “pinch” the capsule. This pinching in turn causes the muscled that cross that joint to go into spasm which causes more pinching. This in turn causes more spasm. This is why the pain tends to spread over time and is always on one side. Warning: Get this treated ASAP.
I hope this post has been helpful.
Yours in Health, Naturally!
Dr. Gould
Neck and Arm Pain Causes
Neck and arm pain (Cervical Brachial Syndrome) have many causes.
Here are just a few:
- Trauma (slips, falls, sports injuries & auto accidents).
- Improper sleeping postures.
- Improper workstation ergonomics.
- Initiation of a new aggressive workout program without proper guidance.
Neck and Arm Pain Symptoms
Neck and arm pain frequently occur at the same time. This is usually an indication that spinal segments (vertebra) in the neck or upper back have become misaligned or subluxated. When this happens, spinal joints become swollen which then causes a pinching of the nerves that exit the area of the spine. Initially, pain or soreness may only be felt in the neck. As time goes by, the pain gradually works its way down the arm, into the hand and at times between the shoulder blades.
Chiropractic Neck and Arm Pain Treatment
For years, I have treated people all over the Greater Cincinnati area that have had Cervical Brachial Syndrome. I have treated both mild and severe cases. In the majority of instances, pain medication has been eliminated and surgeries have been prevented.
You wake up with a stiff neck, thinking you have slept wrong. You confidently say to yourself… Maybe it will go away. As the day goes on, you notice that your shoulder and arm begin to develop a peculiar ache. Well, it has been two days and not only has the pain not subsided but it has increased to the point where you are unable to sleep. Your posture and wincing, alert everyone that you are in pain. People start coming up to you with home remedies and suggestions. Slowly you realize that this problem is bigger than any pain medication you currently have in your medicine cabinet.
Why am I hurting?
There are a variety things that can cause this. However, in each case, it is due to nerves being irritated or compressed. In many instances this type of a problem begins as a mechanical problem. What do I mean by a mechanical problem? Simply put, our spine is made up of many vertebra. These vertebra fit together and move together in a very specific way. Each vertebra is separated from the other by discs and connected to one another by ligaments. The ligaments not only hold everything together but allow a certain amount of motion in a variety of directions. On occasion, due to trauma, repetitive activities, sleeping incorrectly or simply weakness, the vertebra in your spine can shift outside of their normal position or location. When this happens, the spinal ligaments can become inflamed and press on the nerves that exit your spine. Where this happens will determine where you feel the pain. The pain can radiate up into your head, your upper back or down into your arm. Below is and example of pain patterns caused from problems in your neck. You have seven vertebra in your neck C1 is the top vertebra and C7 is the lowest vertebra.
Is this problem correctable?
In the majority of instances the answer yes! The first thing we need to do is to find out exactly where in your spine the problem is originating from. Once we find the problem area, we work on correcting the faulty position and mechanics. As you begin to heal, you will notice the pain will begin to retrace itself. Like playing a movie backwards until you are only left with neck pain which over time will also go away.
If you are suffering with neck and arm pain and live in the Cincinnati area give me a call. Life is too short to live with pain.
Yours in health,
Dr. Gould