Tag Archive for 'stiff neck'

Painful Neck & Arm

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on September 6, 2011
in Arm & Shoulder Pain, Cervical Brachial Syndrome, Conditions & Treatments and Workers' Compensation
. 0 Comments

Relief is just a phone call away. Call: 513-791-8110You 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.

Relief is just a phone call away. Call: 513-791-8110

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

 

Cincinnati Cycling Injuries & Prevention

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on August 25, 2011
in Cincinnati Chiropractors, Cycling Injuries and Wellness 101
. 0 Comments

LAThe beauty of cycling, is that it is a very low impact form of exercise that results in fewer injuries than higher impact activities such as running. However, the number of repetitions that cyclists perform (roughly 6000 revolutions per hour) is much greater than any other sport. Chronic injuries can occur from riding too long, too fast or too often. I always advise my patients to have a professional evaluate how their bike fits their body. An improper fit of the handlebars, saddle, frame or pedals can cause a predisposition to musculoskeletal problems aka pain and injuries.

Common Injuries Encountered By Cyclists

Neck & Mid Back Injuries

  • Causes – This problem is typically due to over exertion of the muscles that extend the neck and raise the shoulders. The cause of this is usually the rams-horn style of handlebars that cause the rider to hold the head and neck in a hyperextended position for prolonged periods of time. Some individuals have problems with this due to the loss of the normal forward curve (lordosis) in their neck.  This type of structural problem is best addressed with chiropractic care.
  • Symptoms – Spasm, tenderness and soreness of the muscles of the neck and upper back. Pain is usually felt with extension and rotation of the neck.
  • Treatment – Initially stretching and strengthening the muscles of the neck and upper back is advisable. If the problem persists, it maybe due to structural problems in your neck.  If the neck and upper back pain persists for more than a week you need to be evaluated.

Lower Back  & Injuries

  • Causes – Lower back strain and pain can occur when an unconditioned rider rides too long with the back flexed forward.  Other causes are obesity, weak trunk muscles or biomechanical dysfunction in the form of lumbar and sacroiliac subluxations .
  • Symptoms – Decreased mobility of the trunk and spasms of the lower back. Pain is usually felt with flexion and rotation of the trunk muscles.  In many instances, lower back pain will be felt more on one side due to asymmetrical loading of the sacroiliac joints. If not corrected the individual may begin experiencing Sciatica.
  • Treatment – Strengthening and stretching of the torso, lower back and hip musculature will help remedy many of the lower back symptoms many riders experience due to muscular weakness. If the injury has caused pain due to misalignments in the lower back or sacroiliac area strength training will only irritate the condition. If this is the case, chiropractic evaluation is indicated.

Trochanteric Bursitis

  • Causes – Trochanteric bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa on the side of the hip, typically caused by the gluteus medius or iliotibial band rubbing over the bursa and causing irritation.  The injury is most common in cyclists with a saddle adjusted too high, unequal leg lengths (possible sacroiliac subluxation) or weak hip muscles.
  • Symtoms – There is a gradual onset of pain. Typically, the pain is on the side of the hip and will gradually migrate down the side of the leg.  If not properly treated, sleeping on the affected side and climbing stairs will begin to cause pain.
  • Treatment – Resting and icing the area is always beneficial.  Trochanteric busitis is usuallly a symptom of riding with a saddle that is too high.  Consider lowering the saddle to limit hip extension with each stroke.  Once the pain begins to subside begin stretching the gluteus medius and the IT band.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post it is very important to have a professional help you to set up your bike.  Ergonomics are not just for the office.  A properly set up bike will not only increase your bike riding enjoyment but it will also minimize your chances of overuse injuries. Below is a video of a professional setting up a riders bicycle.

I hope this post has been helpful.  If you live in the Cincinnati area and are still experiencing pain while riding, even though your bike has been professionally fitted to your body give me a call and schedule an exam.

Happy Riding,

Dr. Gould

Neck Pain & Stiffness

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on August 12, 2010
in Cincinnati Chiropractors and Neck Pain & Stiffness
. 0 Comments

Our neck or cervical spine has quite a job to do. It holds our head up and gives us incredible mobility allowing us to look all around. However, with all this mobility comes vulnerability. There are a variety of reasons that the neck becomes painful and stiff. Below are just a few.

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.

Whiplash Injuries – It’s surreal… One moment you are stopped at a red light. The next moment you hear screeching tires, you look up into your rearview mirror and immediately feel the impact. You have just been involved in an accident. Within moments a policeman taps on your window to ask if you are okay… You move around a bit and much to your surprise, you feel fine, other than feeling a bit anxious. Two days later however, you cannot lift your head off your pillow and your body feels like it has been beat up. How can this be? You feel okay immediately after the accident but with 48 to 72 hours you feel miserable. I’m always asked this question… Doc, I felt fine right after the accident, why do I hurt so badly now? A quick anatomy lesson will help here. It is all about blood supply. Tissues that have a good blood supply swell quickly after an injury. Tissues that have a poor blood supply swell slowly after an injury. There are several things that are significant about this. Not only does a poor blood supple delay the onset of pain, it also significantly increases healing time and in some cases healing outcomes. Properly treating this type of injury is critical. Left alone, improper healing can occur leaving the individual with chronic pain for the rest of their life. We all know people like this. I have been treating whiplash injuries since 1988. If you live in the greater Cincinnati area and have been in an auto accident, call me and set up an appointment to be examined. The sooner treatment begins the better the outcome.

Poor Workstation Ergonomics – For years I would do Ergonomic walk through and lectures at companies throughout the greater Cincinnati area. I was amazed that companies would spend thousands of dollars on adjustable furniture, yet 99% of the people had the furniture adjusted improperly. A thousand dollar chair is useless unless you know how to properly set it up. So what exactly is the point of ergonomics in the work place? Simply put… a properly set up workstation fits the individual’s body allowing it to stay in a relaxed, low energy consuming neutral position. Unfortunately, what I found was the opposite at most companies I visited. If you feel like your workstation is not set up correctly have it checked or give me a call.

Sleeping Posture – Any posture that is held for a prolonged period of time can cause the spinal segments to misalign or become subluxated… sleeping 4 to 6 hours definitely falls into this category. If you wake up with a stiff painful neck on a regular basis you need to evaluate your sleeping posture(s) and you should also have your spine checked for subluxations.

Slips & Falls – Cause a rapid motion in the neck. This can cause muscular, ligamentous and disc injuries. Just like a whiplash. If you have recently slipped or fallen you should have your spine checked immediately.

Loss of Spinal Curve – All of the above can cause a loss of the curve in your neck or cervical spine. Below are some of the consequences of a loss of curve in your neck:

• Spinal Cord Tension – As the neck straightens out the spinal cord gets pulled taunt. This cord tension can cause symptoms throughout the body.

• Headaches
o Migraine Headaches – Vascular in nature.
o Tension Headaches – Muscular in nature.

• Cervical Brachial Syndrome – Neck pain that refers into the shoulder and arm.

• Degenerative Disc Disease – Also known as Osteoarthritis.

Is Your Pillow Causing Neck Pain

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on April 10, 2008
in Cincinnati Chiropractors, Neck Pain & Stiffness and Wellness 101
. 0 Comments

The ideal sleeping position is lying on your back or on your side. No sleeping on your stomach! Having the right pillow however, will allow your spine to stay properly positioned, which will not only allow you to sleep deeply but will also prevent neck problems.

Below are a few tips when selecting a pillow:

  1. When choosing a pillow, be selective. When lying on your side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. In other words, your pillow should not be so thick that it causes your head and neck to be propped up or angled sharply away from your body.
  2. Be wary of pillows that are made out of mushy foam materials. The weight of your head can displace this kind of foam, leaving little support. Choose firmer foam and materials that press back and support the head and neck.
  3. If you find yourself sleeping on your side with one hand propped under your pillow, that’s a clue that you’re not getting the support you need from that pillow.
  4. There is no such thing as a universal fit when it comes to pillows. We are all different! Find one that is consistent with the shape and size of your body.

If you currently have neck pain and find that you are doing all of the above correctly, I would advise you to give me a call to set up an appointment to be evaluated.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Gould