What is causing your Neck Pain?
Chances are we will all experience neck pain at least once in our lifetime. The neck is a complex part of the body, made up of many different bones, joints, supporting muscular structures, nerves and blood vessels. In anatomical terms the neck is referred to as the cervical spine and consists of seven bones or vertebrae (C1 through to C7), intervertebral discs, facet joints, muscles and ligaments. The cervical spine has the responsible job of supporting the skull, which protects the brain while also protecting the brainstem and cephalic portion of the spinal cord. The neck has muscles anterior, posterior and lateral to aid in support and movement. The cervical spine is also home to the cervical and brachial nerve plexuses. These are large bundles of nerve roots from which peripheral nerves branch out from. If you are experiencing severe neck pain we would suggest you see one of Melbourne’s Emergency Chiropractor Clinics, for immediate assessment.
Chiropractic & Neck Pain
Doctors of Chiropractic have a whole body approach and want to find the cause of the problem. Chiropractors focus on the nervous system and function of the body. Doctors of Chiropractic study and practice spinal diagnosis and management for 5 years at University.
The Chiropractors at Wellbeing are finding more and more people are presenting to Chiropractic clinics, suffering neck pain due to chronic postural issues such as: spending too long stooped over a computer, excessive viewing of television, carrying bags to heavy with school books and/or excessive mobile phone use.
Major Causes Of Neck Pain & Discomfort
- Facet syndromes
- Hypertonic neck muscles
- Forward head carriage
- Poor posture
- Active trigger points
- Whiplash
- Poor fitting pillow
- Work posture
Our Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Pain
Traditional Chiropractic
Traditional Chiropractic adjustments include techniques such as Diversified and Gonstead Chiropractic which are hands on manual approach. Often a Chiropractor will employ these techniques when a fixation or reduced range of motion through palpation skills is identified. A Chiropractor will only take X-rays where their is a clinical indication to do so, such as if they suspect a fracture or bone condition or feel like the imaging will change their treatment of the condition. Before any treatment, Chiropractors thoroughly assess and examine patients through a history and testing to determine whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for this particular case.
Atlas Orthogonal
Atlas Orthogonal (AO) is a technique of Chiropractic that focuses on the atlas bone, the top vertebra in the spine. AO looks at the alignment of atlas bone in relation to the C2 vertebrae and occiput. Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments no cavitation or cracking of the joint occurs, rather it stimulates the atlas and encourages the atlas towards neutral position
Activator
Activator is a technique used in multiple situations for a chiropractor treating someone with neck pain. The activator is a handheld adjusting tool that is spring loaded with multiple levels of pressure and forces. Activator can be used on people in acute situations who are unable to received traditional chiropractic adjustments, similarly it may be used for people who have osteoarthritis or fusion of the neck to encourage movement that otherwise would not of been able to be received.
Trigger Point therapy
Neck pain can be caused by active trigger points present the muscle surrounding your neck. Trigger points are often found in tight or hypertonic muscles and feel like a tight band or nodule, when compressed they reproduce pain and refer to other area in the neck. Trigger point therapy uses ischaemic compression or pressure onto these triggers points until they relieve or dissipate often 30-60 seconds. A chiropractor will employ this technique on your neck structures if trigger points are identified in examination and palpation assessment.
Arthrostim
Arthrostim is a handheld machine which uses percussion as it’s form of treatment. Having up to 14 impulses per second this machine can also have its force altered as determine by the chiropractor. Arthrostim works on the theory of muscle spindle reflex to relax the muscles prior to an adjustment. Additionally chiropractor uses this tool over joints to reinforce or prepare the body for an adjustment.
(Left: Straightening and reversal of the cervical lordosis, resulting in anterior head carriage. Right: Healthy neck, observe the C-shape curve allowing even distribution of pressure through the cervical spine)
(5 phases of neck curvature: 1, represents complete reversal of cervical lordosis, placing maximum pressure on the neck. 3, straightening of cervical lordosis, causing forward head carriage. 5, optimal cervical lordosis, least amount of pressure on neck)
Wellbeing Chiropractic
Chiropractors spend many years of dedicated study exploring human bio-mechanics, structure and anatomy. This time allows Chiropractors to assess, diagnose and manage spinal conditions such as neck pain with chiropractic treatments and exercise. Our team consists of 20+Melbourne-based Chiropractors. Our team have over 30+ years combined clinical experience in a variety of professional settings, including private practice and sporting arena. See below for additional information about each of our Chiropractors. For a personalized and professional Chiropractic service for your neck pain treatment call our team and schedule an appointment to discuss your case for further details.
Want a special offer for neck pain?
For new patients seeking experienced Chiropractors for neck pain in Melbourne, we can offer you a special deal. For more information on how you can save over $20 on your first appointment, click on the go to offer page button below:
