Neck Pain and Chiropractic
A report on the scientific literature
By
William J. Owens DC, DAAMLP
Mark Studin DC, FASBE (C), DAAPM, DAAMLP
A recent study examined the effect a chiropractic adjustment has on the pain levels of muscle spasm in the neck. When only a part of a muscle goes into spasm it is called a trigger point (knot). These hypersensitive areas are a common cause of pain in the neck and a major reason patients present for treatment. They can occur slowly over time (from things like computer work or video games) or can be the result of an acute trauma such as a car accident or a fall. In a recent study, the authors stated, "A clinical relationship between MTrPs [trigger points] and joint impairments has been suggested by some authors" (Ruiz-Sáez, Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Blanco, Martı´nez-Segura, & Garcı´a-León, 2007, p. 579). In other words, there is a problem with the bones of the spine [subluxation] that contributes to these painful conditions. In most cases, there are multiple areas on the body that have subluxations and in turn, have trigger points. These points were first reported in 1942 and can result in severe pain. Many patients may be on pain medications (even narcotic medication) and be unable to continue with their daily activities.
The another study also related to these issues, the author’s state, “The purpose of this study was to review the most commonly used treatment procedures in chiropractic for MPS [myofascial pain syndrome] and MTrPs” (Vernon &Schneider, 2009, p. 14). Manipulation (chiropractic adjustment) was shown to be effective in reducing the sensitivity to pain in the neck and the middle back which are very common areas to have trigger points. The authors indicate, “There is moderately strong evidence to support the use of some manual therapies in providing immediate pain relief at TrPs”(Vernon & Schneider, 2009, p.189). The key to treatment is having a doctor that can find the CAUSE of the problem, helping to ultimately eliminate the symptoms.
Remember, trigger points are a “symptom” of an improperly functioning muscle and nerve systems. Only a doctor of chiropractic is specifically trained to diagnose and treat subluxations that lead to myofascial trigger points.
References:
1. Ruiz-Sáez, M., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Blanco, C. R., Martı´nez-Segura, R., & Garcı´a-León, R. (2007). Changes in pressure pain sensitivity in latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle after a cervical spine manipulations in pain-free subjects. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 30(8), 578-583.
2. Vernon, H. & Schneider, M. (2009). Chiropractic management of myofascial trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome: A systemic review of the literature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(1),14-24.
Disc Herniations, Bulges, Sciatic Pain and Chiropractic
A report on the scientific literature
By
William J. Owens DC, DAAMLP
Mark Studin DC, FASBE (C), DAAPM, DAAMLP
The authors of a recent study state, “Acute back pain and sciatica are major causes of disability, with impairment of daily living activities” (Santilli, Beghi & Finucci, 2006, ). Pain that starts in the lower back and shoots down the leg is called sciatica. This is a very common and painful condition. The most common reason for pain down the leg is a bulge or a herniation of the soft disc between the bones of the spine. These are called intervertebral discs, sometimes referred to as a “slipped disc.”
This research paper reported on 102 cases of patients and stated, “Patients receiving active manipulations [chiropractic adjustment] enjoyed significantly greater relief of local and radiating [shooting] acute lower back pain, spent fewer days with moderate-to-severe and consumed fewer drugs for the control of pain” (Santilli, Beghi & Finucci, 2006, ). If you are suffering from lower back and leg pain, a doctor of chiropractic has the training and experience to determine whether the chiropractic adjustment can help you. Determining the exact CAUSE of your pain is the first step, treating it is the second. Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in helping people with lower back and leg pain.
Refernces:
1. Santilli, V., Beghi, E., & Finucci, S. (2006). Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: A randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. The Spine Journal 6(2), 131-137.
A report on the scientific literature
A report on the scientific literature
A report on the scientific literature
A report on the scientific literature
A report on the scientific literature
Condition
|
Responded to Chiropractic Care
|
Study Name and Date
|
Hip Osteoarthritis
|
YES
|
Hoeksma et al 2004
Brantingham et al 2003
MacDonald et al 2006
|
Knee Osteoarthritis
|
YES
|
Deyle et al 2000
Deyle et al 2005
Tucker et al 2003
Moss et al 2007
Hillerman et al 2006
Cliborne et al 2004
Currier et al 2007
|
Ankle Sprain
|
YES
|
Pellow and Brantingham 2001
Green et al 2001
Coetzer et al 2001
Eisenhart et al 2003
Collins et al 2004
Vicenzino et al 2006
Lopez-Rodriquez et al 2007
Kohne et al 2007
|
Plantar Facitis
|
YES
|
Dimou et al 2004
|
Metatarsalgia (pain in the foot)
|
YES
|
Peterson et al 2003
Govender et al 2007
|
Big Toe Pain
|
YES
|
Shamus et al 2004
Brantingham et al 2005
|
A report on the scientific literature
A report on the scientific literature
Condition
|
Responded to Chiropractic
|
Research Paper and Date
|
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
|
YES
|
Pribicevic and Pollard 2005
Gleberzon 2005
Pribicevic and Pollard 2004
Smith 2000
Williams and Brockhohn 1994
Shrode 1994
Plezbert and Nicholson 1994
Kampschroder et al 1990
|
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
|
YES
|
Rimbey 2005
Vernon 1982
|
Elbow Pain
|
YES
|
Konczak 2005
Coppieters et al 2004
Annis 2003
Kaufman 2000
Tchoryk 2000
Lawrence and Humphery 1997
Greenly and Bergmann 1990
Woo 1988
|
Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
|
YES
|
Valli 2004
Donahue et al 2003
Kazemi 2000
Harmeyer 1995
Ferguson 1995
Polkinghorn 1995
Feeley 1992
|
Separated Shoulder
|
YES
|
Kiner 2004
Stoddard and Johnson 2000
|
Swimmer’s Shoulder
|
YES
|
Kurtz 2004
|
Shoulder Instability
|
YES
|
Moreau and Moreau 2001
|
Rotator Cuff Tear
|
YES
|
Kazemi 1999
Buchberger 1993
|
Shoulder Tendonitis
|
YES
|
Gimblett et al 1999
Nia 1994
|
Scapular Winging
|
YES
|
Horrigan et al 1994
|
Chronic Bursitis
|
YES
|
Hammer 1993
Volstad 1983
|
Wrist Pain
|
YES
|
DeSantis 2004
Russell 2003
McDermott 2003
|
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
|
YES
|
Davis 2004
Brunarski et al 2004
Pringle et al 2003
Brown et al 1999
Petruska 1997
Buchberger et al 1996
Valente and Gibson 1994
Mariano et al 1991
|