It's a fact that 75 percent of Americans have to deal with neck pain at some point in their lives. It's also a fact that alternative medicine is much more effective in this matter as compared to traditional medication and physiotherapy. Cases requiring manipulation of the cervical spine (neck vertebrae) in the U. S. are predominantly handled by chiropractors.
The cervical spine, which begins at the skull's base, is composed of seven small vertebrae. It's an amazing system that takes up the full weight of a human head weighing 12 pounds on average. It's nothing short of a miracle that enables this delicate mechanism to move the head in all directions.
Of course, misuse or abuse of any biomechanical device is a guaranteed invitation for trouble. The vertebrae can sustain damage or misalignment from extended strain, accidents, whiplash, slip and fall, or blows to the head. Malfunctions also occur due to aging, wear and tear, repetitive movements, etc. Even posture can pose a problem, because leaning the head forward just a couple of inches adds stress on the neck equivalent to the weight of 2-3 bowling balls.
Chiropractors do not read tea leaves to find out what is wrong with a patient. They use the same diagnostic methods as any good doctor, asking questions about symptoms to find out when and how the pain began. They will examine the patient to detect abnormalities or external signs. They may order an MRI or CAT scan, or even an EMG if there is a possibility of nerve damage.
The actual procedure is called cervical spine manipulation, also known as a neck adjustment. Skilled chiropractors use their hands to manipulate and adjust the vertebrae back into their natural positions. This is a gradual shift that takes place across several sessions. By the time it is completed, the cervical spine is at or very close to its normal functioning, and the patient is able to once again move the head without pain.
It seems quite easy in theory, but it reality takes a chiropractor with a tremendous amount of skill and experience to do it right. Needless to say, it is up to the patient to find a provider who is reputed and qualified enough. In general, though, the statistics about chiropractic are clear enough since consumers give it the highest patient satisfaction rating among all the different kinds of providers.
A study published recently in Annals of Internal Medicine says that 57 percent of chiropractic patients in a study group reported a 75 percent reduction in pain after only 12 weeks. In the group that received prescription medication, only 33 percent were able to say the same. A year later, 53 percent in the chiropractic group reported a lasting effect, and said their pain was now just 25 percent of what it was initially.
The British Medical Journal similarly published a 52-week study group analysis of neck pain patients. They were randomly assigned and divided among GPs, physiotherapists and chiropractors. The results could not have been any clearer - the group under chiropractic care recovered much faster, and their expenses were only one-third of the amounts spent by patients in the other groups.
The cervical spine, which begins at the skull's base, is composed of seven small vertebrae. It's an amazing system that takes up the full weight of a human head weighing 12 pounds on average. It's nothing short of a miracle that enables this delicate mechanism to move the head in all directions.
Of course, misuse or abuse of any biomechanical device is a guaranteed invitation for trouble. The vertebrae can sustain damage or misalignment from extended strain, accidents, whiplash, slip and fall, or blows to the head. Malfunctions also occur due to aging, wear and tear, repetitive movements, etc. Even posture can pose a problem, because leaning the head forward just a couple of inches adds stress on the neck equivalent to the weight of 2-3 bowling balls.
Chiropractors do not read tea leaves to find out what is wrong with a patient. They use the same diagnostic methods as any good doctor, asking questions about symptoms to find out when and how the pain began. They will examine the patient to detect abnormalities or external signs. They may order an MRI or CAT scan, or even an EMG if there is a possibility of nerve damage.
The actual procedure is called cervical spine manipulation, also known as a neck adjustment. Skilled chiropractors use their hands to manipulate and adjust the vertebrae back into their natural positions. This is a gradual shift that takes place across several sessions. By the time it is completed, the cervical spine is at or very close to its normal functioning, and the patient is able to once again move the head without pain.
It seems quite easy in theory, but it reality takes a chiropractor with a tremendous amount of skill and experience to do it right. Needless to say, it is up to the patient to find a provider who is reputed and qualified enough. In general, though, the statistics about chiropractic are clear enough since consumers give it the highest patient satisfaction rating among all the different kinds of providers.
A study published recently in Annals of Internal Medicine says that 57 percent of chiropractic patients in a study group reported a 75 percent reduction in pain after only 12 weeks. In the group that received prescription medication, only 33 percent were able to say the same. A year later, 53 percent in the chiropractic group reported a lasting effect, and said their pain was now just 25 percent of what it was initially.
The British Medical Journal similarly published a 52-week study group analysis of neck pain patients. They were randomly assigned and divided among GPs, physiotherapists and chiropractors. The results could not have been any clearer - the group under chiropractic care recovered much faster, and their expenses were only one-third of the amounts spent by patients in the other groups.
About the Author:
Ed Rob Munro is an author writing about how to be healthy. Are you looking for Pittsburgh North Hills chiropractic? Get more information about chiropractic Pittsburgh North Hills.
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