3 de mayo de 2023

Neck Pain and Chiropractic Care

Por Dr. Dan Foss, DC

A pilot study published in the December 2005 scientific journal, Clinical Chiropractic, from the European association, The College of Chiropractors, showed that chiropractic helped subjects in the study with neck pain. The study starts off by noting how common neck pain is by pointing out that more than 70% of people in the developed world will experience neck pain at some point in their lifetimes. In this pilot study, the 21 people who completed the study, were divided into two groups for study. One group was those who had neck pain for less than 7 weeks and the other consisted of those with chronic neck pain of more than 7 weeks duration. Outcomes were measured for values such as pain, disability, and perceptions of improvements in quality of life, as well as levels of anxiety and depression.

The 21 patients who completed the study all received a regime of chiropractic care. The number and frequency of visits were determined by the clinical decision of the individual practitioner rendering care to the study subjects. A standardized outcome measurement was made using a scientific method called the Bournemouth Questionnaire (BQ) for neck pain. The results showed that in the acute group, those with neck pain for less than 7 weeks, all the subjects experienced a decrease in pain with 6 of the 7 reporting a significant improvement. In the group with chronic neck pain of longer than 7 weeks, all but 2 experienced improvement. Most of that group had significant improvement, while one reported no change and one was worse at the end of the study. The acute neck pain patients were usually suffering from more severe pain than were those with chronic pain. Researchers summed up the results by stating, "The results demonstrate a positive effect for chiropractic on symptoms of neck pain. The more chronic the presentation, the more treatments were required to achieve asymptomatic status."

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain rarely develops in isolation. In most cases it is the result of mechanical dysfunction — vertebrae and joints that are not moving or positioned correctly, creating pressure on nerves and strain on surrounding muscles and ligaments. Common causes include:

Cervical subluxation — misalignment of the vertebrae that irritates joints and nerves
Muscle strain and whiplash — from accidents, falls, or sudden forceful movements
Disc herniation in the cervical spine — pressing on nerve roots causing arm pain and numbness
Cervical spondylosis — age-related degeneration of the cervical discs and joints
Text neck and forward head posture — chronic strain from prolonged device use
Tension and stress-related neck pain — tightness in the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull
Thoracic outlet syndrome — nerve compression between the neck and shoulder

Common Symptoms of Neck Pain

Neck pain presents differently depending on its cause and severity:

Stiffness and reduced range of motion — difficulty turning your head fully
Dull, sharp, or aching pain in the neck or at the base of the skull
Headaches that begin at the back of the head and extend toward the forehead or eyes
Numbness or tingling radiating into the shoulders, arms, or hands
Arm weakness or difficulty holding objects
Pain that worsens when looking up, down, or rotating the head
Popping or clicking sounds with neck movement

When these symptoms persist for more than a few days, or when pain is accompanied by arm numbness or progressive weakness, a professional evaluation is warranted.

How Chiropractic Helps Neck Pain

SOT and Cervical Adjustments

Dr. Foss uses the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) to evaluate and correct imbalances extending from the sacrum to the occiput. This global approach recognizes that cervical problems frequently have their roots in pelvic and lumbar imbalances. By correcting the foundation first, SOT reduces compensatory stress on the cervical spine without forcing the neck into high-velocity manipulations.

Cranial Chiropractic Therapy

For patients with neck pain that has a neurological component — especially headaches, dizziness, or hand numbness — cranial therapy can be transformative. The relationship between the skull, the cervical spine, and the meningeal system is central to many cases of chronic neck pain. Dr. Foss is one of the few chiropractors in San Antonio with advanced certification in this specialized field.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV laser therapy penetrates deep into cervical muscles, ligaments, and joints to reduce inflammation and promote cellular healing. It is especially valuable for chronic neck pain with disc degeneration, soft tissue damage, or persistent muscle spasm that has not responded to adjustments alone.

SoftWave Therapy

For patients with chronic neck pain that has not responded to other treatments, SoftWave therapy activates resident stem cells in the treated area, stimulating genuine tissue regeneration in chronically damaged muscles, ligaments, and discs.

The Connection Between Neck Pain and Headaches

A significant percentage of headaches originate from tension and dysfunction in the cervical spine. The suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, the C1 and C2 vertebrae, and the meningeal tissue all contribute to headache patterns that patients often assume have no physical cause. When the cervical spine is properly aligned and mobile, many patients find their headaches resolve along with their neck pain.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

At your first visit, Dr. Foss will take a complete health history and perform a thorough physical and neurological examination. He will assess your posture, cervical range of motion, strength, sensation, and neural tension. Depending on his findings, he may recommend X-rays to evaluate bone alignment and joint degeneration.

Dr. Foss will clearly explain what he found and discuss a personalized treatment plan for your specific situation. Many patients begin to feel relief after the first visit, though significant, lasting improvement typically develops over the first few weeks of care.

Why Choose Dr. Dan Foss for Neck Pain in San Antonio

With over 23 years of clinical experience in San Antonio, Dr. Foss has treated hundreds of patients with neck pain ranging from acute muscle strains to chronic cervical disc disease. His Advanced SOT Certification through SORSI and specialized training in cranial chiropractic give him tools that most general chiropractors do not possess.

His goal is not simply to relieve pain temporarily — it is to identify and correct the structural imbalances keeping you in pain, so you can achieve lasting health.

Serving Neck Pain Patients Across San Antonio

Pura Vida Chiropractic serves patients from Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Castle Hills, Leon Valley, Helotes, Shavano Park, Boerne, and the Medical Center. If you have been searching for a neck pain chiropractor in San Antonio, Dr. Foss is ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chiropractic visits will I need for neck pain? As the 2005 Clinical Chiropractic study confirmed, acute neck pain (less than 7 weeks) typically responds faster than chronic presentations. Dr. Foss will evaluate your specific situation and give you a realistic prognosis at your first visit. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within the first two to four weeks of care.

Is cervical chiropractic adjustment safe? Yes, in the hands of a trained and experienced chiropractor. Dr. Foss uses techniques appropriate for each patient — including low-force SOT approaches when indicated — and always performs a complete evaluation before treating. Patients with osteoporosis, prior neck surgery, or significant disc disease receive modified approaches that are appropriate for their condition.

Can I receive treatment if I have cervical arthritis? Yes. Cervical osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions Dr. Foss treats. The approach can be modified to accommodate arthritic joints, and many patients with arthritis achieve significant relief with chiropractic care that is adapted to their degree of degeneration.

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