Introduction
You may feel that something is just unbalanced or not right in your neck, and that description is quite apropos. A feeling of "catching" or grinding in the neck on motion can be a sign that the joints in the neck are not performing normal motions and leading to pain.
Definition
the misalignment of one vertebra upon the other
Description
Cervical spine subluxations can irritate the nerves of the disc, facet joints, and spinal nerves leaving the spine to cause pain in the shoulders, neck, arm, and head (headache). At arrow, see the vertebra is moved backwards on the one below representing a subluxation.
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination of the affected area of your spine that may include imaging is important for you to regain your quality of life without pain.
Cervical Spine Exam Description
Treatment
In office, Apple Country Chiropractic uses chiropractic Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure, increase the disc height to relieve pain, and realigns the vertebral segments to allow normal ranges of motion.
You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need. Depending on the severity of your pain and symptoms, gentler Protocol I may be applied until 50% relief of pain or more restoring Protocol II may be applied to guide your recovery.
Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Cervical Spine
The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.
This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic
Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements
enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of
decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0%
to 100% for each individual patient.
Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain or pain that extends below the elbow
Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that is in the low back and stays above the elbow
In office adjunctive care may hasten your recovery.
At Home Care
At home you will want to avoid sleeping on your stomach, wear a neck brace if recommended, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, exercise, and modify your daily activities as needed. You will want to work closely with us at Apple Country Chiropractic to ensure your treatment is properly administered and your return to maximum health is maximized.
Contact Apple Country Chiropractic today about your cervical spine subluxation.