The Nixa Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Nixa

How Neck Pain Differs from Back Pain Headaches and neck pain

Many people in Nixa suffer from chronic neck pain. Some suffer from chronic lower back pain...and some, unfortunately, suffer from both! And...unfortunately, untreated neck pain can potentially cause far more damage than untreated back pain.

The cervical (neck) spine starts at the base of the brain stem, includes the first seven bones of the spinal column, and runs to right above the shoulder blades. In addition to bones, the cervical spine also contains muscles, ligaments and joints, with nerve endings that respond to problems in your body by conveying the sensation of pain to the brain.

Neck pain often results from performing repetitive movements that can injure these structures. For example, working at a computer holding your head in the same position, sleeping in the wrong position placing a strain on your neck, poor posture, painting a ceiling – all can result in a strain, sprain, inflammation or spasm in the ligaments, muscles, or joints in the neck.

Neck pain can be experienced in two ways – as actual pain, like that caused by a disc problem, or as "pins and needles," numbness or weakness in the arms and legs, difficulty walking, balance problems or neck stiffness. It may originate as a result of a whiplash injury due to an automobile accident, the aging process, stresses of everyday living, job-related repetitive movements, spinal tumor, compression of vertebrae, discs or nerves, or obesity.

Anyone who experiences any of the symptoms described needs to undergo a thorough examination to determine the cause of either type of cervical pain. Our office is capable of performing such an examination; we take a thorough health history and use specific objective diagnostic tools (range-of-motion tests, diagnostic imaging, flexibility tests, etc.) on each patient to determine the cause of the pain and assess our ability to help each patient.

Very often, our patients report relief and a return to health as a result of gentle chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine that often relieve the source of pain. If we find a more serious underlying condition as a result of our examination and testing, we will refer you to the proper specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

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Dr. Michael Asks some important questions of interest to Nixa residents - Chiropractor Nixa Dr. Michael Asks...

How could a child benefit from chiropractic?
Regardless of our age, each of us in Nixa encounters physical, chemical and emotional stresses that exceed our ability to handle. For newborns, it could be the trauma encountered at birth. For toddlers it could be from learning to walk or ride a bike. Many of the problems we chiropractors see in adults are the result of neglected traumas from childhood.
What's the difference between a "good" drug and a "bad" drug?
As a chiropractor, I see the use of drugs (legal or illegal) as merely symptom treating. Worse, virtually every drug produces unwanted effects. The only effects of chiropractic are positive effects. If you're a Nixa parent, consider carefully before giving your child a cough medication, cold remedy or pain reliever so this sort of question doesn't arise in the first place.