The Nixa Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Nixa

Cervical Range of Motion

Anyone who has experienced cervical (neck) pain knows that it can be a real pain in the neck! Consider the fact that the cervical spine, consisting of only seven vertebrae, is responsible for supporting your head which can weigh as much as a bowling ball. No other region of the spine is more mobile or more prone to injury.

Cervical Range of Motion!

Mobility in the neck is measured through range-of-motion testing that includes four distinct tests:

  • Flexion – measured by ability to touch chin to chest

  • Extension – measured by tilting your head backwards

  • Lateral flexion – your ability to touch each ear to your shoulder

Various injuries and/or conditions are responsible for neck pain and can restrict range of motion. These include:

  • Whiplash from a car accident - the head can be violently thrust forward and backward beyond its normal range of motion, resulting in muscle pain and stiffness.

  • Degenerative conditions - occur as a result of the aging process, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.

  • Poor posture and obesity – forward head carriage can cause the muscles in the neck to contract and stiffen.

  • Spinal fractures, tumors or infections - can be serious and require immediate attention from a medical specialist.

According to a research study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic adjustments can significantly improve cervical range of motion. As obvious as that may appear to those who regularly receive chiropractic care, limited range of motion plays a major role in many health problems that usually improve with chiropractic adjustments.

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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.