Neck Pain
Neck pain due to irritation of the small joints in your neck can also sometimes involve ligament strain with referred pain or numbness. This might involve nerve root irritation which could be as a result of a disc bulge or related to degenerative changes. Neck pain can be incredibly debilitating for our patients, but our chiropractors are highly trained in determining the exact cause of your neck pain and highly skilled in treating all of the above causes of neck pain.
Whiplash
Your pain and misery as a result of a whiplash injury might not feel any better if you were told that there is no immediate evidence of injury to the bones of your neck on your X-rays. However this is often the case, because initially nothing may show up on an X-ray unless the accident was very severe. Symptoms can take months or even longer to appear. The problem may be in the muscles and ligaments, which do not appear on an X-ray.
Rather than just a simple sprain to the muscle and ligaments of the neck, research shows that during a road traffic accident involving a rear-end shunt, the neck curves in an abnormal S-shape which grossly alters normal neck movement.
Normally, the joints at the back of your neck glide over each other and are self-lubricated, but a whiplash injury forces them together, damaging the surrounding area, which includes nerves, muscles, ligaments and discs.
There are tiny receptors in the ligaments around the neck called proprioceptors. These relay information to your brain about the position of the joints. If these ligaments have been damaged due to whiplash, you may experience dizziness or light headedness as well as:
• neck pain
• headaches
• arm pain
Not just car accidents
Whiplash injuries are also known as acceleration/deceleration injuries and need not be the result of car accidents. A slip or fall can give you a whiplash-type injury. In fact you do not have to hit your head or neck - a sudden movement, especially if it is repetitive, may cause injury.
Shoulder Pain
The treatment of shoulder pain depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you understand the cause of your symptoms before embarking on a treatment program. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, or the severity of your condition, you should seek medical advice before beginning any treatment. Not all of these treatments are appropriate for every condition, but they may be helpful in your situation.
Chiropractic:
Chiropractic is an important aspect of treatment of almost all orthopedic conditions. Chiropractors use different techniques to increase strength, regain mobility, and help return patients to their pre-injury level of activity.
Ice and Heat Application:
Ice packs and heat pads are among the most commonly used treatments for knee pain. So which one is the right one to use, ice or heat? And how long should the ice or heat treatments last? Your chiropractor will go through a routine of ice and or heat with you once assessment and diagnosis have been achieved.
Stretching:
Stretching the muscles and tendons that surround the joint can help with some causes of knee pain. Our chiropractors are also trained in Sports Therapy and are very knowlegable in a plethora of stretching and strengthening exercises. The will design a bespoke programme to get you back to full health as soon as possible.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications, especially for patients with shoulder pain caused by problems such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. You will need to consult your GP regarding medicaiton
Cortisone injections:
Cortisone is a powerful medication that treats inflammation, but it can weaken the ligaments which support the joint and is not always successful first or even second time. Discuss with your doctor and or chiropractor the possible benefits of a cortisone injection for your condition.
