Advancing The Standards Of Chiropractic
704-905-9457
Neck Pain
Are You Suffering From Neck Pain?
Understanding neck pain involves recognizing its causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. Here's what you need to know about neck pain:
​
-
Prevalence: Neck pain is a common ailment, with studies estimating that up to 70% of people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives.
-
Causes: Neck pain can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain or tension, poor posture, repetitive movements, injury or trauma (such as whiplash from car accidents), degenerative conditions (such as cervical spondylosis or disc degeneration), arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and underlying medical conditions (such as fibromyalgia or meningitis).
-
Symptoms: Symptoms of neck pain may include stiffness, soreness, discomfort, limited range of motion, headaches (often originating from tension in the neck muscles), numbness or tingling in the arms or hands, and sometimes radiating pain into the shoulders or upper back.
-
Risk Factors: Certain factors may increase the risk of developing neck pain, including poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting or computer use, repetitive work activities, previous neck injury, obesity, smoking, and stress.
-
Diagnosis: Diagnosing the cause of neck pain typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. Blood tests or other diagnostic procedures may be ordered to rule out underlying medical conditions.
-
Treatment: Treatment for neck pain depends on the underlying cause, severity, and individual factors. It may include conservative measures such as rest, activity modification and chiropractic care. In some cases, surgery may be recommended for conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis that do not respond to conservative treatment.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & The Cervical Spine
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) typically arises from compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. However, there is a condition called "cervical radiculopathy" or "double crush syndrome," where compression or irritation of the nerves in the neck (cervical spine) can contribute to symptoms similar to those of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Here are some facts about how cervical spine issues can relate to carpal tunnel syndrome:
​
-
Double Crush Syndrome: Double crush syndrome refers to the phenomenon where nerve compression or irritation occurs in more than one location along the nerve pathway. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, compression at the wrist may exacerbate symptoms arising from compression of the nerve roots in the cervical spine.
-
Radicular Symptoms: Compression of the nerve roots in the cervical spine can lead to radicular symptoms, which may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the arm and into the hand and fingers. These symptoms can mimic those of carpal tunnel syndrome.
-
Cervical Radiculopathy: Cervical radiculopathy is a condition characterized by compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine. Common causes include degenerative changes (such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis), trauma (such as whiplash injury), or inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis). Symptoms can include neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, and neurological symptoms in the hand and fingers, which may overlap with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
-
Diagnostic Challenges: Distinguishing between carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical radiculopathy can be challenging, as they can present with similar symptoms. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, or imaging studies (such as MRI) may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of symptoms.
-
Treatment Considerations: Treatment for symptoms related to cervical spine issues may differ from the treatment approach for carpal tunnel syndrome. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options may include conservative measures such as chiropractic, ice therapy and stretching.
-
Multifactorial Approach: In cases where both carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical spine issues are present, a multifactorial approach that addresses both the wrist and neck may be necessary to achieve optimal symptom relief and functional outcomes.
KCSC Procedure & Neck Pain
& Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Head and neck injuries frequently result in misalignments in the upper spine, disrupting normal communication between the brain and the body. This disruption can manifest as chronic neck pain and may even contribute to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. While medication may offer temporary relief, addressing the root cause is crucial to prevent worsening symptoms over time.
​
The KCSC Procedure is specifically designed to correct these upper spine misalignments and restore normal brain-to-body communication. Patients often experience lasting relief and can return to their normal activities without the limitations imposed by pain.
Additionally, many patients report a decreased dependency on medications and are able to avoid risky surgical interventions.
The KCSC Procedure not only addresses symptoms but targets the underlying cause, leading to improved outcomes and overall well-being.
Request A Consultation
