Neck pain isn't just inconvenient or annoying – it can affect vision, work, sleep, and even your state of mind. Whiplash injuries in particular plague patients years after the fact.
The good news is that chiropractic treatments, which focus on the spine, can offer incredible relief for neck problems. In some cases of chronic spinal or neck pain, chiropractic options have been more effective than drugs or surgery. Let's take a look at some of the research.
The Long Reaching Problems of Neck Pain
How Neck Pain Affects the Brain
Otte A, Mueller-Brand J, Fierz L., Lancet, 1995
This study used brain imaging technology (SPECT scans) to examine patients with neck pain and whiplash. Based on the results, researchers now suspect that neck pain affects blood flow to the brain. This may explain why whiplash patients can experience changes in vision, hearing, and personality.
Whiplash Injuries: A 15-year Followup
Squires B, Gargan MF, Bannister GC. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (British Edition), 1996
Forty patients had suffered whiplash injuries about 15 years previously. Researchers followed up and found that some patients continued to suffer effects including:
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches and dizziness
- Psychological disturbances (over half the patients experienced this)
Only 18% of the patients had seen significant improvement in the years since the injury. 28% showed deterioration.
Examples of Real Pain Relief With Chiropractic Care
Clinical Trial: Spinal Manipulative Therapy Reducing Neck Pain
Sterling M, Jull G, and Wright A, Manual Therapy, 2001
Thirty patients suffering from middle or lower neck pain received spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). In SMT, the chiropractor applies controlled pressure to the spinal joints. The results showed that SMT reduced pain. Patients did sweat more and their skin grew colder during the treatment, indicating that SMT affects other parts of the body.
Clinical Trial: Comparing Acupuncture, Medicine, and Chiropractic Treatment
Giles LG & Muller R, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1999
This pilot clinical trial divided 77 patients with chronic spinal pain into three treatment groups. One group received acupuncture, the second anti-inflammatory drugs, and the third chiropractic spinal manipulation therapy (SMT).
After 30 days, only the chiropractic group showed statistically significant improvement. Results included:
- 30.7% reduction in back pain (using the Oswestry disability score)
- 25% reduction in Neck Disability Index scores
- 50% reduction in low back pain
- 46% reduction in upper back pain
- 33% reduction in neck pain
Case Report: Chiropractic treatment Over Additional Surgery
Polkinghorn B & Colloca CJ, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2001
A 35-year-old woman suffered from neck pain for five years. Two neck surgeries (a discectomy and fusion) failed to resolve the pain. Her doctor recommended a third surgery, but she decided to try chiropractic care instead.
Within 30 days of treatment, all chronic pain and muscle spasms resolved. Two years later, a followup revealed that she had had no recurrences of neck pain.
Chiropractic Care for Chronic Neck Pain and Headaches
Hurwitz EL, Aker PD et al., Spine, 1996
Researchers reviewed thirty years' worth of literature on cervical spine manipulation (CSM) for neck pain and headaches.They noted that for neck pain and headaches, CSM can sometimes offer more relief than muscle relaxants and medical care.
Case Report: Chiropractic Care for a Herniated Cervical Disc
Brouillette DL & Gurske, DT. Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, 1994
A 60-year-old woman suffered from a herniated cervical disc. Her left arm constantly had a deep, burning ache. She also suffered severe neck and shoulder pain.
Under chiropractic care, her pain and numbness completely resolved. Her grip strength returned to normal within five months.
Case Report: Chiropractic Treatment for an Annular Disc Protrusion
Gemmell HA, Chiropractic Technique, 1994
A 69-year-old man suffered from an annular disc protrusion with nerve root compression. This caused left shoulder and arm pain, reduced reflexes in his bicep, a weak deltoid muscle, and decreased sensation in his shoulders and upper arms.
Twenty-six days of adjustment and therapy resolved all issues. He remained symptom free through the four-month followup.
Neck Pain Relief With Elevate Chiropractic
Neck pain is no joke – the research goes to show how it affects your entire body and mind. By addressing the root causes of your neck pain, we aim to increase your overall quality of life.
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