Signs and Symptoms
Moderate to severe pain in the neck with radiation down the arm.
Description
The muscles, ligaments and discs of the neck have been injured.
Causes
This condition can occur due to a whiplash type injury or over time from poor posture.
Standard Treatment
RICE — which stands for rest, ice, compression, and sometimes a support brace. This is accompanied by taking anti-inflammatory medications and at times a muscle relaxant. Failure to respond to this care is followed by physical therapy using ultrasound, muscle stimulation and then at times strengthening exercises if it is chronic.
AK Approach
In addition to most of the standard treatment, the structures of the back are tested to find the ones that were weak, allowing the injury to occur. Specific muscle therapies are used to reduce the spasm muscles and you are taught to do some of these at home. Manipulation is performed to align the spine to equalize the weight on the disc structures. Dietary recommendations to speed the healing and reduce inflammation are also considered. In chronic problems, it is the over all posture that is important. If you have your head forward, the weight of the head will cause arthritic changes and bulging of the disc structures in the neck.