Upper Cervical Care and Chronic Neck Pain: How It Can Help in Washington

Neck pain is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that significantly affects daily life. Causes of neck pain in Washington could be muscle strain, poor posture, degenerative disorders, or injuries.

The upper cervical spine, where the head and neck come together, is essential and can be easily injured or misaligned. When it becomes misaligned, it can cause pressure on surrounding nerves and result in irritation to the brainstem. One of the areas of the brainstem responsible for controlling muscle contraction is the reticular formation.

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Specialized Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care in Washington

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a specialized approach that focuses on the upper neck area, specifically the top two vertebrae of the spine. It is a gentle, non-invasive, and precise approach to spinal healthcare that aims to correct misalignments in the upper cervical spine to enhance the function of the brain and nervous system.

Many studies have demonstrated that upper cervical care can help manage and relieve the symptoms of neck pain. In a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, researchers observed that patients with neck pain who had received upper cervical chiropractic care experienced significant improvements in pain intensity, neck muscle strength, and range of motion.

At our upper cervical practice in northwest Washington DC, we specialize in treating neuromuscular conditions, including neck pain. Our team has extensive experience in dealing with these conditions and has helped numerous patients improve their quality of life.

A misaligned upper cervical spine can irritate the brainstem, which can cause constant contraction of neck muscles as a response to the irritation. Upper cervical adjustments can help relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves, leading to relief from irritated muscle contractions and eventually, neck pain.

Our patient-centered treatment approach focuses on identifying the root cause of each patient's symptoms and developing individualized treatment plans. Our goal is to provide each patient with the support and guidance they need to achieve optimal health and wellness.

We firmly believe that everyone deserves to live a pain-free life, and we have successfully helped numerous patients with neck pain find relief. For instance, in a case study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, a patient suffering from neck pain and vertigo found relief after receiving upper cervical chiropractic care.

If you are experiencing neck pain or other neuromuscular conditions, we invite you to visit our office in northwest Washington DC. We would be happy to answer any of your questions about upper cervical care and how it can benefit you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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References:

1. Elster EL. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2001 May;24(4):301-9.
This case report describes how a patient with chronic neck pain experienced significant pain reduction after receiving upper cervical chiropractic care. The study suggests that the correction of upper cervical misalignments through chiropractic adjustments can be an effective treatment strategy for chronic neck pain.

2. Amalu WC, Masarsky CS, Masarsky MT. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic neck pain associated with Arnold-Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000 May; 23(4): 246-50.
This case report describes how upper cervical chiropractic care improved neck pain symptoms in a patient with a complex neurological condition known as Arnold-Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. The study suggests that upper cervical chiropractic care can be used to improve chronic neck pain symptoms, even in patients with pre-existing neurological conditions.

3. Irisawa Y, Shibuya K, Shiraishi T, et al. Effective pain relief with cervical disc lesion treated by upper cervical chiropractic: a case report. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Oct;27(10):3333-6.
This case report discusses a patient with chronic neck pain and a cervical disc lesion who received upper cervical chiropractic care. The study found that the patient experienced significant pain reduction and improved range of motion after receiving upper cervical adjustments.