Neck and upper back pain are common complaints that most people will have at least once in a while. Some may get pain from physical labor, others may get it from sitting at a desk looking down at a computer all day. For some people, the pain may be recurring, or constant. In some cases, it can be downright debilitating.
Pain in the upper back and neck is usually caused by problems in the upper cervical spine. This part of the spine comprises the top seven vertebrae which run from the base of the skull through to the upper back. The upper cervical spine is responsible for carrying the weight of the head, movement of the head and neck, and protecting the spinal cord. It is a vulnerable area that can be affected by an impact, degenerative diseases, poor posture, or normal aging.
The good news is, upper back and neck pain are often treatable. Some doctors may recommend pain medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Some patients find great relief in seeing an upper cervical chiropractic specialist.
What Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?
Misalignments of the spine can cause a wide range of health issues, including chronic pain. Even a minute misalignment of the vertebrae can cause inflammation, swelling, or pinched nerves. When pressure is put on the nerves, it can disrupt the flow of nerve signals between the brain and the body's major systems. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine also put a strain on joints, muscles, and ligaments throughout the rest of the body.
Chiropractors are specialists who examine the spine for misalignments and make adjustments. These adjustments are usually made with manual manipulation and can bring quick, drug-free, non-invasive relief to many patients.
How We Treat Upper Cervical Pain
Dr. Gordon Elder of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas is an expert in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique is a specialty that focuses on upper cervical health by using advanced diagnostic tools and gentle corrections.
Dr. Elder's treatment begins with screening. Using advanced 3D diagnostic imaging tools, the doctor will be able to take measurements and calculate misalignments. This thorough screening takes the guesswork out of chiropractic treatments so that adjustments are precise and more effective.
After the screening, Dr. Elder will make corrections using safe, gentle manipulations. You won't have to endure any shocking twists and jolts; the Blair technique involves a quick, light touch.
Once the spine has been adjusted, there will be some relief, but the healing has only just begun. With the spine in proper alignment, the body's natural healing processes can resume and restore your health and vitality. After a series of follow-up appointments to ensure the alignment remains in place, Dr. Elder recommends preventative care with regular chiropractic checkups.
If you are experiencing pain in your neck or upper back, contact Dr. Elder's office for a consultation. We service patients in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.