Treating Upper Cervical Pain
Upper cervical pain can be so excruciating and debilitating that it often brings our Duluth and Atlanta patients in as soon as they feel it. Our team at the Neck and Back Pain Relief Center, LLC is able to help anyone suffering from upper cervical pain. Our team specializes in upper cervical chiropractic treatment and can find the right method of treating your condition. Developed in 1930 by Dr B. J. Palmer, upper cervical chiropractic is a non-invasive treatment that has been used ever since to help those suffering from upper cervical pain. Here is what you should know about upper cervical pain and treatment for it.
What is the Upper Cervical Spine?
Designated as the top seven vertebrae of the spinal column and their joints, the upper cervical spine is the most complex part of the spine, since it includes these bones, seven joints between them, and the intervertebral discs that provide cushioning. It also includes 8 nerve roots that each send and receive nerve impulses or signals to and from the brain. The upper cervical spine has four veins and arteries that circulate blood between the heart and brain. If the upper cervical spine is injured in a fall or auto accident, the tension and pain around the upper back and neck can be extreme and debilitating. That is why our team is here to help.
How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help?
Upper cervical chiropractic is a highly specific type of treatment. It's popular with our patients, not only because of its effectiveness, but also because it's painless, gentle, and does not involve the type of twisting manipulation that some patients find unsettling. This treatment concentrates on the C1 and C2 vertebra which is the top two vertebrae of the spine, and the only two lacking an intervertebral disc. Not only does this mean any injury to them will be extremely painful, but any resulting misalignment will interfere with brain-spine nerve impulses that are responsible for brain-body communication. This means getting upper cervical chiropractic treatment is crucial.
Here are some common causes of cervical pain.
- Pinched Nerve (Cervical Radiculopathy). It’s a pain that forces you to restrict motion in a specific region of the neck. Chiropractic care can treat this with gentle adjustments to the affected area.
- Facet Joint Problems. These are mechanical neck pains located in the back of the neck. If a joint in this area becomes injured, it can cause shoulder pain, arm pain, and pain in the upper back. This can be treated with manual adjustments.
- Cervical Disc Problems. When cervical discs are torn, nerve roots can be damaged, causing pain in the hands. Chiropractic adjustment and massage therapy can help restore spinal balance and alleviate pain.