Neck Pain Support Blog

Treatment for Headaches: T.E.N.S vs. Manipulation

A recent study compared two treatments for cervicogenic headaches: the use of T.E.N.S units versus manipulation of the cervical spine. This study compared alternative treatment for patients suffering from cervicogenic headaches and headaches related/caused by the neck. The participants in the study had a history of neck injury such as whiplash or trauma to the head. Patients were given either given electric stimulation ( T.E.N.S ) treatment or manipulations. Patients had on average 20 visits, over 40 days. Following the patient’s treatments, the scores were compared.

It was found that the group that received manipulations had significant decrease in their headache pain score, frequency of headaches, and the duration of headaches. There was a 94.5% response in the manipulation group, compared to only 64.5% of the Tens group. A Cervicogenic headache often coincides with neck pain and stiff neck. The pain from a cervicogenic headache often radiates from the neck or occipital region. Pain of cervical spine origin, however, can sometimes be felt in the front of the head. Loss of sensation over the occipital area, often on one side can accompany occipital neuralgia. Neck muscles are tender, frequently in spasm, and their movement can aggravate the pain.

This study shows that patients will respond favorably to chiropractic manipulation. In addition with manipulation, there are no side effects when compared to other treatments such as medication. As can be seen in the study above manipulation for the cervical spine is more effective than using a tens unit which works by blocking the pain signal.

Study: (Li C, Xiu-ling Z, hong D, Yue-qiang T, Hong-sheng X. Comparative study of effects of manipulation treatment and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [tens] on patients with cervicogenic headache JChin Integrat Med 2007;5(4) DOI:10.3736/jcm20070408

Additional Resources: Tens Unit for Muscle Spasm: Portable Tens Unit for Muscle Spasm Article: How does a T.E.N.S unit work for muscle spasm

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units
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Giving your Neck Pain A Grade

On Feb 15 2008, the Journal Spine published a report of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders. In this report they give a classification of neck pain into a grade system. They state that all neck pain, including whiplash associated disorders should be classified into this grade system. What Grade of Neck Pain do you have? We know that all neck pain whether mild or moderate in nature is serious- but some neck pain requires deeper knowledge, further testing and more invasive treatment than others.

• Grade I Neck Pain: neck pain that has minimal or no interference with your activities of daily living. With Grade I neck pain there are no signs or symptoms of major structural pathology. There is hardly an interference with your activities of daily living.
• Grade II Neck Pain: If you have a neck pain that limits your activities of daily activity. No signs or symptoms of major structural pathology but major interference with activities of daily living; This type of neck pain requires pain relief and early intervention to reduce the chances of long term disability.
• Grade III Neck Pain: Neck pain that also includes signs and symptoms of a radiculopathy. With no no signs of major or structural pathology. A Radicolpathy can include weakness, radiation into the arms and hands and certain neurological signs being present: decreased deep tendon reflexes, weakness, sensory deficits. This grade of neck pain will require special diagnostic tests such as a Cervical MRI and occasionally more invasive and involved treatments
• Grade IV Neck Pain: Neck pain with Pathology- This is the most serious of all grades of neck pain and includes signs and symptoms of major structural pathology such as fracture, myelopathy, neoplasm or systemic disease. It requires immediate diagnostic testing and treatment.

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Top 10 Reasons for Neck Pain...

There are many reasons for neck pain to occur; it can be mild to the point that it is an annoying feeling. It can be moderate or severe to the point that you are not able to carry out your activities of daily living. Was it because you watched tv and fell asleep in a weird position? - or maybe you were in a rear end collision. Whatever the cause, its something we should analyze a little further: Here are the top 10 causes of neck pain:

1. Misalignment in the spine – this is number 1 because it puts pressure on nerves which can casue muscle tension and more.
2. Poor Posture- Posture is a window to your spine and if you have poor posture that is what your spine looks like and inside- misaligned !
3. Bad sleeping habits – Sleeping on your stomach is the worst b/c you have to turn your head 90 degrees to the side to breathe
4. Muscle strain and tension – makes it difficult to move and creates inflammation, putting pressure on nerves causing pain
5. Stress – most people carry their stress right across the back of their neck
6. Work or Computer Station Set-up. If you are forced to be in an awkward position or have continued poor posture it creates misalignments and muscle strain therefore nerve pressure. Many office workers have a improperly set up work station and telephone set up
7. Improper exercise or work out, maneuvers – sometimes lifting to much weight or not using proper mechanics or posture when working out.
8. Putting your neck in awkward positions for extended periods. This relates to the previous 2 reasons for neck pain. Doing this creates tension things like sleeping in awkward positions, reading with head down
9. Lack of stretches before physical activity makes it easier to strain a muscle.
10. Not using a good pillow – A proper neck pillow is the best like the cervical traction pillow –it keeps the proper neck posture when sleeping on your back or side

Indians’ Cliff Lee May be Sidelined due to Stiff Neck

BOSTON - Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians in Major League Baseball. Lee may not be playing on Sunday because of a pain in his neck, specifically a stiff neck. Lee ability to play on Sunday was already undecided, as the Indians are considering sitting him if the White Sox's playoff fate is determined by that regular-season finale. And now that Lee -- the likely American League Cy Young Award winner -- is dealing with a stiff neck, his chances of making the start have decreased even further.

Manager Eric Wedge didn't make Lee's neck condition out to be serious, describing it only as "a little stiff." But the Indians, obviously, wouldn't have much incentive to push Lee, who didn't throw his regularly scheduled bullpen session on Thursday. Wedge stated that Lee received treatment on Wednesday and they would see how he felt on Friday

Lee's stuff has lacked some of its luster his last three outings, in which he's gone 1-1 with a 5.06 ERA. The loss on Tuesday night at Fenway Park was his first since July 6. Before the neck stiffness was divulged by Wedge, Lee said that he would like to make Sunday's start.

"It's not my decision," Lee said. "My job is to pitch when they want me to pitch, and that's what I'll do. I definitely want to pitch every chance I get."

A Stiff Neck will prevent any player from putting their best ball forward; A stiff neck will cause decrease cervical range of motion, making it difficult for any movement. This soreness can be caused by sleeping incorrectly, keeping the head and neck in one position for a long time, trauma, or an accident. Even simple activities such as having poor posture while watching tv, or too aggressive exercise can cause neck pain. Having muscle spasms or neck tension can increase the symptoms of a stiff neck.

Doing neck exercises that involve stretching and strenghtening are important to prevent a stiff neck; Using ice can decrease pain and reduce inflammation. Using a natural pain relieving gel like BioFreeze can help with muscle spasm and tension. Finally, even massage therapy can be of benefit for a stiff neck. Sleeping on a good ergonomic cervical neck pillow will ensure that your head and neck will be in a proper position for sleeping.

Source:
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com

Additional Resources:

• Dealing with a Stiff Neck Can be A Real Pain in the Neck
• Sally and her Stiff Neck: Solutions for Neck Pain Relief

Photo Source:
Flickr Photographer by WordofMouth

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.

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Labels: how to handle a stiff neck, muscle spasm, solutions for neck pain, stiff neck

Dealing with a stiff neck can be a real Pain in the neck

Dr. Bellinger discusses how neck pain affects millions of people everyday and how it can be treated with alternative therapies.

Glastonbury, CT. Neck pain affects millions of Americans everyday, and is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and the reason why workers take sick days. It is also one of the less tolerated types of pain. Sufferers resort to pain medication, surgery, physical therapy and even pain management.

Dr Matthew Bellinger, Chiropractor, sees patients in need of various forms of pain relief. A big portion of his practice is patients with neck pain and headaches and patients with a loss of their normal lordotic curve in the neck.

Dr Bellinger has helped the vast majority of his patients but some would get recurring symptoms or felt great getting treated but upon x-ray still had an abnormal curvature. This prompted him to explore more options to help people and get them to stay better.

One place to start looking how to stop neck pain and stiff neck is to analyze the pillow you are using every night. The right neck pillow can make a big difference in how your body adjusts to laying on your back or on your side.

He started using the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow in his office for patients with neck pain, headaches, and decreased neck curve individuals. The results were amazing. To help more people (he could only see so many in his small, plus there were so many others in various areas to far from him) he decided to create Arc4Life.com.

The advent of the internet has allowed people from all over to learn about improving their neck pain or improving their posture and neck curve, and more. And now Dr Bellinger has been able to help thousands by putting the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow on the web.

Dr. Matt Bellinger is Chiropractor located in Central Connecticut. He offers pain relief for headaches, neck pain, lower back pain and more to his patients with over 5years experience. To get more information about his natural pain relief products visit www.arc4life.com.

Since it’s start Arc4life has grown substantially. The success of the pillow has become world wide with people from all over the world using it.

Arc4life.com’s headquarters are in Central Connecticut. Dr Bellinger has his practice located there as well. He offers pain relief for headaches, neck pain, lower back pain and more to his patients with over 5 years experience. To get more information about his natural pain relief products visit http://www.arc4life.com.

Source: Dealing with a Stiff Neck can be a real Pain in the Neck 09/18/2008
Additional Reading: The Top 10 reasons why you need to have a good cervical neck pillow

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.

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Working on a computer all day long...as a graphic designer...with neck pain

I recently answered a Yahoo answer for this desperate soul who works on her computer everyday as a graphic designer; Here is a snippet of her story:

"I've been doing computer work for years and have developed a sharp stabbing pain between my shoulder blades, around the T3 joint. I've been doing PT for a while but it's not doing much. Anybody out there do tons of computer work and have had the same problem/ overcome the same problem? My ergonomics are good. Great chair, monitor at eye level, special keyboard, even have two mouses to switch back and forth. I just don't know. Maybe got to lay off for a few months. But all my qualifications are in graphic design - on computers! I literally have no experience doing anything outside of that. Got into the biz straight out of a degree in digital media. Talk about running into a serious career block!" - Ms. Graphic Designer

Here are some suggestions for Ms. Graphic Designer:

Wow, this is really affecting your work..not good. Okay here are some suggestions. I know you said you have looked at the ergonomics of your desk and chair. Check out this link for a litte more information on how the position of your computer screen and chair can make a big difference. It discusses the angle of the computer screen, keyboard height, leg position. Read more about Neck Posture in the Office

Do take breaks throughout the day. Set a timer if you need to every hour. A 5 minute break (on the clock) will really help you. When you do take breaks, make sure to stand up, stretch, do some neck exercises and stretch out your upper back muscles. Simple stretching exercises for the neck can make such a big difference- Flexion, Extension, lateral bending and rotation. Consider doing them first thing in the A.M, when taking a hot shower (letting the water hit your neck). Not to the point of pain, only to the point of a stretch. During the day, have a ice pack ready to go at the office that you can apply to your back if you are having acute pain.

Also when you are sitting, watch the placement of your shoulders. So many of us raise our shoulders as we are typing, especially if we are concentrating. Make a concious effort to push your head back (cervical retractione exercise), and bring your shoulders down in a relaxed position.

I think a deep tissue massage with specific muscle work to the thoracic paraspinals, rhomboids and trapezius musculature would help reduce the muscle spasms in the upper back and neck area. You can do this at home as well with the addition of a pain relief gel, like biofreeze. Have someone help you. You can a really good neck back massager as well for home use.

I am glad to see that your MRI was free of disc herniations and disc bulges for the cervical spine. You may want to try traction in the neck and see if this gives you some relief of neck pain and soreness. You can just do gentle traction to the neck, which will promote proper alignment in the c-spine. You can accomplish this with a traction unit (like a posture pump 1000) and even a good cervical support neck pillow for sleeping at night.

Finally, do you exercise during the day? A mixture of cardio, and strength exercises will make a big difference to how you feel overall. Consider taking a yoga class to increase your flexibility.

I hope my suggestions are helpful to you. Your career sounds important to you and I hope you are able to make it more comfortable for yourself.

Extra Reading: True Neck Traction with Pronex Pneumatic Traction Unit at Home: A Blog Post
Picture Source: NoiRcORNEr on Flickr

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.

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Labels: acute neck pain, computer screen, how to handle a stiff neck, massage for the neck, muscle spasm, poor posture, working at a desk, workstation ergonomics

What position do you sleep in to make your neck hurt in the morning?

There are many sleep positions that can increase your neck pain. Today I want to discuss which neck positions are not conducive for restful sleep. Suggestions will also be given that will reduce the chances of a stiff neck in the A.M Don't put too many pillows under your head and neck. This will put your head and neck into an awkward position and cause spasms to the neck muscles, which equals pain. Also avoid sleeping on your stomach; not good for the neck. You may want to try sleeping on your back- with some pillows under your knees; this is an optimal way to sleep because it take the pressure off of your lower back. The most important thing is to have a good cervical neck pillow that will put your neck into a comfortable ergonomic position. For example the linear gravity neck pillowThe great thing about this neck pillow is that it comes in 3 sizes and it has a square in the middle. There are two different neck rolls so you can choose which side will be comfortable for you. Finally, if you do wake up with neck pain, consider doing some gentle cervical neck stretches with a hot shower (not to the point of pain, just to the point of a stretch). This will help get rid of your neck pain.

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.

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Labels: acute neck pain, best neck pillow, best sleeping position, neck exercises, neck pain relief

THE BENEFIT OF HAVING A HANDY ICE PACK AND HEAT PACK

, Having that ice pack or hot pack ready to go when you need it is a big benefit. I still remember when I was younger, coming home from practice or a game. It’s inevitable something was hurting or an older injury was acting up. I put ice in a bag and wrapped it around my arm or leg with a towel. The ice would melt in 15 minutes making a big mess if the bag did not seal good. And when it was sealed fine I would put it in the freezer and it would freeze as a big solid block, unable to use really. For a hot pack I would run a cloth under hot water burning my hands doing so or burning them when I rung out the towel. Not to mention it would only stay warm for about 3 mintues so I would repeat the whole process. What a pain- literally. Now with newer advanced gel packs things are so much simpler. You can just leave the ice pack in the freezer and take it out whenever you need it. Thaw it and put it in the microwave for minute you’ve got a hot pack. I leave one Dual Comfort hot/cold pack in the freezer and leave one in the cabinet. This way I always have a cold pack ready to go and the hot pack is ready in just 1 minute. Best of all, it holds the cold and the heat in for long periods of time. So I don’t have to freeze or scald my hands every few minutes or worry about making a mess and soaking our couch with water. Another great benefit is that the gel is flexible and soft. You can sit against it, lie on it, drape it over your shoulder, you name it. We’ve come a long way from that hard block that you don’t have to hold against the back of your neck or burning yourself with a hot cloth to get some pain relief and relaxed muscles. Go to Arc4life for more information on heat and ice therapy.

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units

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Labels: acute injury, cold pack, gel pack, hot pack, ice pack

True Neck Traction with the Pronex Pneumatic traction unit

REAL NECK TRACTION – USING THE PRONEX PNEUMATIC TRACTION DEVICE- UNDERSTANDING NECK TRACTION To start there are 2 kinds of neck traction. One that essentially just stretches you. This would be like a neck brace or over the door device or an air bubble type around the neck. This is similar to someone pulling your head upwards. Doing this does open up the IVF’s which are your intervertebral foramen where the nerve roots exit off The spinal cord and travel outward branching out to more nerves going to various parts of the body. This type of traction gives short term relief, opening up the nerve holds temporarily taking pressure off the nerves and reducing inflammation. This traction also helps hold the neck in place so it heals better in someone with a trauma who cannot move their neck. The kind of neck traction most people need and should use is traction that gives a gentle stretch about also restores the curvature in the neck. The Normal “C” curve of the neck allows for the proper IVF spacing (in other words- space for the nerve roots to exit without any pressure). Having the normal neck curvature helps keep pressure of the nerves long term. This way pain goes away and stays away. The Pronex neck traction device is the top of the line real neck traction to restore the neck curvature and help get rid of neck pain and other unwanted symptoms of pressure on your neck nerves. The vast majority of neck pain sufferers and even headache sufferers can benefit tremendously from the use of this type of traction. The normal curve of the cervical spine is a huge piece to the puzzle of staying healthy and removing neck pain and other related symptoms. The posture pump 1000 is also very good at restoring the neck curvature and when combined with neck stretches and exercises and other natural pain relief methods and muscle relaxing. Check out the The Neck Pain Relief Kit for fast and long lasting relief.

Visit us online at Arc4life.com


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Labels: acute neck pain, Cervical Traction, disc bulge, disc herniation, how to handle a stiff neck, how to use the pronex, neck traction

Neck Pain, Upper Back Pain and Shoulder Pain Common in Cyclists

 

The American Bureau of Transportation Statistics states that there are more than 40 million Americans who ride bikes at least monthly. Over 5 million people ride at least 20 days/month. With so many Americans bicycling injuries sustained have also risen especially neck and upper back pain. Because of the position that a cyclist takes while biking, this can increase a cyclists symptoms of neck pain. [Wilber/Weiss AJSM/Dannenberg] Wilber, et al. found that 44.2 % of male and 54.9% of female recreational cyclists presented for medical treatment of neck pain, while approximately 30% presented with back pain. [Wilber] Weiss also reported that 66.4 % of recreational cyclists reported neck and shoulder symptoms following an 8-day, 500-mile bicycle tour.

Neck pain can be made worse by several factors to include riding position, technique, and comorbid conditions. In the cycling position, the neck is in the position of extension with the back flexed for long periods at a time. Riding in a position with drop handlebars for long periods increases the load on the arms and shoulders as well as hyperextension of the neck, leading to muscle fatigue and pain.

If the virtual top tube length (top tube plus stem length) is too long for the rider, or if aero bars are used, more extension of the neck occurs. Prolonged hyperextension of the neck and associated muscle strain may lead to trigger points in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

Trigger points are hyper-irritable areas occurring as small knots in the muscles throughout the body. They send pain signals to the brain and contribute to a cycle of pain, muscle spasm and pain. Trigger points are frequently caused by direct blunt trauma, or by repetitive microtrauma, as is seen in overuse athletic injuries. Certain techniques common to cyclists may also cause trigger point pain. Shoulder pain is also prevalent among cyclists. Cyclists frequently present with pain in their left levator scapula caused by looking over their left shoulder for oncoming traffic frequently. Additionally, comorbidities must be assessed; in older riders, for example, it is prudent to question about radicular symptoms because a certain degree of neck pain may be secondary to arthritis in the cervical spine.

Source: Neck and Back Pain in Cycling Visit us online at: Arc4life.com

Labels: acute neck pain, levator scapulae, neck pain in cyclists, shoulder pain, trigger points

 

Updated 6/13/2020

 

Additional Reading:

1. What do you do For Neck Pain?
2. Stretch your neck for pain relief from a stiff neck
3. Getting the right neck posture in your c spine
4. The Things that Can bring on a Stiff Neck
5. A Simple comfortable traction device that can provide a lot of neck pain relief