Simple Neck Pain

Problem: Today, I had a patient with simple neck pain. I know from his perspective, no neck pain worth going to the doctor is just simple. However, after examination and x-rays, he had neck spasms and pain with no radiation and no x-ray underlying pathology. He had no prior history of neck pain and had no trauma. He just woke up today with pain worse on turning his head to the left. We in Chiropractic call this condition "torticollis" or neck spasms. Patients often call this a "crick". In this case, his condition was classic. He slept last night with the window open and the cold air blowing in the room. This caused his neck muscles to spasm.

Have you ever woken up in the morning and for some unknown reason have a painful, stiff neck that allows you to barely be able to move your head? If you answered yes, then you are certainly not alone. Neck pain or torticollis neck discomfort is a very common reason for people to seek Chiropractic care. Most neck pain is caused by muscle strain or tension, and although some individuals experience this chronically (can be worse), neck pain is usually not serious. The first step is to identify what activities may be causing this neck pain, such as poor posture, work, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or specific life activities such as sports or exercise.

While most cases of neck pain do not have serious medical implications and can be often corrected with Chiropractic manipulation, some neck pain could be the sign of an underlying condition or problem that requires prompt attention. Often this type of problem requires an MRI for further imaging. Treatment: Patient was put on ice for 12 minutes along with premod e-stimulation. Patient's SCM, Traps and neck muscles were massaged. Patient was adjusted and sent home with home care of ice tonight and heat tomorrow. Patient stated that he was 75-80% better after today's treatment. He will return on Thurs for another Chiropractic treatment. Results: good.

Greg Millar DC CCEP

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