The Ann Arbor Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Ann Arbor

Get Your Neck In Gear!

Anyone who has experienced cervical (neck) pain knows that it can be a real pain in the neck! Consider the fact that the cervical spine, consisting of only seven vertebrae, is responsible for supporting your head which can weigh as much as a bowling ball. No other region of the spine is more mobile or more prone to injury.

Mobility in the neck is measured through range-of-motion testing that includes three distinct tests:

• Flexion – measured by ability to touch chin to chest
  
  
• Extension – measured by tilting your head backwards
  
  
• Lateral flexion – your ability to touch each ear to your shoulder

Various injuries and/or conditions are responsible for neck pain and can restrict range of motion. These include:

• Whiplash from a car accident - the head can be violently thrust forward and backward beyond its normal range of motion, resulting in muscle pain and stiffness.
  
  
• Degenerative conditions - occur as a result of the aging process, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
  
  
• Poor posture and obesity – forward head carriage can cause the muscles in the neck to contract and stiffen.
  
  
• Spinal fractures, tumors or infections - can be serious and require immediate attention from a medical specialist.

According to a research study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2001, pp.552-555), chiropractic adjustments can significantly improve cervical range of motion. As obvious as that may appear to those who regularly receive chiropractic care, limited range of motion plays a major role in many health problems that usually improve with chiropractic adjustments.