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Chronic Neck and Back PainThe spine consists of a complex arrangement of bones (vertebrae), muscles, ligaments (connective tissue), and blood vessels that surround the nerves and spinal cord. The spinal nerves, which begin at the base of the skull and extend down the |
spinal column, carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body. When spinal misalignments (subluxations) occur and remain untreated, chronic (long-standing) neck and back pain may result. Some of the many conditions causing chronic neck and back pain include: bone and joint disorders (from fractures, disease such as cancer, or inflammation caused by diseases such as arthritis); soft-tissue disorders involving the muscles or ligaments; nerve damage or compression, or; disc abnormality or damage (see also “Herniated Disc”). In addition, stress and anxiety may lead to muscle tension, which often results in chronic aches and pains in the back, neck, and shoulders.
How NUCCA treatment can help |
Dr. Rochester treated a patient complaining of lowerback pain and headaches. The patient had fallen out of a fishing boat in shallow water and hit his head about 6 months prior to visiting Dr. Rochester. Diagnostics showed severe kink misalignment that was ultimately corrected with adjustments. The curve change that is shown happened in 14 days with 3 upper cervical adjustments (image courtesy Dr. Bo Rochester, D.C. Clarkesville, GA; Orthospinology Past President and current Secretary). |
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Chronic neck or back pain can take years of nerve irritation and spinal misalignment to develop. So it may take a number of visits to the NUCCA-care practitioner to alleviate or eliminate the problem and its symptoms. After a careful consultation, history, physical examination, imaging studies, and a computerized nervous system evaluation, the practitioner determines the cause of the neck or back pain and how to correct it.
The NUCCA procedure is extremely effective for providing relief in many chronic back pain cases. By gently restoring the spine to its proper position, body balance is restored. This balance can help alleviate stress on the spinal nerves, reduce chronic pain, increase range of motion, and improve function. In addition to spinal adjustments, NUCCA care also emphasizes proper nutrition, adequate exercise, sufficient rest, and stress management in the treatment of chronic neck and back pain.
sources
Hochschuler S, Reznik B. Treat Your Back Without Surgery: The Best Nonsurgical Alternatives for Eliminating Back and Neck Pain. Alameda , Calif : Hunter House, Inc., 2002.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Web site. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov. Accessed March 6 , 2005.
Spine-Health.org Web site. Available at : http://www.spine-health.org. Accessed March 6, 2005. |
Useful Links
- American Back Society
Nonprofit organization providing interdisciplinary forum for healthcare professionals and offers useful links to research and information for patients.
http://www.americanbacksoc.org
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Branch of National Institutes of Health that supports arthritis and musculoskeletal disease research; provides helpful information on back and neck pain
http://www.niams.nih.gov
- National Pain Foundation
Nonprofit online education and support community for those experiencing pain, their families, and physicians; good source of information on treatment options and pain information reviewed by leading pain specialists.
http://www.painconnection.org
- Spine-Health.org
Web site providing useful information and resources for patients and healthcare professionals.
http://www.spine-health.org
Patient Testimonials
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