NECK PAIN SPECIAL REPORT Everything You Need to Know About Neck Pain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Thank you for requesting the “Neck Pain Special Report.” The American Medical Information Association which sent you this report was founded to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed choices when seeking a physician.  Dr. Richard J. Ruffini who co-authored this report, is a founding member of the American Medical Information Association and a Senior Editor for the Chiropractic Section.   

 

If you or a loved one is

suffering from Neck Pain,  

Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment

at 248-353-BACK (2225)

Don’t delay, Early treatment means  

earlier relief and faster healing. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

 

Q. What causes neck pain?  

 

A. There are many different reasons why people suffer from neck pain.  Some of the most common causes for neck pain that I see in my office are: subluxations (misaligned bones that put pressure on a nerve), muscle spasms (i.e. pulled muscle, muscle strain), arthritis, and disc herniations.  All of these usually involve inflammation, stiffness and different levels of pain and discomfort.  The most recurrent incidents/activities that result in neck pain are:

Sport injuries  

Lifting injuries  

Poor posture at work 

Car accident

Repetition at work or other activities 

Stress

Other traumatic injuries

 

 Q. How are symptoms often described?

 

 

A. Dull Ache   

     Sharp shooting pain

    Burning pain

     Stabbing pain

     Pain that travels (radiating)   

     Drawing/pulling pain

     Tightness/stiffness  

     Numbness/tingling

 

Mild neck pain from a pulled muscle or a stressful day at work will usually not last longer than several days.  Anyone experiencing neck pain for more than 7 days should be evaluated and have a proper diagnosis by a Chiropractor.   

 

Q. My neck pain travels into my shoulder & arm, Is that normal?  

 

 A. It is not uncommon for people with neck pain to have pain that travels into the upper back, shoulder, and arm.  Pain that travels is referred to as radiating pain (or radiculitis) and is generally the result of the spinal cord and/or nerves being irritated or compressed.  Radiating pain can cause other sensations like numbness and tingling into the arms, hands, and fingers as well.  These types of problems are often aggravated by poor posture and/or repeating the same motion over-and-over again.  For example:  working on the computer or making phone calls all day. Radiating pain or other sensations that travel    into the shoulder, upper back, arm or even all the way down to the hand and fingers should be examined and treated before the problem gets worse.  

 

Q. What is a disc herniation?

 

A. A disc herniation occurs when a portion of the disc pushes out and causes irritation to nerves and/or spinal cord.  This is sometimes referred to as a pinched nerve.  There are 23 discs in the spine and they act like cushions or shock absorbers, providing motion and flexibility to your spine.  The disc itself is cartilage on the outside and jelly-like on the inside.  If the outer cartilage breaks and the inner jelly ruptures out of its normal boundary, this is considered a herniated disc.  Other common names for disc herniations are; disc protrusion, ruptured disc, sequestered disc, and disc bulge.

 

 

Q. How do I know if I have a disc herniation?  

 

A.  People with disc herniations often complain of neck pain, shoulder pain, pain in the upper back, and abnormal sensation into the arms, hands and fingers.  Abnormal sensation can be numbness, tingling (pins and needles), muscle weakness, and electric shock-like pain.  In extreme cases, nausea, dizziness and weak muscles can occur.  This last example is considered a medical emergency and can lead to permanent damage if not treated immediately.  Disc herniations can be diagnosed with a physical examination (testing sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes), along with an MRI.

 

Q. What can I do for relief?

A. For mild neck aches, rest is always a good idea. Take some time off work and avoid activities that increase your pain.  Use ice (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) several times per day if the pain began within the past 5 days.  Start doing some light stretching when you feel ready.  If the problem persists have it checked by a Chiropractor, it may be more serious than originally thought.

 

  Q. Ice vs. Heat?

  A. I get asked this question everyday.  The answer is simple…If it is a new injury (within 4-5 days), ALWAYS use ice.  Ice helps reduce swelling and inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes healing.  For injuries lasting more than 5 days consider using a technique known as contrast therapy that involves rotating ice and heat every 15 minutes.  This also promotes healing by constricting then dilating blood vessels to increase circulation.  Heat is generally used to treat old injuries that no longer show signs of inflammation.  A chronic stiff, sore neck is perfect for heat therapy.

 

Q. What treatment is best for me?

 

A. Every individual that experiences neck pain is a unique case.  Five people with virtually identical symptoms may have five completely different diagnoses.  For that reason, a proper diagnosis is essential to determine what treatment is best for the patient.  The following treatment options are examples of the most common treatments for neck pain:

·       Chiropractic adjustments – Fixes the alignment of bones, restores normal motion to joint and significantly helps with pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation.

 

·       Physical Therapy – The type of P.T. (i.e. muscle stimulation, ultrasound) will depend on the diagnosis.

 

·       Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) – i.e. ibuprofen

 

·       Pain medications (Tylenol, Advil, & narcotics)

 

·       Epidural Injection (cortisone)

 

This article does NOT advise taking medications without an evaluation from your doctor.  Please consult with a physician before taking any medication.  

 

For people who do not respond well to the above treatments, surgery is an option.  Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure that treats disc herniation

 

  Q. How can Chiropractic help me?

 

A.  Chiropractic is considered one of the most effective ways of treating neck pain.  Chiropractic treatment corrects a condition call vertebral subluxation complex by repositioning spinal bones into their proper place, taking pressure off the nerve.  This gives patients relief by eliminating pain, muscle spasms, inflammation, and restoring normal motion to the neck.  Chiropractic treatments are sometimes called adjustments or manipulations.

  

Q.  What can I expect at my first visit to the Chiropractor?

 

  A.  An initial visit to our office will always begin with a warm welcome.  A thorough history will be reviewed with the Doctor to determine the patient’s chief complaints, symptomatic review, and current and past health issues.  An examination will then follow, checking range of motion, muscle and bone palpation, and any necessary orthopedic or neurological tests.  X-rays will also be taken when warranted.  Before performing any treatments, we take great pride in a explaining the x-rays findings, diagnosis, and if the condition can be helped with Chiropractic care. 

 

  Q. How do I prevent neck pain? 

 

A. 

·       Keep good posture while sitting, standing, driving in your car, and at your work station.  

 

·       Get a head set if you spend a lot of time on the phone.

·       Stretch before and after exercise and other physical activities such as yard work or moving boxes.  

 

·       Maintain a healthy weight by eating right and exercising regularly. People that are overweight have a higher rate of joint pain.

·       Push rather than pull

·       Sleep on a firm mattress that provides support to the nature contours of your body

·       Have a regular spinal check-up with your Chiropractor

·       Don’t avoid signs and symptoms and think the problem will go away by itself. This is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.  Get it checked out!

 

If you are looking for an answer to your health problems without the use of drugs and surgery,

Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment at  

248-353-BACK (2225)  

During your consultation, Dr. Ruffini will personally answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.  

 

“We’ll come in early or stay late to help you or a loved one get the relief you need. 

We have a special offer to assure your initial visit with us is “pain free.” Mention this article when you check in and our staff will give you a $200 New Patient Office Credit which will cover the full amount of your consultation and exam fee.”

Warmly,

Dr. Rich Ruffini 

The information provided in this report is provided as a public service. While the information in this report represents the most current information and the highest medical standard of practice at the time of the release of this report, no one should rely solely on the information in this report when making an important medical decision. Each reader should make an appointment with a Board Certified Chiropractor to discuss your medical problems.  The request of this report does not create a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ruffini. A physician-patient relationship will only exist when you meet with Dr. Ruffini in his office. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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