From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Chronic Neck Pain After an Auto Accident
Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C. Posted: 10/21/24
This was a 40 year old male patient with a chief complaint of chronic neck pain. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Han instead of his real name. Han had 4 car accidents by the time he was 40 years old which caused his chronic neck pain. Moreover, he experienced headaches everyday. Also, he stated his neck hurt when he moved his right shoulder. Additionally, there was “clicking” in his anterior (front) glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint).
Han had never had the headaches until a few months ago, but had the neck pain for many years. Recently, he had gone to the orthopedist about his condition. And he was told it was a “pinched nerve”. Han was given Corticosteroids to take for a week (a type of hormone that suppresses inflammation and is used to treat both local and systemic inflammation).
After the automobile accidents, he had gotten some treatment for some of the accidents. However, his neck was chronically in pain. Furthermore, his right shoulder problem was an injury from the gym and repetitive work from painting his home. Han had not been to the gym in about a year due to a lack of time. He stated his level of stress was high and wanted to return to the gym.
Han’s Examination and X-rays
The cervical (neck) x-rays taken at the orthopedist office showed findings consistent with moderate osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis). Upon examination, I found positive tests for a cervical (neck) radiculopathy (nerve root in the spine is compressed or irritated) with thoracic (midback) myalgia (muscle pain) diagnoses. And Han’s right shoulder tests indicated a strain/tendinitis (muscle injury) of his right shoulder. I would order an MRI of his neck if his condition didn’t improve within a month.
Han’s Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach
Firstly, he received chiropractic adjustments/ manipulation to his cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back) spine, and right shoulder. Secondly, various soft tissue manipulation (myofascial release, pressure point and various post isometric relaxation procedures) was rendered as necessary. Thirdly, home exercises for stretching, strengthening, stabilization and posture correction were given.
Han’s Chiropractic Treatment Outcome
Han started feeling better within a few visits. Recommendations were made on diet/nutrition and lifestyle (i.e. ergonomic/posture). He started eating better which contributed to faster healing. Han avoided sugar and processed or fast food. And included as much fresh food as possible. Han eventually joined a gym. Regular exercise helped his stress level and over all health/conditioning.
The treatment took a few months or regular chiropractic care. Han responded well to his West Palm Beach chiropractic care! Was he able to live completely pain-free? No, because it’s impossible for anyone to be completely free of pain in life. However, Han thought daily about improving his function and not the pain anymore. Lastly, Han was able to live life with more energy and improved performance.
Research For Neck Pain and Chiropractic Care
A review of scientific literature found evidence that patients with chronic neck pain enrolled in clinical trials reported significant improvement following chiropractic spinal manipulation. As part of the literature review, published in the March/April 2007 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the researchers reviewed nine previously published trials and found “high-quality evidence” that patients with chronic neck pain showed significant pain-level improvements following spinal manipulation.
In a study funded by NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to test the effectiveness of different approaches for treating mechanical neck pain, 272 participants were divided into three groups that received either spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) from a doctor of chiropractic (DC), pain medication (over-the-counter pain relievers, narcotics and muscle relaxants) or exercise recommendations. After 12 weeks, about 57 percent of those who met with DCs and 48 percent who exercised reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain, compared to 33 percent of the people in the medication group. After one year, approximately 53 percent of the drug-free groups continued to report at least a 75 percent reduction in pain; compared to just 38 percent pain reduction among those who took medication.
Bronfort et al. (2012), Annals of Internal Medicine
Are you suffering from Chronic Neck Pain?
Meiri Chiropractic serving West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach and the surrounding areas offers execellent chiropractic care for your neck, back and extremities (arms and legs). Call us in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to schedule an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Chronic Neck Pain After an Auto Accident.