Cervical Spine Chiropractic Manipulation in Vacaville

Cervical spine or neck region manipulation is a common technique used by chiropractors in Vacaville for patients who complain about their neck, shoulder/arm, and upper back pain, as well as headaches. Just like the other treatments for the low back, chiropractic is known for being the first line of treatment for several cervical spine conditions.

When the cervical spine is involved, the chiropractic treatment goal for that one includes a combination of the following:

• Improving motion
• Reducing pain
• Restoring function to the head and neck region

With the use of several different approaches, these goals for the associated complaint can be accomplished. In short, chiropractic manipulation is the ideal treatment for this one.

Patients should know that the application of this treatment approach can only be done after assessing the full patient history, physical examination, social histories, and review of systems. Additional tests in this process may include x-ray, CT scan, MRI, NCV/EMG, laboratory blood and urine analysis, specialist referral, and/or possibly more, depending on the case presentation of the individual.

Types of chiropractic manipulation in Vacaville

There are two general chiropractic manipulation approaches for problems with the cervical spine:

• Cervical spinal manipulation - This is known as the traditional chiropractic adjustment, or the high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique.
• Cervical spinal mobilization - This is the more gentle/less forceful adjustment, better known as the low-velocity, low-amplitude (LVLA) technique. It moves the joint through a tolerable range of motion.

The combination of these various approaches varies in every patient depending on the preferred techniques and preferences by the chiropractor, comfort and preferences of the patient, and response to the treatment by the patient, as well as both past experiences and observations made during the treatment process.

Chiropractors may also incorporate adjunctive therapy to treat cervical spine problems. These adjunctive therapies may include massage, therapeutic cold and/or heat application, and gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, and many others.

Apart from chiropractors, osteopathic physicians are also licensed to use these or similar types of manipulation and adjunctive therapy to manage cervical spine pain.

Typical cervical problems treated by chiropractic

There are two causes of pain that originate in the neck that can be treated by manipulation. This includes the following:

• Mechanical neck pain - This pain includes pain coming from the muscle, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, and/or the fascia. It commonly causes neck pain and stiffness. In most cases, many of the tissues are injured simultaneously and can cause pain both locally and a distance away from the point of injury.
• Cervical disc problems - The cervical disc can develop a tear and can herniate through the outer part and can pinch the nerve root as it exits the spine. The cervical nerve root irritation can refer to pain down the arm and hand, usually affecting specific regions like the 4th and 5th digits, the palm side thumb to 3rd fingers and/or the index finger side of the hand, back of the hand on the thumb, depending on which nerve root is irritated.

So, if you think you're experiencing this kind of problem or you simply require the care of a chiropractor, then look no further than Dr. Alex Tam of Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine. You can inquire about his chiropractic treatment practice or similar services by dialing (707) 474-5688 and schedule an appointment today.