Neck Pain: Examination and Treatment Neck pain and stiffness are typically the result of muscle and joint tension that has built up as we’ve aged and may have been exacerbated by other factors — muscle strain, pressure changes, strong scents, stress, etc — these pains, when exacerbated may manifest as migraine/headache, nausea, etc. Exam:
Observation:
Symptom:
Diagnosis:
Pull in Front
Strain/Tightness of Anterior neck muscles
Pain in Back
Facet Sprain/Irritation
Boney End Feel
Osteoarthritis
Peripheral Pain
Nerve Root Compression, Stenosis
Nausea/Vertigo
SCM Myofascial Pain syndrome, cervicogenic vertigo, BPPV
Local Pain
Tightness and/or Strain of Trapezius, Interspinous Ligament, Suboccipitals, DJD
Peripheral Pain
Disc herniation, TOS
Ipsilateral Pain
Joint Sprain/Strain
Contralateral Pain
Muscle Strain of Upper Traps/Scalenes/Levator Scapulae
Hard End Feel
Osteoarthrosis
Peripheral Pain
Lateral Encroachment
Our Doctors:
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Dr. Robert LaBelle D.C., B.Sc., Owner Dr. Lynda Chen D.C., B.Sc., Acupuncture Provider Dr. Edward Wong D.C., B.Sc., Acupuncture Provider
Neck Extension Reduced Range of Motion
Treatment Methods:
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Active Release Technique; Acupuncture; Ball Release; Low Level Laser Therapy; Manual Therapy; Myofascial Release Therapy; Registered Massage Therapy; Stretching and Strengthening.
Neck Flexion Reduced Range of Motion
Lateral Flexion Reduced Range of Motion
*Clinical Pearl: Neck pain and stiffness are often precursors to tension headaches and migraines. Detailed examination of the cervical spine musculature can often reproduce the exact headache referral pattern experienced by the patient thus confirming the origin of the headache. The most commonly involved muscles and their associated referral patterns are the suboccipital (pain in eye region), upper trapezius (pain in temple region), splenius (pain on top of head), SCM (pain in the sinus area). Treatment: We assess the mechanical dysfunctions of an affected area and treat the affected tissues and joints primarily using a soft tissue approach consisting of functional and postural rehabilitation of the neck to prevent future injury. Patients are tested pre and post treatment to ensure that their practitioner is seeing improvements and thus, is treating the right area. Our patients are then provided with an individualized home rehabilitation program. Suite 303, 1640-16th Avenue NW Calgary, AB T2M 0L6
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