| There are many treatment options for those | | | | perceive the complementary/alternative therapy as |
| suffering from neck pain. There is conventional | | | | being helpful (61% vs. 6.4% for neck conditions and |
| medical care where the family doctor will usually | | | | 39.1% vs. 19% for headaches). |
| prescribe a muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, and/or | | | | Women more commonly obtained care than men |
| pain killer to help patients through episodes of acute | | | | for neck/shoulder pain (29% vs. 18% men) over a |
| neck pain. However, many patients with neck pain | | | | 4-6 year time frame. |
| have been through the process of treatments | | | | Manual therapy (mobilization, manipulation, |
| associated with medications and simply cannot | | | | stretching) was associated with greater pain |
| tolerate the adverse side effects of stomach pain | | | | reduction in the short-term among patients with |
| common with anti-inflammatory drugs such as | | | | acute whiplash when compared with usual medical |
| ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Mediprin, etc.), Aleve | | | | care, soft collars, passive modalities, or general |
| (Naproxen), or aspirin. Others don't like the groggy, | | | | advice. |
| drunk-like feelings associated with pain killers or the | | | | For non-whiplash neck pain (without arm radiating |
| sleepiness associated with muscle relaxants. | | | | pain), manipulation or mobilization, exercise, low level |
| Therefore, these patients often turn to | | | | laser therapy (LLLT), and "...perhaps acupuncture..." |
| complementary / alternative care. | | | | were reported as more effective than no treatment, |
| As noted in the May, 2009 issue of Consumer's | | | | sham, or other alternative interventions. |
| Report for low back pain, chiropractic was the most | | | | For both whiplash and non-traumatic neck pain, |
| sought after form of treatment, but there has been | | | | supervised exercise with or without manual therapy |
| no extensive review of neck pain regarding | | | | was favored over usual medical care or no care. |
| evidence-based treatment approaches - at least not | | | | What does all this mean? Simple! Everyone who is |
| until February, 2008. An international "team" | | | | suffering from neck or upper back pain should seek |
| representing 9 countries screened over 31,000 titles | | | | chiropractic care which includes manipulation, |
| of articles published between 1980 and 2006, | | | | mobilization, exercise training, and activity modifying |
| reviewed more than 1200 articles and eventually | | | | advice, as these approaches have been found to be |
| reported on 552 studies in their final report. Their | | | | more effective than usual medical care! Why waste |
| findings included the following: | | | | time with a "wait and watch" with or without drug |
| In the US, 54% utilized complementary | | | | intervention approach when the evidence favors |
| (alternative) treatment approaches compared to | | | | chiropractic related interventions. If you, a friend, or a |
| 37% that obtained conventional medical care. | | | | loved one is struggling with neck or upper back pain, |
| Neck pain was the 2nd most common reason | | | | we will properly assess your condition and administer |
| Americans obtained chiropractic care. | | | | the appropriate care that is required. We will |
| Chiropractic was found to be the most | | | | coordinate care with other health care services when |
| frequently reported form of treatment for upper | | | | necessary. This recommendation may represent one |
| back or neck pain (ahead of massage therapy, | | | | of most significant acts of kindness you can offer |
| relaxation therapy, acupuncture). | | | | those that you truly care about. Dr. DeMoss a San |
| Those who obtained complementary AND | | | | Clemente Chiropractor specializes in difficult and |
| conventional medical care were much more likely to | | | | chronic cases. |