Chiropractic Alleviates Arthritic Neck Pain

Chiropractic treatments can alleviate arthritic neck pain, according to the results of a new case study.

The study specifically looked at osteoarthritis in the alanto-axial joint which is located in the upper part of the neck. Arthritis in this alanto-axial joint results in reduced range of motion and neck pain.

AO is a rare and often unrecognized cause of dysfunction in the cervical spine. As a result, few studies have tested treatments for the condition.

A new study fills this gap in knowledge by investigating the effects of chiropractic care on ten patients with AO. Patients were treated by a chiropractor with a combination of neck adjustments and mechanical mobilization device therapy. The researchers evaluated patient progress with physical examinations, radiological tests, and questionnaires regarding pain and disability.

After receiving chiropractic care, the participants had significantly reduced pain and disability. The average patient's pain score dropped from a 8.6 out of 10 to a 2.6 out of 10, or a 70% reduction in pain. In six of the patients, radiograph images revealed that chiropractic adjustments had restored normal spacing of the alanto-axial joint. Overall, 80% of patients had "good" or "excellent" clinical outcomes.

While more research is needed, this case study suggests that chiropractic care, like what we offer our Estero patients, is a promising option for patients with arthritic neck pain.

Our Estero chiropractors are skilled in relieving neck pain, whether you're suffering from osteoarthritis or recovering from an auto injury. Our neck pain treatments have successfully eased symptoms in hundreds of patients in Estero, Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, and San Carlos Park, FL.

Call Chiropractic Care and Rehab Center for relief of arthritis and neck pain today, at (239) 495-1166.

Reference

Yu H, Hou S, Wu W, He X. Upper cervical manipulation combined with mobilization for the treatment of atlantoaxial osteoarthritis: a report of 10 cases. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2011;34(2):131-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2010.12.005.