What is the source of spine pain and how is it assessed?

Our spine pain specialists in our offices are trained to get to the source of spine pain. In our current health care model treating effects rather than getting to the cause is ubiquitous.  While there is a time and place for pain-killing medication, it does not address the source of spine pain but rather covers it up.  In this article, we will discuss a little-known procedure called Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic that corrects the source of spine pain for a large percentage of people that seek this natural healing non-drug solution.

Types of Spine Pain

1. Sciatica
2. Disc bulge
3. Muscle spasm
4. Arthritis
5. Nerve root Pain

While each of these conditions can cause spine pain the source of these conditions can often lead back to a spinal misalignment at the base of the skull that was caused by a whiplash-type trauma.  The brainstem which is housed the first two bones in the upper cervical spine is the seat of control for postural muscles tone, as a result, if it interferes with the result can be abnormal posture, spastic muscles throughout the spine, which if left unchecked can result in a host of spinal pain problems. Long-term spinal imbalances can lead to arthritis, disc bulges, sciatica, and nerve root pain.  

How is Spine Pain Assessed from an Upper Cervical Chiropractic Perspective?

If you suffer from spine pain and any of the categories described above and you land in a medical doctor’s office, he will most likely do several things. First, they will do an exam, then if necessary take an x-ray or MRI and then come up with a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is reached a treatment program usually involving pain killers or anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed. If there is a severe disc bulge causing nerve root irritation or spinal cord compression surgery may be recommended.

If you land in a Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic office your assessment and program of care will look entirely different. Upper cervical care is interested in located underlying interferences to the central nervous system that are inhibiting normal function in the body. Since all symptoms and diseases in the body result from the body not working correctly it is imperative to make sure that the central nervous system is functioning at its optimum.

Upper cervical doctors will run a new patient through objective tests that determine if the prospective patient has spinal misalignment at the base of the skull that is decreasing the body's ability to function properly. If located, then a precise set of x-rays or cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) is taken to determine exactly what direction the spinal misalignment exists from normal.

Also, angles are measured off the joints that are misaligned and this information is then used to make a precise spinal correction with no twisting popping, or pulling. Once the interference to the central nervous system has been removed the body will go through a healing process. Since the central nervous system controls and coordinates, ALL body functions increasing its efficiency can allow for healing in any part of the body.

After the correction has been made the body will start to migrate back toward spinal balance. The postural muscles throughout the spine over time will go through a rebalancing act.  During this process spine pain in various areas can resolve, injured and bulged discs can heal which can also reduce nerve root pain.  Since sciatica is usually caused by a tight piriformis muscle, and this muscle is controlled in the postural centers of the upper cervical spine this condition also usually can either greatly improve or resolve over time.

In closing the goal of medicine is to diagnose conditions then treat them with drugs. Upper cervical care is concerned with helping the body function better, so it can heal itself. Names and drugs don’t heal the body does! We hope that this information has reached those who need it. To learn more about upper cervical care our website is full of information that can guide you into making the best health care decision for you!  Nature needs no help just no interference!  Remove the interference and healing naturally occurs. This is the upper cervical chiropractic message!