New Research on Neck Pain & Spinal Degeneration

Recent research reporting on a 28 year old man who was suffering from chronic neck and arm symptoms reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in caring for people with these conditions. The research, reported in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care includes a review of the literature on chiropractic and the care of these types of conditions.

CLICK HERE to review the research 

“Research is revealing that structural shifts of the spine such as disc problems and degeneration secondary to vertebral subluxation can be improved following chiropractic care” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. McCoy continued “This case adds to the body of scientific literature suggesting that chiropractic should play an important role in managing people with structural spinal distortions.” 

Abnormal spinal alignment and posture are associated with poor general health, physical function, emotional function, social function, neck and low back pain. Normal spinal alignment and movement provides shock absorption and leverage, which protect the spinal cord and nerves from the forces of gravity and other daily traumas one may encounter. 

McCoy stated “Abnormal spinal alignment and posture also increase stress and strain to the nerve and blood supply of the spinal cord. This can seriously affect the nervous system.” It is a rare phenomenon for resolution of these abnormalities in the absence of intervention. However, there is literature that supports the effectiveness of chiropractic to restore a healthy spinal alignment and motion according to the research, thereby lowering the risk of chronic pain, degeneration and poor health. 

The patient reported on in this study was a 28-year-old male suffering with chronic neck pain and tingling as a pins and needle feeling into his hands. 

He was examined and x-rays were taken at the chiropractic clinic where they found abnormal posture, spinal degeneration, loss of the curve in his neck and structural shifts in his upper neck. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.  

The young man was adjusted a total of 7 times and reported complete resolution of both the neck pain and hand symptoms.   

The study’s authors called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population of patients. 

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH

Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research

http://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com