Reducing symptoms - correcting the cause...

Neck (cervical) pain affects a significant number of individuals. Recent studies have found more than 10% of North Americans suffer from neck pain at any given time.

The reason is that the neck region contains many delicate, pain sensitive structures commonly exposed to abuse and abnormal stresses. Incomplete rehabilitation of past injuries, poor posture, prolonged sitting, and lack of periodic spinal alignments are some of the more common factors in the development of neck problems.

A popular response to neck pain is taking drugs to cover up the problem (aspirin, analgesics, pain pills) or treating its symptoms (muscle relaxers, massage, hot/cold packs, needle-insertion acupuncture).

Fortunately, most individuals suffering from neck problems will find chiropractic care extremely beneficial. Unlike prescription drugs, most chiropractic procedures address the cause of the majority of neck problems, not simply the symptoms. Best of all, chiropractic care is safe, natural, and noninvasive... no side effects allowed!

But neck pain isn't caused by a lack of aspirin or drugs!

The chiropractic approach to neck pain is to locate its underlying cause. This begins with a complete case history and thorough examination. Special attention is given to the structure and function of the spine, and its affect on the nervous system.

Is the proper spinal curve present? Are the nerve openings between each pair of spinal bones free and clear? Is the head balanced? Are the shoulders level? These and other considerations are used to create a plan of specific chiropractic adjustments to help improve the motion and position of spinal vertebrae.

With improved structure and function, neck pain often diminishes or totally disappears-without addictive drugs or harmful side effects!

One study, published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients who received chiropractic care reported significant improvement in their neck function and a reduction in their neck pain whereas those taking pain-killers did not.

A common health complaint:

Is it hard to look over your shoulder? Is there a constant pulling or throbbing pain in your neck? Do you notice a "grinding" sound as you turn your head? Contact Advanced Healthcare (416) 633-3000 for Dr. Pisarek to conduct a thorough case history and examination.

1. Breig, A., et al., Effect of Mechanical Stresses on the Spinal Cord in Cervical Spondylosis, Neurosurgery, 25:  45-56, 1966.
2. Harrison, D., D.C., Spinal Biomechanics: A Chiropractic Perspective, Journal of Clinical Chiropractic, 1992.
3. Kirk, R., D. C., Lawrence, D., D. C., Valvo, N., D. C., States' Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extravertebral Technics, 3rd edition, National College of Chiropractic, 1991.
4. Maynard, J., D.C., Healing Hands, 4th edition, Jonorm Publishing, 1991.
5. McAlpine, J., D.C., A Discussion of the Dentate Ligament Nerve Traction Mechanism, International Review of Chiropractic, October-December 1980.
6. Schafer, R., D.C., Faye, L., D.C., Motion Palpation and Chiropractic, 2nd edition, Motion Palpation Institute, 1990.
7. Strauss, J., D.C., Chiropractic Philosophy, 3rd edition, Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Education, 1994.