July 16, 2019 0

Does Cracking Your Neck Increase Your Chances of Suffering From A Stroke?

Do you find neck cracking to be soothing? Does it stop neck pain or stiffness? Many people today crack their own necks or seek assistance from a licensed chiropractor. But is this safe? Can it lead to serious health risks such as a stroke?

While the chance of suffering a stroke from neck cracking is very slim, it is indeed a definite possibility, according to Wade S. Smith MD, PhD, neurologist and director of the neurovascular service at the University of California, San Francisco.

The majority of those who have suffered a stroke before the age of 45 have suffered from
cervical arterial dissection. This occurs when one of the two arteries in the back of the neck that travel to the brain form a bleeding tear in the artery that then forms a clot. If this clot enters the brain it can lead to a fatal stroke.

Smith found an earlier study in Canada that attributed some of these strokes to chiropractic patients. Smith then conducted his own study, which concluded that a spinal adjustment increased the risk of a stroke by 6.62%.

Cervical spinal manipulation, or neck-cracking is a technique in which the chiropractor will twist the neck with a high force, which can indeed cause damage if not correctly performed. In light of the risk of stroke, a great number of chiropractors are using less forceful techniques for neck cracking.

Those who try to crack their own necks are at higher risk for stoke than those who visit a licensed chiropractor, according to research. However, once again, the risk is lower than getting struck by lightning. Experts do advise that neck-cracking is not something to be taken lightly. Any number of things can go wrong by those who try to manipulate their neck as it can cause spinal damage, neck sprain, and yes, even the possibility of a stroke.

August 27, 2018 0

Chiropractic Stretches For Neck Pain and Tension

Daily activities such as having a desk job or looking down at your phone for too long can cause strain in the neck and shoulders, which leads to neck pain and tension. A chiropractic visit can take care of these problems and provide relief. But to prevent or relieve future neck pain and tension, these are 4 chiropractic approved stretches:
(more…)

August 8, 2017 0

Chiropractic Care & Rounded Shoulders

Are you suffering from rounded shoulders due to bad posture? Worry no longer, chiropractic care is an effective treatment for rounded shoulders and bad posture overall. Not only is having good posture positive for overall appearance, but it is actually important to maintain your body health.
(more…)

March 2, 2017 0

Chiropractic Techniques for Neck Pain

For neck pain, many people will decide to go with pain relief medication. Although pain medication can help ease neck pain, it will most likely only be temporary. There are chiropractic techniques that can help. These techniques can be more effective than pain medication because they focus on joint motion and reducing neck tightness.
(more…)

December 26, 2015 0

Choosing the Right Pillow for Proper Sleeping Posture

Have you ever given a lot of thought to the kind of pillow that you use to sleep on every night? Depending upon how you sleep, you want to make sure that you have the right pillow for proper sleeping posture. Otherwise, it can affect sleeping posture and cause you more aches and pains in the morning. Below are some tips to help you choose the best possible pillow.

(more…)

August 19, 2015 0

Chiropractic Care versus Pain Killers

It’s important to focus on an effective way to treat pain. If you have pain in your back, neck, shoulders, or elsewhere on your body, the easy solution may be to reach for a bottle of pain killers. However, you have to look at treating the problem, not simply the symptom, and that’s why chiropractic care should be considered.

(more…)

May 7, 2015 0

Are Smart Devices the Cause of Your Neck Pain?

You use a smart device at some point every day. This can be a smartphone, a tablet, or even a Blackberry to keep up-to-date on all of your appointments. Without you even realizing it, these devices could be the source of your neck pain.

(more…)

May 30, 2014 0

Treating Neck Pain

Neck pain can be caused by irritation, inflammation, injury, or infection. Pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, hand, or head “most” frequently results from irritation of cervical nerve roots in the region of the intervertebral foramen, encroachment of the vascular supply as it courses through the vertebral canal, or invasion of the cord in the spinal canal.

If unhealthy, your neck’s normal forward curve may reduce, become straight or “military,” or even reverse its curve.

Over time, arthritic changes in the vertebrae such as lipping or spurring (bony growths), disc-thinning or degeneration, or deterioration of muscles, ligaments and other structures may occur. However, in spite of all these changes, there may or may not be pain. In fact, studies show little or no correlation between the degree of pain felt in the neck and arthritis changes found on X-rays and MRI.

(more…)