Chiropractic is a rapidly growing part of conventional medicine. Focusing on the neuromusculoskeletal system, chiropractic care improves the connection between the musculoskeletal system and nervous system to treat different health ailments. This treatment involves careful neck adjustments and manipulation of the joints and other musculoskeletal structures. Luckily, chiropractors can help. 

The proven safety and effectiveness of chiropractic neck adjustments have led to their frequent use alongside conventional therapeutic techniques, especially in treating neck or cervical arthritis.

What is Cervical (or Neck) Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory condition that may involve the cervical spine, giving rise to neck or cervical arthritis. Approximately 43-86% of individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis report involvement of the cervical spine. Cervical arthritis results in erosion of cervical vertebrae and ligamentous laxity.

The clinical presentation may include subaxial subluxation, atlantoaxial instability, and cranial settling. Patients also tend to suffer from atraumatic odontoid fracture, neurologic abnormalities, and inflammatory discitis. If left untreated, cervical arthritis can lead to fatal complications including obstructive hydrocephalus, cardiac arrest, and stroke.

Clinical Features of Cervical Arthritis

Neck pain is the most common clinical manifestation of cervical arthritis. The pain usually occurs in the craniocervical region of the neck. Patients may also experience occipital headaches and ear or mastoid pain. This reflects the involvement of greater auricular and greater and lesser occipital nerves as they pass proximally to the atlas and axis vertebrae.

Cervical arthritis patients may also present with signs of neurological deficit including:

• Muscular atrophy and weakness
• Limb paresthesia (burning or prickling sensations in hands, feet, legs and arms)
• Bladder and/or bowel dysfunction
• Hyperreflexia (overactive reflexes)
• Spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness and spasms)
• Abnormal plantar and/or abdominal reflexes
• Loss of proprioception (body’s ability to sense movement and location)
• Lhermitte’s sign (‘barber chair phenomenon’ – electrical sensation through the back and limbs)
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Dysarthria (slurred speech)
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Vertigo (dizziness without movement)
• Visual disturbances

Chiropractic Care for Cervical Arthritis

Chiropractic care is among the safest and most effective therapeutic modalities for neck pain and cervical arthritis. However, chiropractic adjustment is not recommended during periods of active inflammation. Chiropractors may adjust the vertebrae and surrounding tissues depending on the presenting complaints and the patient’s health status. They may use adjunctive therapies including ultrasound, electrotherapy, cold laser, and infrared sauna to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness of cervical joints.

This neck pain treatment process involves several careful steps:

Initial Assessment

• Thorough physical examination
• Review of radiologic imaging reports
• Identification of pathology site

Tendon Regulation

• Kneading motion to relax neck muscles
• Focus on sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, and splenius cervicis
• 5-7 repetitions with tolerable force

Balancing Osteopathy

• Patient sits upright

• Chiropractor manipulates jaw and occiput

• Head turned in four directions (45-degree angles)

• Specific neck flexion based on vertebrae location:

• 15 degrees for C1 to C3

• 0 degrees for C4 to C6

• 30-45 degrees for C7 to T1

Final Steps

• Neck rotation (40 degrees) towards affected side
• Success indicated by ‘snapping’ sounds
• Collaterals-dredging technique
• Ear helix manipulation

Conclusion

Professional chiropractic adjustment of the cervical spine alleviates neck pain and improves range of movement in patients suffering from cervical arthritis. Don’t let neck pain control your life. With proper chiropractic care, you can work toward lasting relief and better neck function.

Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and learn how our specialized approach to neck pain and cervical arthritis can help you achieve better results, faster.