Neck Discomfort: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Q: Neck Discomfort: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Hello： Based on your description, it may be necessary to consider cervical spine disorders. <br>The causes could include external factors such as traffic accidents, falls, head impacts against hard objects, or excessive force during cervical rotation, which may lead to cervical i

Discomfort in the head and neck?

I would like to ask the doctor, two months ago I underwent chiropractic treatment for my neck, but it seems it wasn't done properly.
A few days later, I started experiencing mild dizziness when turning my head, and a tingling sensation on the left side of my face and head.
I also have soreness, swelling, and numbness in my ears and the occipital region.
Currently, the dizziness has resolved, but the soreness, swelling, and numbness in my ears and the back of my head have not improved! The intense soreness and numbness sometimes trigger migraines, and the symptoms fluctuate.
Another strange symptom is that when I lightly touch the left side of my head, face, or neck, the sensation of head pressure becomes more pronounced.
When I shower, any part of my body that comes into contact with water intensifies the feeling of head soreness and swelling.
I also have a noticeable constriction sensation in my anterior neck, as if being choked, and there are mild symptoms when exposed to wind.
I am currently undergoing rehabilitation, but I feel it hasn't been effective.
I would like to know if the chiropractic treatment has caused nerve compression in my cervical spine or something similar? All these symptoms appeared after the chiropractic treatment; I did not have these symptoms before.
What direction should I take for treatment? I have also had a cervical ultrasound, and the blood vessels are fine, but I am concerned about the possibility of arterial dissection.
Thank you, doctor.

A-Hsien, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/20

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Based on your description, it may be necessary to consider cervical spine disorders.
The causes could include external factors such as traffic accidents, falls, head impacts against hard objects, or excessive force during cervical rotation, which may lead to cervical instability, dislocation, and cervical disc herniation.
Typical discomfort symptoms associated with cervical radiculopathy include pain in the shoulder or arm, as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the palms and fingers.
As for cervical joint disorders, they can cause neck pain and stiffness, leading to pain due to compression of nearby nerve roots, which may even extend to the shoulder, arm, and hand, causing discomfort.

Medication treatment: When nerves are compressed, an inflammatory response occurs, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for treatment, as they possess both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Physical therapy:
1.
Heat therapy: Primarily increases local blood circulation and improves muscle ischemia.
2.
Shortwave and ultrasound therapy: Mainly promotes blood circulation in deeper tissues.
3.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and medium-frequency vector interference waves: Can provide localized pain relief and alleviate tension and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.
4.
Cervical traction: Commonly used for degenerative cervical arthritis, herniated discs (cervical osteophytes), with complications of nerve root compression, and cervical injuries without fractures or joint instability, but with nerve compression.
Cervical traction can be utilized for rehabilitation, but X-ray examination is required beforehand to confirm joint stability.
Cervical collar stabilization: Prevents cervical instability and avoids further serious nerve tissue damage, suitable for injuries such as sports injuries, car accidents, or falls that cause excessive flexion or extension of the cervical spine.

It is recommended that you consult with a neurosurgeon or a rehabilitation physician to discuss examination and treatment options.
Wishing you good health and peace.

Dr.
Jiang, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2020/10/20

More Info

Neck discomfort can be a complex issue, especially following chiropractic adjustments. Your symptoms, which include dizziness, facial numbness, and a sensation of pressure or tightness in the neck and head, warrant careful evaluation. It’s important to understand that while chiropractic care can be beneficial for many, it can also lead to complications if not performed correctly or if there are underlying conditions that were not previously identified.

Symptoms and Potential Causes
1. Dizziness and Numbness: The dizziness you experienced initially could be related to cervical vertigo, which occurs when there is a disturbance in the neck that affects balance. The numbness in your face and head may suggest nerve involvement, possibly due to irritation or compression of cervical nerves.

2. Pressure Sensation: The feeling of pressure or tightness in the neck, especially when touched or exposed to water, could indicate muscle tension or spasms. This can be exacerbated by anxiety or stress, which often accompanies physical discomfort.

3. Headaches: The occurrence of headaches, particularly if they are migraines, can be linked to neck issues. Cervicogenic headaches are often caused by problems in the cervical spine and can manifest as pain that radiates to the head.

4. Neck and Nerve Compression: Your concern about potential nerve compression due to chiropractic adjustments is valid. If the adjustment was too forceful or if there was pre-existing degeneration or instability in the cervical spine, it could lead to nerve irritation or compression.

5. Arterial Concerns: While the risk of arterial dissection (a tear in the artery wall) is low, it is a serious condition that can occur following neck manipulation. Symptoms of arterial dissection can include severe headache, neck pain, and neurological deficits. Since you have undergone imaging that showed no vascular issues, this is reassuring, but it’s important to remain vigilant.

Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Continuing with physical therapy is essential. A physical therapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. They can also employ modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to alleviate pain.

2. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can help manage pain and inflammation. If the pain is severe, your physician may consider prescribing stronger medications or muscle relaxants.

3. Chiropractic Reevaluation: If you suspect that the initial chiropractic treatment was not effective, it may be beneficial to consult another chiropractor or a healthcare provider who specializes in musculoskeletal disorders. They can assess your condition and determine if further adjustments are appropriate or if alternative treatments are necessary.

4. Neurological Evaluation: Given your symptoms, it may be prudent to consult a neurologist. They can perform a thorough examination and possibly recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any serious conditions affecting the cervical spine or nerves.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating ergonomic adjustments in your daily activities, such as using supportive pillows while sleeping and maintaining good posture while sitting, can help alleviate strain on your neck.

6. Alternative Therapies: Some patients find relief through acupuncture, massage therapy, or yoga, which can help reduce muscle tension and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion
Your symptoms following chiropractic treatment should not be ignored, especially since they have persisted and evolved. It’s crucial to take a multidisciplinary approach to your care, involving physical therapy, possible medication management, and a thorough evaluation by specialists. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms and any triggers, as this information will be invaluable for your healthcare providers in tailoring an effective treatment plan. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare team to ensure that all aspects of your health are being addressed.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Recently, I bumped into a rolling iron door and went to the hospital for an examination, which revealed a mild compression of the cervical intervertebral discs at C3, C4, and C5. I underwent cervical traction, and although it relaxed the muscles, I noticed a slight itching sensat...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Miss: You mentioned that "the pain is worst when lying down, and after two weeks, the pain extends to the back of the head." This may indicate compression of the cervical nerves and the occipital nerve. High cervical nerve root compression occurs at the first to ...

Effective Solutions for Neck Pain and Stiffness from Daily Activities

I experience neck pain and stiffness whenever I look down at a newspaper or work on the computer, even when writing an email. What can I do to alleviate this? Thank you!

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, please regularly perform heat therapy on your neck and engage in isometric and gentle stretching exercises for the neck. 2. For isometri...

Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello Dr. Jiang, I don't have a physically demanding job, but I often find myself resting my left hand on my chin while using the computer. I'm not sure if this could be affecting me. The day before I started experiencing pain, I went hiking at Chai Mountain, and I thou...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your described symptoms, they are very similar to cervical myofascial pain syndrome. Clinically, it often presents as pain at the affected site, discomfort, muscle stiffness, or a feeling of heaviness. Symptoms may worsen upon waking in the morning or with changes...

Managing Neck and Throat Discomfort: Tips for Relief and Exercises

In the past, while sleeping, I unknowingly ended up lying on my back, and when I woke up in the morning, my jaw was misaligned, causing one side to protrude. When I pressed on it and swallowed repeatedly, it went back into place, but I felt tightness and pain in my throat, strang...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Symptoms are more related to nervous tension and tightness in the shoulder and neck muscles. It is advisable to spend more time outdoors and avoid prolonged staring at computers or electronic devices. Taking a break every half hour to move your eyes, neck, and stretch is recommen...