Spinal Anatomy Guide

Use this top-to-bottom spinal anatomy guide as a way to stay mindful about how to protect your spine throughout the day.

http://www.spine-health.com/blog/spinal-anatomy-and-how-things-can-go-wrong

RI Back Health Newsletter, 2016 December

http://www.spine-health.com/files/newsletters/pdfs/spine-health-chironews-66057.pdf

The only time the muscles, ligaments, and other structures of the spine can completely relax is while sleeping. Sleeping on a mattress that is uncomfortable or does not provide enough support for the spine can cause sleeplessness and overall aches and pains. For people with back and/or neck problems, a mattress that isn’t a good fit can make pain worse.

A good mattress, on the other hand, will help a person sleep well so that he or she wakes feeling rested and refreshed— without pain and stiffness.

Although no single type of mattress will work best for everyone, the seemingly infinite number of mattress options can be overwhelming. The following tips can help you make an informed decision:

1. Consult with your doctor. If you have an underlying condition that causes back or neck pain, ask your doctor for a specific mattress recommendation. He or she may be able to offer some helpful advice based on years of experience with patients.

2. Shop at a store that specializes in mattresses. You may be able to find a better price online or at a big-box retailer, but the salespeople at a mattress specialty store typically know more about the product they’re selling. It’s also a good idea to shop at a mattress specialty store that carries mattresses from all the major manufacturers.

3. Try out the mattress. When deciding on a new mattress, lie on the mattress for at least 10 to 15 minutes while at the store. This may seem strange, but buying a mattress is a big purchase—and it’s a decision you may live with for 5 to 10 years.

4. Don’t default to a firm mattress for back pain. Many people assume that the firmer the mattress, the better it is for back pain. But the best mattress for most lower back pain sufferers may actually be a medium firm mattress. It’s important to note that there is a difference between firm support and firm
feel—typically, you want a mattress with firm support but a comfortable feel. Of course, comfort is determined by personal preference.

5. Consider an adjustable bed. As a general rule, if sitting in a recliner is better for your back or neck pain than lying down, you will benefit from an adjustable bed. An adjustable bed is not a type of mattress, but rather a base that can be adjusted to various positions. If you go with an adjustable bed, you will likely need to purchase a new mattress that is compatible with your new base. Follow these simple guidelines to help you to find the best mattress for optimal sleep comfort.

Learn more:
www.spine-health.com/blog/7-pointers-help-you-find-right-mattress-your-back-or-neck-pain

Cowesett Chiropractic: Dr Rick Jardon

401-515-4435
328 Cowesett Avenue
West Warwick, RI 02893

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Cervical Spine Nerve Anatomy

In addition to the seven cervical vertebrae, cervical anatomy features eight cervical nerve roots (C1-C8) that branch from the spinal cord and control motor and sensory abilities for different parts of the body.

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spine-anatomy/cervical-nerves?source=3tab

 Below is a video on chiropractic adjustment of the cervical spine (neck).

http://www.spine-health.com/video/chiropractic-adjustment-cervical-spine-neck-video

C-SPINE PAIN - Chiropractic Treatments

Chiropractic manipulation can address a number of causes of neck pain. It is not a treatment for every type of neck problem, but on the other hand is also considered a first line of treatment for many. Two typical causes of pain that originate in the neck and may be treated by manipulation include mechanical neck pain and disc problems.

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/typical-cervical-problems-treated-chiropractic

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Spinal Disk Pain

When back pain is caused by a spinal disc problem, the source of the pain is either from a nerve being irritated by a protruding disc, or it is from the disc space itself.

http://www.spine-health.com/blog/my-back-pain-caused-pinched-nerve-or-degenerated-disc

Herniated Cervical Disk - condition

When a cervical herniated disc is treated, the first methods are often to use physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, activity modification, and possibly anti-inflammatory medications.

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/conservative-treatment-a-cervical-herniated-disc

Whiplash!

When the cervical spine (neck) is subject to whiplash, there is usually a combination of factors that contribute to whiplash pain in the neck and back, and ultimately need to be addressed individually by a chiropractor. Read the details below:

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/sources-whiplash-pain