3 Tests to Determine What Is Causing Neck Pain | Chiropractor for Neck Pain in West Des Moines, IA
Hello, I’m Dr. Kevin Miller at Truth Family Chiropractic. Today, I want to discuss neck pain and introduce three simple tests that help determine whether chiropractic care can assist you.
Understanding Your Case History
Before any testing, we sit down with each patient to review their case history. We aim to find out:
- How long the pain has been present.
- The nature of the pain, including whether it’s radiating down the arm, staying in the neck, or extending up into the head.
Three Simple Tests for Neck Pain
Range of Motion Test
- Procedure: Stand up and look to the left, then to the right, observing if one side has reduced mobility.
- Lateral Bending: Tilt the head to the left, then to the right, to see if the spinal joints (seven cervical vertebrae) are subluxated or stuck.
- Findings: Limited motion indicates potential subluxation.
Palpation Test
- Procedure: Using my hands, I palpate the cervical spine starting from the base of the skull (C1) down to C7.
- Signs of Issues: Swelling, edema, or heat can be felt where nerves are pinched.
- Patient Feedback: Patients often report pain or tenderness in specific areas.
Compression Test
- Procedure: Place my hands on the top of the patient’s head and gently press down.
- Findings: If there’s a deep disc problem, the patient will feel pain immediately, often shooting down the arm.
These are three simple tests that help identify if subluxation in the spine is causing your neck pain. If you suspect neck issues or have been dealing with persistent neck pain, schedule a consultation with us at Truth Family Chiropractic. We’ll conduct a comprehensive assessment and guide you toward the right treatment plan.
