Mobilization for Cervical Joints in Patients Suffering from Radiculopathy

Patients suffering from radiculopathy tend to realize it immediately. Colloquially known as a “pinched nerve” this condition presents as acute pain, numbness, muscle spasms, and a host of other maladies that often drive sufferers to their medicine cabinets.

The best approach for dealing with radiculopathy can’t be found under a childproof cap. In fact, pain pills tend to exacerbate the situation by blocking pain signals without resolving the root nerve issue. The real solution lies in chiropractic – specifically mobilization of cervical joints where nerve impediment exists.

The goal of Ideal Spine is to help patients understand the underlying cause of acute pain induced by radiculopathy and to provide a substantiated solution via cervical joint mobilization.

Understanding radiculopathy pain

Isolating pain is critical in determining what cervical nerve bundles are being affected by a subluxation or vertebral compression. Narrowing the scope of pain allows chiropractors to determine the extent of misalignment and the degree to which a nerve is being compressed, paving the way for potential treatment.

Radiculopathy can be diagnosed in a number of definitive ways. For most patients, a description of symptoms and a cursory examination of the affected area is enough to narrow a diagnosis. For practitioners using a Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) approach, radiological imaging is a standard tool that provides visual confirmation. With this approach, a chiropractor is also able to understand the degree of pressure being placed on the nerve, via the tangible evidence provided by an X-ray.

Mobilizing cervical joints

When the scope of a pinched nerve or radiculopathy pain is determine, mobilization can occur. Every chiropractor will approach this directly based on the patient and the severity of the case. Some of the most common examples of joint mobilization include:

• Low-impact adjustments that shift vertebrae back into place;
• Traction to decompress cervical vertebrae;
• Mirror Image adjustments, to counterbalance stress in the cervical spine.

These initial tactics are the catalysts for mobilization and can result in immediate relief to a minor degree. For true relief, however, ongoing chiropractic is likely required. Specifically, some of the core assurances against rebounding radiculopathy include:

• Stabilization of the cervical spine, via bracing or postural supports;
• Isometric exercise regimen to recondition the neck, shoulders, and upper back;
• Range of motion exercises to prevent subtle compression;
• Corrective restoration of the cervical lordotic curve.

The incremental movement and return to normalcy that occurs during cervical joint mobilization can be instrumental in alleviating radiculopathy concerns in both the immediate and long-term. Proper chiropractic care will not only serve to remediate the affected nerve bundle, but also stabilize the cervical spine to resist against compression, translation, subluxation, and other various shifts.

Don’t cover the pain

A pinched nerve is hard to ignore and not something that should be fought with OTC medications. A careful approach to cervical mobilization is a sound first step and corrective chiropractic is a smart course of action for closing the door on this disruptive condition.

Ideal Spine believes in the power of Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) when understanding the nature and severity of radiculopathy, as well as during the development of tailored treatment. Through a calculated, qualified, incremental approach, pinched nerves can be addressed in a manner that puts the root cause of the issue in perspective, so it can be resolved first.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.