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In treating Judy, the chiropractor has two major goals. The first is to treat
the current set of problems with chiropractic care and the second is to try
to address the cause of Judy's problems, which is primarily work-related.
Judy's chiropractor outlines a treatment program: 10 sessions involving gentle
manipulation of the mid-cervical region, upper and mid-back to aid the return
of normal motion to the fixated spinal joints. The cervical spinal muscles and
ligaments and the nervous system depend on proper motion in the spine. Spinal
manipulation is an efficient means to stretch soft tissue, stimulate the nervous
system, increase vascular supply, and help reduce muscle tightness and inflammation.
Judy's chiropractor combines gentle manipulation procedures with muscle techniques,
hot and cold packs, and ultrasound. She gives Judy neck exercises to maintain
increased motion gained during treatment and to strengthen the neck muscles.
To address the cause of Judy's problem, the chiropractor gives her suggestions
to improve her workstation and posture at work. A back support for her office
chair is suggested. She is asked to try to sit back in the chair with the lower
spine in an inward curve (called a lordotic curve). Maintaining good support
for the low back will help Judy to improve her upper body posture and help prevent
a "slumping" of the shoulders, which contributes to postural stress.
After a few sessions, increased motion in spinal segments is achieved. The
muscles are looser and Judy finds it easier to sit up without rounding her shoulders.
At the completion of her treatments, Judy is much improved with no arm pain
or numbness, increased motion in her neck and upper back and decreased muscular
tightness.
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