Kate came to the clinic after suffering severely restricted movement and pain in the right side of the neck. She had been unable to turn her head to the As a long distance ultra-runner, the problem began shortly after a 135-mile three-day race. There was plenty of reason to believe the two points were related.
Kate – Neck pain
Tests
A consultation established that there were no neurological referrals, ie no pins and needles or numbness anywhere else in the body. We tested for facet and disk issues by performing a Spurling’s test – the results of which ruled out those two issues. We then went through each vertebrae in her neck to find out which specific vertebrae was restricted.
Diagnosis
From the above tests we found that a couple of the vertebrae had restricted range of movement. The muscles of her neck had become shortened, restricting its movement. This issue also elevated the first rib near the neck and shoulder joint. It is quite common to find that shoulder and neck issues are related, and this was certainly true in this case.
Treatment
Myofascial soft tissue massage is a slow process which breaks down adhesions in the muscle fibres and brings blood to the area. This promotes healing and fluid exchange. Gentle articulations involving traction and compression were applied segmentally to each specific vertebrae to encourage and promote ease of movement. Next, muscle energy techniques were used to relieve muscle tension and encourage lymphatic efficiency. Finally, a high velocity thrust freed up the restricted segments of vertebrae and encouraged movement.
Results
Immediately Kate demonstrated an increased range of movement and a significant reduction in pain and discomfort. She was also surprised to find an increased range of movement in both sides of the neck, not just the painful side. After just one more treatment Kate was fully recovered and went back to running ultra-distances, but she comes back to the clinic every 4-6 weeks to keep her treatment and recovery on track.
