Case Study #4: Neck Pain

Title: Neck Pain

History: Good health. Exercises regularly. Blood Pressure normal. No prior history of major illness.

Patient’s Sex: Male

Patient’s age: 25 year old

Diagnosis: Pinched nerve or herniated disc.

Therapy Suggested: Deep Tissue massage therapy, warm compresses, cervical pillow. Recommended bromelain and silica supplements. Also, homeopathic remedy Rhus Toxicodendron.

Dietary Recommendations: Consume more calcium rich foods such as spinach, kale and Swiss chard. Eliminate sugar, and salt. Potato juice consumed on a regular basis. Yogurt. Rubbing the neck area with arnica topical crème as needed.

Lifestyle Changes: Refrain from bending, strenuous activities requiring craning of the neck. Ergonomic seating and work area at work.

Patient History: Good health. Married with children. Normal diet. Normal blood pressure. Family history of arthritis.

Case Presentation: Patient presented with a chronic neck pain after being thrown from a horse. Patient unable to move neck freely. Area of the neck seems slightly swollen and inflamed. Patient unable to rest due to discomfort caused by pain.

Management & Outcome: MRI conducted which confirmed a herniated disc. Patient informed to use cold compresses initially to reduce swelling and then use warm compresses as needed. Once inflammation subsided patient participated in massage therapy 3 times per week which increased flexibility and alleviated pain. Rolfing was recommended for further pain management.

Type Of Outcome: After six weeks of massage therapy, rolfing, and supplements patient discomfort decreased and he was able to rest more comfortably. Except for an occasional migraine patient pain management went from a 0 to about a 6.