Chronic Shoulder Problems and Upper Cervical Care: A Case Series

A case series published on July 31, 2014, in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research documented chiropractic care helping patients with chronic shoulder problems. The authors note how common shoulder problems are accounting for 16% of all musculoskeletal complaints with a yearly incidence of 15 new episodes per 1,000 patients seeking primary care.

This case series documented the care of two male patients with chronic shoulder problems. The first patient was a 55-year-old man who went to an upper cervical chiropractor with a chief complaint of right shoulder pain. Seven months earlier, the man had fallen off a 10-foot ladder and landed on his left shoulder, which was not the one he was suffering with at the time of his visit to the upper cervical chiropractor. His examination showed restricted range of motion for his right shoulder. A chiropractic examination showed areas of sensitivity in the man's neck along with postural imbalances of the spine. From the findings, it was determined that subluxations in the neck were present.

The second patient was a 60-year-old man who had pain in both shoulders for one year before coming to the upper cervical chiropractor. He did not have a history of an accident or trauma before his problem started. His examination showed range of motion reductions in his shoulders and his neck. It was also determined that this patient had a subluxation of his neck.

Specific upper cervical chiropractic adjustments were given to both patients according to their chiropractic analysis. The study reported that the results of the chiropractic care for both men were very positive. The 55-year-old man with pain in his right shoulder showed a complete return to normal shoulder movement within a few visits. The recovery was such that the man went on vacation shortly after his upper cervical chiropractic care.

The second man with pain in both his shoulders had a complete return to normal motion in both his shoulders after his first upper cervical chiropractic adjustment. Additionally, his pain was reduced to minimal after the first visit.

The authors noted that although both patients had issues with their shoulders, the chiropractic care given was exclusively to the upper neck, (upper cervical chiropractic care). Both patients were mainly concerned with their ability to move their shoulders, and both regained total range of motion as a result of their chiropractic care. In their conclusion, the authors wrote, "This case series provides support on the use chiropractic adjustments directed to the upper cervical spine in patients with subluxation, shoulder pain and dysfunction."

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

5 Upper Cervical Care Testimonials

All of these testimonials come from Dr. Zachary Ward and his website

 

Sleeping better with more focus

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

What was life like before upper cervical care?
Okay health. I had migraines, and lower back pain, and shoulder pain spoadically–but it was manageable.
What about now?
I am sleeping better. I can get comfortable and sleep sounder. I have better focus, and am getting things done. No lower back pain and almost no shoulder tightness.
I really like that I’m actually holding my adjustments longer. I also like that I’m adjusted only if needed.
–Sarah M.

Headaches and post-concussion symptoms

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

How would you describe your health before you began receiving your adjustments? 
I had very severe headaches and ao a very low hear rate and blood pressure to the point where I was almost always nearly-fainting (3 – 5 times daily).
What is it that you heard or read that made you decide to choose my office for upper cervical chiropractic care?
My mom heard Dr. Ward speak at a networking group. She immediately thought of me and I started coming to his office for chiropractic care.
Were you skeptical about chiropractic care?
No. I would try anything to get better.
What are the three benefits that you’ve noticed since you’ve begun upper cervical chiropractic care?
1. Headache relief.
2. No more near-fainting.
3. Better attitude.
What aspect of this service have you enjoyed the most?
The improvement in me.
–Madison

A lot of shoulder and upper back pain

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

 

How would you describe your health before you began receiving your adjustments? 
I was in a lot of shoulder and upper back pain.
What is it that you heard or read that made you decide to choose my office for chiropractic care?
I live nearby and I saw the office.
Were you skeptical about chiropractic care?
I wasn’t sure if it would work for me. I wasn’t aware of “upper cervical care.” It seems completely different than traditional chiropractors that crack and twist your body for adjustments.
What are the three benefits that you’ve noticed since you’ve begun upper cervical chiropractic care?
1. I am able to sleep more soundly and longer through the night.
2. I have better posture/more aware of my posture.
3. No more or reduced shoulder pain.
What aspect of this service have you enjoyed the most?
The minimal adjustments make such a profound difference. It’s amazing.
–Sarah C.

No longer sleeping away weekends

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

Before upper cervical care?
My shoulders hurt and were uneven. I did not have much energy. I would sleep away my weekends.
Now, after a few weeks of upper cervical adjustments?
Now, I am happier, more social, and smile more. I sleep almost through the night, and I’m not waking up three times a night. I am more ready to go, rather than sitting at home. I feel more healthy and happy than I was before walking into your office. I am taking vitamins and eating healthier than I did before. I am very grateful.
Thank you,
Erik. H.

Recognizing problem posture

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

Dr. Zach has helped me to recognize when my body is out of alignment, creating a change in my posture. His adjustments have significantly affected my sinus, snoring, and sciatica. I have found that consistent exercise and adjustments go hand in hand with positive results. His personal care is second to none.

–Scott B.

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

Really Skeptical of Upper Cervical Care: A Patient’s Experience

"I have had the extraordinary privilege of working with Dr.Dan Fedelli here in Chicago over the last 2 years and I've become a believer in Upper Cervical work and the difference it makes.

I was really skeptical. When I came to Dr Dan, my jaw hurt all the time, I had excruciating tension headaches that wrapped around my skull like a 2 inch wide Bandanna from an 80’s Hair band. The right side of my face had fallen sometime in 2006, and my smile was a hot-lopsided mess! The Facebook picture I have in which some accuse of being too sultry, was in fact an attempt to hide said lop-eared smile! I also had difficulty sleeping due to intense unrelenting pain between my shoulders. And I was grinding my teeth all night every night.

In the beginning, I would go to my appointments with him and just cry from relief. Then I would go directly home and nap for 2 hours – getting the best deepest rest I’d had in 3 years. I didn't know if any of this would help me, but I kept going as I had no diagnosis and therefore no treatment…and my symptoms were getting worse. It felt good to at least be doing SOMETHING.

I began to sleep better…my headaches diminished with in 1 month.

Within 4 months my smile was restored.

What I liked about working with Dr. Fedelli is that he was straight about getting me on a healing program and not interested in maintaining the frequency of my appointments. We started with 2 appointments / week, which quickly went to 1/wk, the every 2 weeks…then 1/month. After a year or so I felt pretty good and I had dropped out my appointments for a few months…slowly my neck bunched up and I was experiencing lower energy etc…I have to say when I returned 5 months later it only took 6 weeks to get back on track and return to sound sleeping once more."

I also appreciate the service of his staff, the private treatment rooms, and their sensitivity to my symptom of emotional liability.

I feel cared for and valued versus pursued as a revenue stream, which has been my experience of other chiropractors in the past.

There is something about the whole specialty of Upper Cervical Care that goes beyond the norm. I highly recommend it to anyone with lingering jaw issues due to dental surgery, stress in the upper back or shoulders and lack of function or nerve damage in the face! Get yourself some balance!"

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

Gene And Ginger's Upper Cervical Care Experience

“The MD’s don’t seem to know what’s wrong with me…”

By Dr. Brandon Harshe

Gene had a pain in his side for 10 years, degeneration in his spine, shoulder pain, and vertigo. Ginger had sciatic pain for 15 years, had been taking hormones for the previous 30 years, and had frequent hot flashes. Then they came in to see me and get under Upper Cervical Care. Read on to find out what happened in their own words.

“My husband Gene and I started going to Dr. Harshe about 2 months ago. Gene had been to the typical chiropractor several times throughout his life, but I never had been to one and was very skeptical about going. A friend had asked me to consider going to an Upper Cervical (Doctor) a year prior, but I just graciously said I don’t really have confidence in them.

She called after my husband had gotten sick and said I really wish you would go to Dr. Harshe in Carrollton. Her Upper Cervical (Doctor) recommended him, so I told her I would tell Gene. He said sure, let’s give it a try, the MD’s don’t seem to know what’s wrong with me.

We called for an appointment and I let my husband see him the first visit and then the second visit I agreed to see him. After hearing Dr. Harshe explain the adjustment he does, it made perfect sense to us. God created our bodies to heal themselves and we felt God could work through Dr. Harshe to help our bodies function as they were created.

Gene had a pain in his side that had hurt for 10 years and a pain in his hip that gave him lots of trouble. After his first adjustment, these pains were gone and he has been free of that pain since. Gene was also having some dizziness and the MD’s had told him that he had severe vertigo and that the casing around his spinal cord was calcifying and would probably close in time and recommended we see a surgical doctor for the spinal cord. He was having what seemed to be a pinched nerve.

With patience, the dizziness is gone and the pain in his shoulder has subsided. We did not see any other doctor for his health issues except for Dr. Harshe.

I have had trouble with a sciatic nerve for more than 15 years. After my first adjustment, my hip pain was gone and has not returned. I have taken hormones for more than thirty years and am now free of taking hormones and have no hot flashes.

We are looking forward to our bodies feeling better and better as we reach the point of being able to stay in adjustment for longer periods of time. I am looking forward to be able to get off my blood pressure meds in the very near future. We are thankful for Dr. Harshe and his practice of common sense chiropractic and for God working through him to help our bodies function as they were created to function.

We encourage you to schedule a visit with Dr. Harshe and gain a wealth of knowledge about how your body is created to function and have your first adjustment for a healthier, drug free YOU!!!!!!”

Gene and Ginger K.
Fort Worth, TX

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

Anecdotal Evidence

Testimonials

Since I have been under upper cervical care I have noticed my posture is getting better, my allergies are less severe and I get fewer migraines. – Sarah

Since receiving care I have noticed many changes in my body and mind. My back pain is gone, I handle stress much better. I rarely get any headaches. My biggest change has been in my concentration. I drag race and I believe upper cervical care is giving me an edge on my competition. I am more focused than ever before. I am having one of my most successful years ever. Thank you so much. – Jarod

Before starting upper cervical care I was having digestion problems, after my first alignment I was regulated! I also was having issues with my cervix for a year my tests would show a low grade 4th stage cancer on and surrounding my cervix. After receiving upper cervical care my test came back negative. Upper cervical care makes me feel energetic and balanced. – Kylie

Feel much better overall – headaches gone, able to go (comfortably) without left heel lift, pain in knees (had two surgeries) gone for the most part. Occasionally left and right hands still fall asleep, starting at the elbow and wrist. – David

I have always had neck problems, waking up and having to crack my neck. I have noticed a huge difference after be under upper cervical care. I have less neck pain and it cracks less. I do feel more relaxed after every appointment. Some has to do with the 15 minutes of dark/quiet time that I necessarily wouldn’t get otherwise. – Heidi

I was pregnant with my 2nd child and started having problems walking. I couldn’t get my right leg to rotate properly and this caused me to fall. I got under upper cervical care after getting no relief from 2 other Chiropractors, one of whom I had gone to for 3+ years! The doctor explained upper cervical care and then “adjusted” me. Okay it wasn’t like any other “adjustment” I had previously. It’s more like it gave my body “cues” for alignment. I was never uncomfortable and there was a noticeable improvement in my mobility. I continued care and continue to see improvement. After my son was born, I brought him and my daughter in and we now visit periodically for check-ups. The visits are fun! Can you say that about your doctor? I trust the doctor with not only my health and life but with the health and life of my 2 beautiful children. – Barbara

Since I have been under upper cervical care I have had less back, neck and shoulder pain. I was taking Zomig on a regular basis for migraines and now very seldom use it. I also broke my ankle in 3 places in December 2004 and had knee surgery in April 2005. Walking normal again has been difficult, but the care has helped me with that also. Keeping my body in alignment is so important for all my general health. Thank you for caring about me and how I feel and for my future health. – Kathy

I have been experiencing increasing back pain for several years. I am not a person who uses medication, but the past three years, I have had to use extra strength Tylenol to get through the days (3x/week). I have received massage therapy and tried to increase my exercise (which helped a little). Recently, however, exercise was not relieving my back pain. My posture was getting worse – I could tell I was leaning forward just a little. Since I came under upper cervical care my back pain is significantly better. I feel as if I have more energy; I can exercise freely again and I am back to living life without the use of Tylenol. One side benefit is that even though I only use stairs to get to my destinations, recently my knees were beginning to hurt – Now I walk up and down stairs without pain. I have only been under care for 6 weeks! – Sharon

Before I was under upper cervical care I had suffered from migraines and back pain. Since starting care I have not had any migraines or back pain. Occasionally I will get a headache but that is much easier for me to treat than a migraine. I can only take Tylenol, due to being on Coumadin, and Tylenol doesn’t do much for me. I am a single parent and I need to feel my best at all times. Upper cervical care has given me that reassurance, in that the last few months I have felt great. I would recommend this type of care to anybody that wanted to lessen their amount of pain that they were experiencing. This type of care may not eliminate the pain 100%, but it will more than likely decrease the amount of pain you are suffering. The doctor is not only a wonderful doctor, but a fun person to talk with and joke around with! There is always new information to read up on at every visit. I am very pleased with the results that I have received under upper cervical care! – Kelly