Case study: Assessment and Treatment for neck pain
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I started having neck pain after posting on my head during Jiu jitsu following my training partner attempting a sweep (forceful axial compression on my cervical spine). At the moment I felt a “stinger” and a jolt down my arm and my neck felt stiff and painful after class.
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Assessment: cervical motion to identify potential pain triggers. In my case I had closing angle joint pain with extension and rotation. Ie as the cervical facets close something is “pinching”. This is a sign of aberrant joint mechanics and a healthy cervical spine should be able to do this motion. No radicular symptoms (pain or tingling down my arm) with cervical movements.
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Treatment:
1️⃣Cervical hinge point training: this is a motor control exercise to give tactile cues to make sure each segment can move. Some segments may not move due mechanical restrictions.
2️⃣Segmental neck movements (capsular Cervical CARs) After identifying the segments that do not move well I isolated them to assist in moving properly.
3️⃣Re-assessment and re training: Following the treatment the re-assessment indicates no pinching or closing angle pain but still there is a restriction. I will use global and capsular movements to retrain and keep the newly gained ranges of motion.
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This is not medical advice just one example of how I may treat a patient. If you have closing angle joint pain or radicular symptoms I recommend you see a healthcare professional / @functionalrangerelease practitioner.
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@functionalrangeconditioning