8 Ways To Treat Chronic Neck Pain Naturally

Chronic neck pain, a condition that affects countless individuals worldwide, can be a debilitating ailment that impedes daily activities and diminishes the quality of life. While several treatment modalities exist, many are leaning towards natural, non-invasive methods to find relief. In this article, we delve into the top three natural ways to address chronic neck pain, spotlighting the role of upper cervical chiropractic care.

1. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

What is it?
Upper cervical chiropractic care is a niche within the broader chiropractic field, concentrating exclusively on the first two vertebrae of the spine: the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These bones possess unique mobility, facilitating most of the head's rotation. Misalignments in this critical area can lead to various complications, including persistent neck pain.

How does it work?

• Accurate Diagnosis: Employing sophisticated imaging tools such as digital X-rays or 3D scans, upper cervical chiropractors can discern the precise nature and extent of any misalignment.

• Tailored Adjustments: Contrasting the more generalized chiropractic maneuvers that may involve noticeable twisting, upper cervical adjustments are renowned for their precision and gentleness. The chiropractor methodically realigns the mispositioned vertebrae, which can restore standard nerve function and mitigate pain.

• Benefits: Many patients report a notable decrease in pain, enhanced range of motion, and an overarching sense of well-being post-adjustment. As the upper cervical spine lies in close proximity to the brainstem—a pivotal neural pathway—correcting its misalignments can also bolster several physiological functions.

2. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is it?
Acupuncture is a pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to rebalance energy (Qi) and stimulate healing.

How does it work?

• Meridian Points: Based on TCM principles, specific points or "meridians" on the body correlate with different internal systems. By targeting these points, acupuncture can promote healing and pain relief.

• Holistic Healing: Acupuncturists may complement needle therapy with herbal remedies or cupping to enhance treatment effects.

• Benefits: Many find acupuncture to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and even improve mood by releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

3. Yoga and Mindfulness Practices

What is it?
Yoga is an ancient practice blending physical postures, breath control, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. Mindfulness, often integrated into yoga, emphasizes staying present and aware without judgment.

How does it work?

• Postures and Stretches: Specific yoga poses target the neck and shoulder region, enhancing flexibility and strength, thereby alleviating pain.

• Breath Control: Breathing exercises can reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, and heighten pain tolerance.

• Mindfulness Meditation: This practice can help individuals become more attuned to their bodies, recognize pain triggers, and develop coping mechanisms.

• Benefits: Regular practice can offer long-term pain relief, improved posture, reduced stress, and a heightened sense of overall well-being.

4. Massage Therapy

What is it?
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of muscles and soft tissues to promote relaxation, enhance circulation, and reduce muscle tension.

How does it work?

• Targeted Techniques: Licensed massage therapists employ various techniques such as deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, and trigger point therapy to address specific areas of tension or pain.

• Benefits: Regular massage can break up muscle knots, enhance blood flow to affected areas, alleviate pain, and promote relaxation.

5. Herbal Remedies

What is it?
Herbs have been used for millennia in various cultures to treat a variety of ailments, including pain.

How does it work?

• Anti-inflammatory Herbs: Turmeric, ginger, and willow bark are some of the common herbs known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can be consumed as teas, tinctures, or supplements.

• Topical Applications: Certain herbal ointments or essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can be applied to the painful area to provide relief.

• Benefits: Using herbal remedies can address the root cause of inflammation and pain without the side effects often associated with conventional medications.

6. Heat and Cold Therapy

What is it?
The application of heat or cold to sore or injured areas to reduce pain and inflammation.

How does it work?

• Cold Packs: Effective for reducing inflammation and numbing acute pain, especially immediately after an injury.

• Heat Packs: Useful for relaxing and loosening tissues and stimulating blood flow to the area. Helps with chronic pain.

• Benefits: Easily accessible, quick relief, and can be combined with other therapies.

7. Ergonomic Adjustments

What is it?
Modifying one's workplace or daily routines to align with ergonomic principles that reduce strain and prevent injury.

How does it work?

• Workspace Arrangement: Adjusting chair height, using supportive pillows, or elevating computer monitors to eye level can help maintain a neutral neck posture, reducing strain.

• Regular Breaks: Taking short breaks to stretch or change positions, especially if working at a desk or computer for extended periods.

• Benefits: Reduces the risk of developing or exacerbating neck pain and improves overall posture and health.

8. Dietary Changes

What is it?
Adapting one's diet to include anti-inflammatory foods and reduce foods that might exacerbate inflammation.

How does it work?

• Anti-inflammatory Diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish), green leafy vegetables, nuts, and berries can reduce inflammation.

• Reduce Inflammatory Foods: Limiting refined sugars, fried foods, and certain processed foods can help decrease inflammation.

• Benefits: Addresses inflammation at its root, offering relief not just for the neck but for overall bodily inflammation.

Natural treatments extend beyond immediate relief, often targeting the root cause of neck pain. From hands-on therapies like massage to systemic approaches like dietary changes, these modalities prioritize holistic well-being. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider before embarking on a treatment regimen ensures the chosen approach is best suited for individual needs.

How Blair Chiropractic Clinic Treats Neck Pain

At Blair Chiropractic Clinic, we pioneer a specialized approach to neck pain relief through the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This method delves deep into the root cause of your discomfort, leveraging advanced diagnostic tools to detect and correct misalignments in the upper cervical vertebrae. Rectifying these misalignments can not only alleviate your neck pain symptoms but also rejuvenate your body's innate healing capabilities.

Guided by the expertise of Dr. Gordon Elder, our distinguished Blair chiropractor, our two-tiered treatment plan offers a holistic approach to neck pain. Your journey with us begins with an initial assessment, lasting approximately 25-30 minutes, wherein Dr. Elder evaluates the alignment of your spine. This foundational understanding will allow him to craft a tailored recommendation for subsequent interventions.

Upon identifying a misalignment, we transition to the next phase, rooted in precision. Dr. Elder employs state-of-the-art 3D imaging tools, capturing a comprehensive view of the upper cervical region. This facilitates pinpointing the exact misalignment source, ensuring targeted treatment. Following the diagnostics, Dr. Elder will invite you to a discussion, elucidating the findings and addressing any queries.

Transitioning to the therapeutic aspect, Dr. Elder skillfully applies gentle, minimal-force adjustments, primarily focusing on the identified problem areas. The primary objective? To harmoniously realign the upper cervical spine, alleviating pressure points and reigniting the body's intrinsic healing rhythm.

Post-treatment, patients embark on a series of follow-up visits, gradually spaced over three months, ensuring the adjustments hold their place. Typically, within a span of 3-5 months, most individuals require an average of 10 to 15 sessions with Dr. Elder to experience sustained relief.

Should neck pain be diminishing your quality of life, remember, help is at hand. Nestled in Lubbock, Texas, Blair Chiropractic Clinic extends its compassionate care to residents of Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso, and even as far as Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Why Does Your Neck Hurt After Push-ups? An Exploration

Push-ups are a foundational exercise, targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Yet, some people report neck pain after performing them. Why does this happen? Let's dive deep into the mechanics, common mistakes, and ways to prevent this discomfort.

The Anatomy Behind the Push-up

Before we delve into the potential causes of neck pain post-push-ups, it's crucial to understand the anatomy involved. A push-up primarily targets:

• Pectoralis major and minor: The chest muscles responsible for the pushing motion.

• Deltoids: Shoulder muscles that provide stability.

• Triceps: Back arm muscles that extend the elbow.

• Core muscles: Including the rectus abdominis, obliques, and erector spinae, which stabilize the body throughout the movement.

The neck, or the cervical spine, is comprised of seven vertebrae and numerous muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid and scalenes. While these muscles aren't directly targeted by push-ups, they play a role in stabilizing the head.

Why Neck Pain Can Occur

1. Improper form and alignment:

Many people inadvertently jut their head forward or tuck their chin to their chest during push-ups. This "poking chin" posture places unnecessary strain on the cervical spine. Over time, this repeated stress can lead to discomfort or pain.

2. Weak core strength:

An engaged core is essential for a proper push-up. If the core muscles aren't providing enough stability, other areas, including the neck, may compensate, leading to strain.

3. Overexertion:

Performing too many push-ups without adequate strength or technique can lead to muscle fatigue. Fatigued muscles cannot support the spine and head effectively, leading to poor form and potential pain.

4. Existing neck issues:

If someone already has a pre-existing condition like cervical spondylosis, herniated disc, or muscle strains, push-ups might exacerbate the problem.

5. Incorrect hand placement:

Placing the hands too far forward or too wide can change the angle of the shoulders and neck. This altered alignment can place additional strain on the neck.

6. Insufficient warm-up:

Warming up increases blood flow and prepares muscles for the stress of exercise. Without a proper warm-up, the neck muscles might not be ready for the activity, leading to potential strains.

Preventing Neck Pain During Push-ups

• Maintain neutral spine: Keep the neck in line with the spine. Imagine a straight line from the head to the heels. You can achieve this by looking slightly ahead of you rather than directly down.

• Engage your core: Before starting the push-up, tighten your abs, glutes, and quads. This will provide stability and reduce the need for compensation from other areas.

• Proper hand placement: Keep hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and below the shoulders.

• Gradual progression: If you're new to push-ups or returning after a break, start slowly. Begin with modified versions, such as knee or incline push-ups, before progressing to more challenging variations.

• Warm-up: Before any workout, including push-ups, engage in dynamic stretches and light cardio to get the blood flowing and muscles ready.

• Seek professional advice: If you're unsure about your form or experience persistent pain, consider consulting a fitness professional or physical therapist. They can provide feedback and strategies to perform push-ups without strain.

In conclusion, while push-ups are a fantastic total-body exercise, they can lead to neck pain if done incorrectly. Understanding the mechanics and ensuring proper form can help you reap the benefits of push-ups without the unnecessary discomfort.

How We Treat Neck Pain

Our treatment for neck pain is focused on identifying and targeting the underlying source of the condition using the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. By employing advanced diagnostic tools, Blair practitioners are able to restore misaligned upper cervical vertebrae to their natural position, alleviating neck pain symptoms and allowing the body's natural healing mechanisms to resume.

At Blair Chiropractic Clinic, our expert Blair chiropractor, Dr. Gordon Elder, has a two-step approach for treating neck pain. During your first appointment, Dr. Elder will perform a brief assessment of your spinal health to determine whether you are suffering from a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine.

Typically lasting 25-30 minutes, this assessment will enable Dr. Elder to give you recommendations on the best course of action for further treatment. If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Elder will proceed to the second step of your treatment plan. To locate the precise location of the misalignment, Dr. Elder will use a range of 3-D imaging tools to scan the upper cervical spine and pinpoint the vertebral misalignment. You'll have an opportunity to review the findings of this process and ask Dr. Elder any questions you may have.

Finally, Dr. Elder will perform a series of gentle, low-force corrections to the primary area of concern. The goal of this step is to restore the natural alignment of the upper cervical spine, removing a painful source of pressure on the neck and kick-starting the body's natural healing processes. Following the initial adjustment, patients will return for regular, gradually spaced-out check-ups to ensure their adjustment has stayed in place for 3 months. Over the course of 3-5 months, most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.

If you’re dealing with neck pain, contact Blair Chiropractic Clinic today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elder. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Blair Chiropractic Clinic also services Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

How Serious Is My Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common medical condition that millions of people worldwide experience at some point in their lives. From mild discomfort to severe, disabling pain, neck pain can arise from various causes and vary significantly in its intensity and duration. Understanding the severity of your neck pain, its potential causes, and treatment options, including Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, is vital for managing this condition effectively.

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain refers to any discomfort or distress in the structures of the neck, including the muscles, nerves, spinal vertebrae, and the cushioning discs in between them. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp or stabbing sensation, and it may be associated with other symptoms like stiffness, numbness, or difficulty moving your neck.

Assessing the Severity of Neck Pain

The severity of neck pain is usually subjective, varying from person to person. Some may perceive a specific level of pain as moderate, while others might find the same level debilitating. However, medical professionals use several measures to assess neck pain's seriousness objectively.

• Pain Intensity: How severe is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable? If the pain is consistently high (over 7), it's considered severe.

• Pain Duration: How long has the pain lasted? Acute neck pain usually lasts for a few days to a few weeks, while chronic neck pain persists for three months or more.

• Pain Frequency: How often does the pain occur? Is it constant, or does it come and go?

• Impact on Daily Life: Does the pain interfere with your daily activities? If it hinders your ability to work, socialize, or perform basic activities, it's considered severe.

• Associated Symptoms: Does the pain come with other symptoms like numbness, weakness, tingling, or loss of coordination? These could be signs of a more serious problem that needs immediate attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most neck pain is not serious and tends to resolve with time and self-care measures, it's crucial to seek medical attention if:

• The pain is severe or persistent and doesn't improve after a few days of self-care.

• The pain spreads down arms or legs.

• The pain is accompanied by headaches, numbness, weakness, or tingling.

• You've had an injury, such as a car accident or fall, that caused the neck pain.

• The pain is worse when you wake up but improves as the day goes on.

These could indicate severe underlying conditions such as herniated discs, fractures, infections, or diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.

Treatment Options for Neck Pain

Several treatment options are available for neck pain, depending on its cause and severity. They range from self-care measures and physical therapy to medications, surgeries, and alternative treatments like Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care is a specialized form of chiropractic treatment that focuses on the top two vertebrae in your neck, known as the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These two vertebrae have a unique shape and mobility that allow for a wide range of head movement, but they are also particularly vulnerable to injury and misalignment, which can cause neck pain and other health issues.

Upper Cervical Chiropractors use precise, gentle techniques to adjust the alignment of the C1 and C2 vertebrae, aiming to restore normal function and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots that can cause pain and other symptoms. The procedure typically involves a thorough examination, including detailed x-rays, to identify the specific misalignment before making a precise correction using a light, controlled contact on the first neck vertebra.

Research has suggested that Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care can be effective for treating various conditions, including neck pain, headaches, migraines, vertigo, and certain types of high blood pressure. However, like any treatment, it's not suitable for everyone, and it's important to discuss this option with a healthcare professional before proceeding.

Other natural treatment options for neck pain include:

• Self-Care Measures: These include rest, applying heat or cold to the painful area, maintaining good posture, and doing gentle neck stretches and exercises.

• Massage Therapy: Massaging the neck and shoulder muscles can help to relieve tension and reduce pain. Some people find it beneficial to see a professional massage therapist, while others prefer self-massage techniques.

• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can help to relax muscles and relieve tension, while cold can help to reduce inflammation. These therapies can often be used at home with heat packs, cold packs, or alternating showers.

• Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs, such as turmeric and willow bark, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce neck pain. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can help to reduce stress and tension, which can, in turn, help to manage neck pain.

• Aromatherapy: Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and rosemary have been known to help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Hydrotherapy: This involves using water, hot or cold, for pain relief and treatment. The soothing nature of water often helps to relax muscles and can be used to gently exercise and strengthen the neck.

• Diet: A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D helps to promote bone strength and can reduce inflammation, which can contribute to neck pain.

While neck pain is often benign and temporary, it can sometimes signal a more serious issue requiring professional attention. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care is a valuable treatment option for some individuals, and consulting a healthcare professional is the best way to determine an appropriate treatment plan. Remember, early detection and treatment often lead to better outcomes, so don't hesitate to seek help if your neck pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

How We Treat Neck Pain

Our approach to managing neck pain centers on locating and correcting the root cause of discomfort using the innovative Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Leveraging state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, our Blair chiropractic experts realign the displaced upper cervical vertebrae, alleviating neck pain symptoms and jumpstarting the body's inherent healing process.

At our Blair Chiropractic Clinic, our proficient Blair chiropractor, Dr. Gordon Elder, employs a methodical two-phase strategy for neck pain treatment. Your first appointment consists of Dr. Elder conducting a preliminary evaluation of your spinal health to ascertain the existence of any misalignment in the upper cervical spine. This evaluation, which typically spans 25 to 30 minutes, equips Dr. Elder with the necessary insights to recommend an optimal course of treatment moving forward.

Upon identifying a misalignment, Dr. Elder proceeds to the second phase of the treatment plan. He employs a variety of 3-D imaging techniques to scrutinize the upper cervical spine and pinpoint the exact location of the misalignment. You'll get the chance to discuss these findings and pose any questions you may have to Dr. Elder.

The final stage involves Dr. Elder executing a series of gentle, low-impact adjustments focusing on the primary area of misalignment. This phase aims to reestablish the natural alignment of the upper cervical spine, relieving the neck of undue pressure and kickstarting the body's innate healing mechanisms.

After the first adjustment, patients return for regular follow-up appointments that gradually decrease in frequency over a span of 3 months. Over 3-5 months, the average patient will have between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.

If you're grappling with neck pain, don't endure it in silence. Our Blair Chiropractic Clinic is conveniently located in Lubbock, Texas, and also caters to residents of Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

How To Prevent Neck and Shoulder Pain From Digital Devices

The more things our electronic devices do, the more time we tend to spend on them. All this screen time comes at a cost, though. Our frequent use of digital devices has more people suffering from neck and shoulder pain. Even teens and children are experiencing pain from prolonged use of devices. 

When using devices, people tend to spend too much time in positions that strain muscles and joints in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This can lead to a variety of painful problems like pinched nerves and poor posture. 

Tips to Avoid Neck and Shoulder Pain

Watch your posture—try to make sure you hold handheld devices up so you don't crane your neck forward or put your head down for prolonged periods. If you're using a computer, make sure you're sitting up straight with your shoulders back.

Make sure you have the right equipment—an ergonomic chair can help maximize comfort when you're working at a desk. Make sure your chair height is adjusted so that your knees are in line with your hips and your feet sit flat on the floor. An ergonomic keyboard with a wrist rest can help make sure your arms and hands are in the proper position when typing. 

Take breaks—frequent breaks allow you to move, stretch, and resume a natural position. This will help prevent you from inadvertently sitting in a position for too long that puts stress on joints, ligaments, and muscles. Set a timer so that every hour you get up and move around for a little bit during your work day. After work and on days off, limit your time on devices.

Seek Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care—the upper cervical spine, consisting of the uppermost seven vertebrae, runs through the neck and into the upper back. It is a vulnerable place prone to injury. Many people will have aches and pains for years without knowing that it is due to a slight misalignment of the upper cervical spine. The right chiropractor can help realign your spine and bring relief and prevent further problems from developing. 

We Can Help with Neck and Shoulder Pain

At the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, we can help alleviate neck and shoulder pain caused by upper cervical spine misalignments. Dr. Gordon Elder is an upper cervical specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. 

The Blair technique involves advanced 3D diagnostic imaging scans to help doctors pinpoint problems in your unique anatomy. Because the doctor can get a better sense of your anatomy with these scans, he's able to precisely apply low-pressure manipulations to gently correct your spine. This eliminates the guesswork, and there is no need for any sudden snaps and cracks. The Blair technique is safe, gentle, and non-invasive.

Dr. Elder has a three-step plan for people with neck and shoulder pain. It begins with a thorough screening to assess your overall health, and diagnostic imaging to calculate the angles of your spine. 

Step two is where the healing begins. Dr. Elder makes adjustments with a light touch you will barely feel. Once your spine is properly aligned, it will relieve the undue stress put on your joints and muscles. The body's natural healing processes can then take over and repair the damage, restoring good health. 

The last step is to help you take preventative measures to avoid further injury and discomfort. Regular visits can keep your spine in a healthy, aligned state and the doctor can nip any problems in the bud.

Neck and shoulder pain may not seem like a serious problem, but without treatment, the problem can get worse. You may reach a point at which the damage is irreversible. Call Dr. Elder for an appointment to see if upper cervical care can help you. Dr. Elder's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Can Neck Issues Cause Ear Problems?

What are Ear Problems?

As a general term, an ear problem refers to any condition affecting the ear or the inner ear. Some common ear problems include earaches, tinnitus, or outright hearing loss. Ear problems are often painful and difficult to treat given the number of potential causes. One such cause of ear problems is a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine.

Signs and Symptoms of Ear Problems

The signs and symptoms of an ear problem will ultimately depend on the cause of the condition. That being said, there are some symptoms that are commonly experienced across many different types of ear problems. Some of these symptoms include vertigo, a feeling of fullness in the ear, coordination issues, frequent headaches, nausea, and feeling off-balance. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Ear Problems

While it’s not immediately obvious, the ear and the upper cervical spine are closely linked, with misalignments in the upper cervical spine often having a direct impact on inner ear function.

The upper cervical spine encompasses a vast network of musculature and nerves. When the vertebrae in the upper cervical spine are out of alignment, the vertebrae can compress the nerves and muscles in the immediate area. If the musculature around the eustachian tube remains compressed, it can begin to flex irregularly, causing inflammation and irritation within the inner ear, upper throat, and nose. Over time, the local inflammation can cause a build-up or blockage of fluid in the eustachian tubes of the inner ear, often resulting in painful swelling, infections, and other ear problems. 

How Our Treatment Works for Ear Problems 

Dr. Gordon Elder, our resident ear problems expert, is a specialist in using the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique focuses on re-engaging the body’s natural healing mechanisms and restoring the upper cervical spine to its natural alignment.  

Dr. Elder takes a multi-step approach when investigating a patient’s ear problem.

Firstly, patients will attend a 25–30-minute consultation to give Dr. Elder the chance to gather information about the patient’s medical history. Dr. Elder will also determine whether a misalignment is present in the upper cervical spine and whether it could be contributing to a patient’s ear problems. The diagnostic process will typically include the use of advanced 3-D imaging techniques to narrow down the exact location of any misalignments.

Following your first consultation, Dr. Elder will propose a comprehensive treatment plan and will give you time to ask any questions you may have about your treatment. During your first treatment, Dr. Elder will use a range of gentle and precise corrections to push the vertebrae back into alignment, employing low-force, Blair-approved manipulation techniques. By restoring the upper cervical spine, the impacted muscles and nerves will begin to relax, easing flexion and inflammation in the inner ear and eustachian tubes. 

To ensure that your adjustment is holding, most of Dr. Elder’s patients return for regular check-ups (for at least 3-5 months). To achieve long-lasting/permanent results, we recommend between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.  

If you’re suffering from ongoing ear problems, get in touch today to speak with Dr. Gordon Elder about the health of your upper cervical spine. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.