How Really Small Muscles Can Be A Real Pain In The Neck – A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NKT Practitioner Explains

When a patient complains of neck pain or headaches, I first muscle test both the cervical flexor and extension muscles and muscles which when they test bilaterally weak such as the psoas or gluteus maximus suggest a fixation of the cervical vertebrae.

I ask questions: are the muscles weak and therefore affecting the alignment, movement of the cervical vertebrae?

Are one set of muscles weak or inhibited because of compensating (facilitating) muscle.

Or is the opposite true? Is it the hypertonic or facilitated muscle the problem?

Sometimes it’s not the bigger cervical flexor/extensor muscles that are causing pain either directly or by pulling vertebrae out of alignment and putting pressure on the nerves supplying the cervical area.

Sometimes it’s the half inch to inch muscles just below the occipital (base of your skull) that attach it to either the atlas (C1) or the axis (C2) or attach atlas to axis.

These muscles are called the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major, Rectus Capitis Minor, Obliquus Capitis Superior and Obliquus Capitis Inferior.

The Rectus Capitis Posterior Major extends, laterally flexs and rotates the head.  The Rectus Capitis Minor extends and laterally flexes the head. The Obliquus Capitis Superior extends and laterally rotates the head. The Obliquus Capitis Inferior  rotates C1 and cranium.

Problems with these muscles can pull vertebrae out of alignment and put pressure on the cervical spinal roots and cause neck stiffness, pain and headaches. See dermatome map below for areas of innervation.

Note there is no C1 dermatome. The C1 root innervates the meninges of the posterior fossa of the skull and has no cutaneous branch; the posterior fossa also contains the meningeal branches of vagus and hypoglossal nerve. Neck stiffness may be a test of the C1 root that innervates the meninges.

For more information, please see the following blogs:

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2014/08/09/the-use-of-applied-kinesiology-in-a-chiropractic-examination/.

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/12/13/spinal-pain-not-being-helped-see-an-applied-kinesiologist-it-may-be-a-fixation/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2016/06/23/how-a-combination-of-applied-kinesiology-neurokinetic-therapy-and-chiropractic-works/

For discussion about meninges:  https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2016/05/28/why-is-my-neck-problem-causing-low-back-or-leg-pain-a-nyc-chiropractor-applied-kinesiologist-nkt-practitioner-explains-the-lovett-brother-effect-on-the-spine/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/cranial-sacral-therapy-in-applied-kinesiology/

© 2016-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

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Thoughts on Whiplash or Neck Trauma by a NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist

“Whiplash” is commonly associated with auto accidents but also can be associated with many types of trauma like sport injuries, bad falls and even nodding off in chair and awaking with a sudden jerking of the neck.

The term “whiplash” refers to the mechanism of the injury. The proper terminology is cervical hyperextension/hyperflexion sprain. Hyperextension means that the head and neck are bent backward beyond their normal range of movement. Hyperflexion means that the head and neck are bent forward beyond the normal range of motion. Symptoms can include neck and back pain, loss of range of motion, shoulder & arm pain or numbness, jaw pain, dizziness, headaches, nausea, difficulty swallowing etc.

Within the neck region’s joints are some of the most complex movements within the body. The cervical bones house and protect the spinal cord. Nerves from the cord pass out of the spine between the vertebrae; nerve entrapment can happen due to the shift of the cervical joint and spasm in both the smaller vertebral muscles http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-prevertebral-muscles-of-the-neck.html that control fine movements and the larger and longer muscles https://www.realbodywork.com/learn/neck/neck.htm that control the gross movements of the neck which can result in the above

Cranial-Sacral Mechanism: the skull and sacrum operate in ways that are often inadequately considered in whiplash cases. There is movement between the cranial bones and the sacrum called the cranial sacral respiratory mechanism that pumps cerebrospinal fluid https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/cranial-sacral-therapy-in-applied-kinesiology/ up and down the spine that helps keep the nerves healthy. Whiplash can cause jamming of the cranial bones resulting in poor function. Poor function of this mechanism can interfere with cranial nerves, some of which control neck muscles, muscles that move the eyes, and muscles that move the jaw, muscles involved with swallowing and breathing.

Some of the very bizarre symptoms of whiplash trauma develop as a result of cranial dysfunction. Intricately associated with this area are the nerves responsible for balance. These include cranial nerve VIII, which supplies the balance mechanism of the middle ear, cranial nerves III, IV, and VI that supply the muscles that move the eyes and are intricately associated with the visual righting reflexes, and the nerve endings in the upper cervical vertebral ligaments that supply the head on-neck reflexes. These reflexes must work together. If there has been injury causing improper nerve supply to one or more of these areas, neurologic disorganization develops that can cause a change in muscle function throughout the body; there may be dizziness, ear ringing, nausea, blurred or double vision, headaches, and myriad other symptoms.

Many whiplash patients develop pain in the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is aggravated by chewing. https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/tmj-problems-jaw-problems-and-how-a-nyc-chiropractorapplied-kinesiologist-handles-the-problem/

As a doctor of chiropractor who also does applied kinesiology, I not only deal with restoring the proper movement of the cervical vertebrae https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/the-subluxationspinal-joint-dysfunction/ but almost dealing with the injury to the both the flexion and extension muscles of the cervical area mentioned above whether they need to be relaxed or whether they need to be strengthened. https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/muscle-balancing-in-applied-kinesiology/

Nutrition is suggested to help repair injured muscle fibers.

Cranial bone movement is checked via muscle testing and restored by non-force movements with inspiratory assistance

The movement of the sacrum, commonly missed in a non-applied kinesiology office, is checked for dysfunction and adjusted for return of normal function and proper flow of the cerebrospinal fluid so important to the health of the brain and the spinal cord and nerves.

 

© 2015-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page at my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

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The Use of Applied Kinesiology in a Chiropractic Examination

In the chiropractic examination which includes orthopedic, neurological and spinal palpation, the addition of applied kinesiology and muscle testing adds an extra dimension of revealing the patient’s health status.

In the 1960’s, Dr George Goodheart found that muscle testing could be used in the evaluation of normal and abnormal body function. His examination soon included evaluation of the vascular and lymphatic system, nutrition, acupoint therapy, cranial movement and other factors that control health. He called this system based on the application of muscle testing: applied kinesiology.

Muscle testing is the first part of the applied kinesiological examination; muscles are tested in a specific manner in different areas of the body. When a weakness is found, the question that the chiropractic/AK doctor has to answer is why the weakness is there.

Is the weakness due to a spinal/nerve problem, a vascular problem, a problem with lymphatic function, a nutritional default, a problem with organ function or an acupoint associated w/ that muscle?

What treatment is needed to correct the problem and improve the patient’s health?

In the process of answering the question, the patient will either place their finger or hand on specific points or areas and the doctor retests the muscle to see if the weakness is corrected. This is called therapy localization.

If the therapy localization is positive and the area involved is the spine or a joint or a cranial fault,, the doctor will move the area in a way to stimulate neuro/mechano receptors in the joint or spine. This is called a “challenge’ and shows the direction of manipulation needed to improve function of the joint/spine and/or cranial movement.

Therapy localization is also used to evaluate if there is a problem w/ the vascular and lymphatic that supply the organs of the body or the meridian/acupoint system that are related to certain organ and muscle function.

In addition to the information from blood tests and examination of hair, eyes, skin, etc, an applied kinesiologist can use muscle testinng to “challenge” the supplements needed or the possibility of food allergies or intolerances that are affecting the patient’s health.

Therefore the addition of applied kinesiology combined with usual examination helps find what the problem is and how to correct it. The correction immediately improves muscle function and decreases the pain or the problem that the patient first came in with to the doctor.

On future visits, the above examination reveals if the corrections held and if the patient’s health is improving.

When health is restored , an applied kinesiologist uses these methods to maintain health and correct problems before they develop.

For information on specific techniques, please read:

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/how-a-nyc-applied-kinesiologist-uses-neurovascular-pts-for-better-physical-and-emotional-wellbeing/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/how-an-applied-kinesiologist-uses-neuro-lympathics-to-improve-health/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/muscle-balancing-in-applied-kinesiology/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/cranial-sacral-therapy-in-applied-kinesiology/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/the-art-and-science-of-muscle-testing-in-applied-kinesiology/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/the-correct-way-to-do-nutritional-evaluation-by-muscle-testing-in-applied-kinesiology/

© 2014-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic./ NeuroKinetic Therapy practice at 230 W 13thSt., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page at my web site.

Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/
Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

TMJ Problems (Jaw Problems) and How A Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKineticTherapy Practitioner Handles the Problem

Temporomandibular Joint problems(TMJ) or jaw pain occur mainly as a result of an imbalance  with the joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporomandibular_joint

The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side and enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control the position and movement of the jaw.

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/gray/subjects/subject/109

What Causes TMJ Problems?

• Receiving a heavy blow or whiplash
• Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
• Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
• Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
• Stress or Emotional Overload which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth
• Biting down on a hard and/or thick piece of food
• Using jaw clenching to compensate for weak or inhibited muscles elsewhere

What Are the Symptoms of a TMJ Problem?

• Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
• Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
• Jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth or chewing
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite
• Swelling on the side of the face
• May occur on one or both sides of the face

Other common symptoms of a TMJ problem can include digestive problems, toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis).

Neurological influences of the temporomandibular joint

As a Applied Kinesiologist and Doctor Of Chiropractic, I look at the articulation of the joint itself and the pull of the muscles such as the Masseter, the Temporalis, the External Pterygoid and the Internal Pterygoid on the joint itself. Neck muscles, hyoid muscles  and upper back muscles also affect the TMJ. Are they in spasm? Are they weak?  Do they need muscle spindle or golgi tendon work?

As a NeuroKineticTherapy practitioner, I ask if some muscles are compensating (or overactive) for inhibited or weak muscles. “The jaw muscles can compensate for weakness in the grip, in the neck flexors, or in the hip flexors.” http://neurokinetictherapy.com/do-you-treat-causes-or-symptoms-part-three

As the TMJ is part of the skull, the cranial bones are checked for alignment; esp the occipital bone at the back of the head.

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/cranial-sacral-therapy-in-applied-kinesiology/

Subluxations of the occipital also are involved with upper cervical (neck) problems and therefore cervical subluxations are adjusted

And since the examining acupuncture pts. on the head shows us that a number of meridians associated with digestion such as the stomach, small intestine and large intestines cross the TMJ can affect digestion (digestion can affect the TMJ), checking acupunture pts., the neuro-lymphatic and neuro-vascular points for digestive organs need to checked to see if there is any connection.

Once all the above are checked, then a very gentle adjustment of the joint itself can done.; a number of adjustments may be needed to break the subluxated pattern and get the Jaw joint moving freely and pain and noise free.

If you believe you have a TMJ problem, please give my office at call at 212-431-3724 for an appointment.

© 2013-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

© Revised – 2016 – Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/
Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

Technique Summary: Applied Kinesiology

A paper submitted by ICAK-U.S.A. Research Chairman Dr. Scott Cuthbert and ICAK-U.S.A. Research Director, Dr. Anthony Rosner describing AK in detail.

 http://www.chiroaccess.com/Articles/Technique-Summary-Applied-Kinesiology.aspx?id=0000144

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com.

And please check out the Patient Testimonials at the “Our Practice” page at the web site.