​If you are suffering from neck pain, you have probably tried everything that both you and your doctor can think of in order to get some relief. However, some cases of neck pain can be stubborn. In such a case, the key to correcting neck issues may be discovering the most commonly overlooked cause of neck pain. We are going to discuss what this underlying catalyst is and how you can find genuine relief from chronic or recurrent neck pain.

The Most Overlooked Cause of Neck Pain
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The most overlooked cause of neck pain is actually the simplest – a misalignment of the Atlas (C1 vertebra). How does Atlas misalignment cause neck pain? This bone is at the top of the spine and is responsible for balancing the skull. When a subluxation occurs, changes in the neck and spine below will take place in order to keep the head up right. 

These changes can disturb the alignment of the rest of the neck (and spine below for that matter). Soft tissue is also affected, so muscles can become sore, and ligaments or tendons can be strained. Nerves may even be irritated which can create radiating pain, burning, numbness, or tingling. If the misalignment exists for a long period of time, it can even begin to increase the rate at which the discs between the vertebrae wear, leading to long-term issues with arthritis and degeneration in the high stress areas that develop.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and chronic neck pain download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

How can you correct the problem, relieve pain, and avoid ongoing issues? We would like to introduce you to upper cervical chiropractic care.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Natural Neck Pain Relief

At Upper Cervical Health Centers Boise, Dr. Blom focuses specifically on the precise position and alignment of the Atlas. Using cutting edge diagnostic imaging techniques and gentle adjustments, we measure Atlas subluxation and provide custom-fit and safe corrections for each patient.

If you are suffering from chronic or recurrent neck pain, the root of the problem may have been overlooked for years. Call us today at 208.559.0541 to schedule a consultation. We can help you fix the underlying cause of your problem so that you can get genuine relief.
 
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom click the button below or call 208-559-0541.

Do you suffer from chronic neck pain? If you deal with neck pain on a daily basis, there can be a number of different reasons for the pain. We’re going to address some of the more common culprits. Then we will address how upper cervical chiropractic care can offer you the long-term relief from neck pain that seems so elusive.

Causes of Chronic Neck Pain

There are a number of underlying factors that can contribute to chronic neck pain. These include:

• Disc degeneration – When the discs between the vertebrae begin to wear away or bulge, this can cause pain and nerve irritation. Disc degeneration can be sped up when the spine is locked in a stressed position such as when an upper cervical misalignment exists.
• Traumatic injuries – Car accidents, sports injuries, and even a simple slip and fall can cause long-term problems to develop in the structures of the neck. Whiplash injuries and concussions commonly cause neck injuries, but head and neck trauma doesn’t have to be severe to affect the soft tissue that protects the cervical spine.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and chronic neck pain download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

• Poor posture – Whether you are working, driving, or enjoying some relaxation, poor posture can increase the wear and tear on the spine. Everything from working at a desk that is not set up ergonomically to binge-watching your favorite shows with your mobile device positioned too low can put constant strain on the neck.
• Sleep issues – From sleeping in an uncomfortable position for your neck to using the wrong pillow, if you are experiencing chronic neck pain that is worse in the morning, you may need to reexamine your sleep habits.

Relief from Chronic Neck Pain in Boise, Idaho

If you are dealing with chronic neck pain, Upper Cervical Health Centers Boise has the natural solution you are looking for. By correcting upper cervical misalignment in a safe and gentle way, we give the soft tissue of the neck the opportunity it needs to heal. That can lessen your pain immediately and gradually lead to complete relief. To learn more, contact us today by calling 208.559.0541 to schedule an appointment. 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom click the button below or call 208-559-0541.​

Are you suffering from neck pain? It is a very common issue in our modern, technology-forward society. Here are a few of the ways that technology is contributing to how much neck discomfort we see here at the office as well as how upper cervical chiropractic care provides safe and gentle relief from neck pain.

How Technology Is Leading to Neck Pain
​The human head weighs between 10-16 pounds, and the medical field has nicknamed the bone at the top of the neck that balances it the atlas. When the atlas is out of alignment, the rest of the bones and soft tissue of the neck (and spine below) experience changes to keep the head properly balanced. This can lead to pain!

While head and neck injuries can obviously lead to misalignment, so can using poor posture that increases the strain on the neck. Take smartphone use as an example. The neck is used to holding up 10-16 pounds, and it doesn’t really strain your neck to do that. However, when you crane your neck forward at a 60-degree angle to check a text, use social media, watch a video, or do anything else on your smartphone, you are now placing 60 pounds of extra pressure on your neck. Think about how many times you do that per day.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and chronic neck pain download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Neck and shoulder pain are common issues, and they are very often related. Nerves that run through the shoulders and down the arms extend from the neck. Head and neck misalignment can affect the bones and soft tissues of the shoulders.

Let’s take a quick look at the symptoms that can accompany neck and shoulder pain. We will also discuss how upper cervical chiropractic care can help you to find genuine, long-lasting relief.

Symptoms of Neck and Shoulder Pain
Besides the pain, when there are issues with the neck and shoulders, you may experience additional symptoms. Some of these include:

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and chronic neck pain download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Migraines are so exceedingly common that they actually affect 1 billion people around the globe. Approximately 39 million Americans experience migraines, making it one of the most frequently complained about neurological conditions.

It is difficult to understand the reason for migraine onset and how sufferers may feel during an episode. People fortunate enough never to have had one may not understand the extent to which it can affect a person’s overall ability to function. Over 90% of those suffering with a migraine cannot continue with their everyday life activities. Job tasks, household chores and caregiving can all feel unachievable during these painful events.

Bringing Clarity to Migraine Misconceptions

​Clarifying a few of the misconceptions about migraines can be very helpful for those afflicted and for those who care for them.

1. Migraines are not simply really bad headaches.  A migraine is a neurological condition including symptoms that can be disabling for many individuals. These symptoms can happen with or without a headache, such as the following:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
• Extreme sensitivity to smells, light, and noise
• Visual disturbances called aura
• Cognitive issues or brain fog
• Neck or jaw pain
• Fatigue

1. Women aren’t the only ones who can get migraines.  It is true that more women than men suffer from migraines (approximately 85% of migraine sufferers are women); however, men do get them as well. Surprisingly, among children the statistic is swapped, with boys being more likely to have migraines than girls are.
2. Migraines can be chronic.  Some people may have only infrequent migraines. However, the number of chronic migraine sufferers is more than 4 million. These are people who have migraine episodes as often as 15 or more days out of the month. More than 20% of chronic sufferers are disabled.
3. Migraines can affect children as well as adults. About 10% of children ages 6-11 struggle with migraines, but for many of them, it will not get diagnosed. Migraines seem to be hereditary to some extent. According to research, if one parent has migraines, the child has a 50% chance of also having them. If both parents have migraines, then the percentage shoots to a 75% chance for their child. Almost half of adult migraine sufferers have their first episode sometime before 12 years of age.
4. Avoiding foods that are migraine triggers, such as chocolate or wine, can help prevent migraines, but not always.  Many factors can bring on migraines symptoms, and it is a good idea to avoid them. However, this does not ensure that you can keep migraines at bay entirely. Here are a few of the more common triggers you may not have heard of:

• Hormonal fluctuations
• Weather factors like wind, bright sun, or barometric pressure changes
• Food additives such as MSG
• Aged cheeses or meats
• Changes in sleep pattern, like pulling an all-nighter
• Strong scents, including perfumes or smoke
• Certain medications like oral contraceptives

Migraine medications don’t always work.  Overusing medications is a leading cause for migraines. Many people who use pain relievers will administer them multiple times a week. Using prescriptions even 10 days out of the months can lead to migraine symptoms. Many of these individuals get caught in the cycle of taking more pain relievers or migraine medication because of these symptoms.

​To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.