Very few clinics in the world specialize in regenerative treatments for painful neck conditions, and no other clinic is as dedicated to the study and treatment of neck ligaments as Caring Medical and the Hauser Neck Center. These cases are among those that we are the most passionate about, in part because the transformations we see in our patients are often nothing short of awesome! Conditions such as post-whiplash, post-concussion, and radiculopathy can devastate a person’s ability to work and function normally. However, they typically respond beautifully to ligament repair and curve restoration treatment. Our providers work with patients to carefully detail the extent of the ligamentous cervical instability through motion imaging and determine which Prolotherapy solutions, as well as other stabilizing techniques, will offer the best chance for permanently alleviating pain and other symptoms. Whether you have recently been in an auto accident and are experiencing symptoms or have struggled with neck pain for years and want to find a more curative treatment and avoid cervical fusion surgery, our specialists can help!
Symptoms caused by Ligamentous Cervical instability
Often, these symptoms are labeled as "idiopathic" because other providers cannot determine the cause. In our clinic, we help determine if the cause is due to a structural problem in the neck.
- Anxiety
- Balance difficulty
- Cognitive impairment
- Crepitation- clicking/popping
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Drop attacks
- Dysphagia
- Ear pain and hearing problems
- Fatigue
- Feel the need to crack the neck
- Headaches
- Inability to "hold" an adjustment
- Irritability and other personality changes
- Lightheadedness
- Migraines
- Muscle tightness/spasms
- Nausea / vomiting
- Neck pain / stiffness / soreness
- Paresthesias
- Radiating pain into arms and/or shoulders
- Seizures
- Speech disturbances
- Temporary relief with neck brace
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Visual disturbances
Chronic Conditions caused by Ligamentous Cervical Instability
The Horrific Progression of Ligamentous Cervical Instability to Cervical Dysstructure
Whole Body Effects of Neck Instability
Cervical instability from ligament laxity and injuries can influence the nervous system of the whole body and thus every tissue.
Prolotherapy Treatment for Neck Pain, Headaches, Migraines, and More...
The ligaments that hold the cervical vertebrae in alignment can be damaged via a sudden trauma, such as a whiplash or concussion, or through the slow stretching of ligaments, known as CREEP. This can be attributed to extended hours of poor posture in front of a computer or smartphone, or other position that slowly stretches the ligaments.
Cervical instability causes the facet joints to move too much, and this can cause pinched nerves, headaches, vertigo, and drop attacks, among other symptoms. This movement can clearly be seen by using Digital Motion X-ray (DMX) technology. It allows the practitioner and the patient to observe the vertebrae movement as the patient moves their neck through the full range of motion. DMX is an excellent tool for assisting in diagnosing the problem, and is often recommended for patients instead of a static x-ray or MRI. The combination of motion studies and physical exam indicates to the Prolotherapist whether ligaments are the primary cause of a patient’s symptoms and help direct the course of treatment.
Digital Motion X-ray of Neck Showing Pinched Nerve from Cervical Instability
Notice the neural foramina obstruction during lateral extension on this patient which resolves with neck flexion. When this peatient extended his neck, gapping of the facet joints from capsular ligament laxity causes cervical nerves to get pinched, causing severe pain down his arm. H3 Prolotherapy resolved his cervical instability and the associated symptoms.
Prolotherapy is an extremely safe and effective treatment for chronic neck pain and instability because it strengthens ligaments that are weak and causing the pain. The injections restart the body’s natural healing cascade to the weakened structures that otherwise have a poor blood supply and have ceased being able to repair on their own. It is like supplying construction workers who are waiting at the site with the right tools to complete the job. Each treatment builds upon itself, and as the tissue strengthens the patient notices fewer symptoms and increased stability. Typically, a few treatments are needed to permanently restore the integrity of the ligaments so the symptoms are fully resolved and the patient is back to full activities.
Prolotherapy to the Cervical Facet Joints
Prolotherapy is the treatment of choice when ligamentous cervical instability is the cause of a patient’s chronic neck pain, headaches, migraines, vertigo, ringing in the ears, and other symptoms of craniocervical syndrome. By repairing the ligaments, the vertebral motion stabilizes, resolving the impingement of the cervical sympathetic ganglion, as well as vagus nerve and internal jugular vein compression.
Why “Comprehensive” H3 Prolotherapy makes the most sense
Our specialists utilize the comprehensive technique called H3 Prolotherapy, which means the neck ligaments are thoroughly treated, not just one or two injections. Just as a loose hinge on a door begins to affect the adjacent hinges, injured ligaments mean the surrounding ligament structures of the neck have been under added stress. When the ligaments are not fully treated, patients may not see the same results.
Degenerative Door Cascade compared to the Cervical Disc Deterioration Process
In the long term, not resolving ligamentous cervical instability not only results in worsening symptoms, but also increased damage to the discs. The process of disc deterioration begins with a single capsular ligament injury and ends with multi-level degenerative disc disease. Prolotherapy is successful because it addresses the root cause of the arthritic cascade which is ligamentous cervical instability.
When you understand spinal instability, it only makes sense to address all of these areas versus only targeting a couple structures. In our experience, this technique provides superior patient results. When it comes to patients who have already begun to lose their lordotic curve, we may utilize additional protocols, including cervical weights to help restore a proper curve. Our treatment protocols are tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Our team is accustomed to very complicated cases, so please do not assume all hope is lost for you, even if you have seen 10 other specialists. You are probably a more “normal” case for us than you think. Reach out and tell us more about what you are dealing with, and we will review your case to see if you sound like a good fit for our centers. Remember, our motto is “Hope practiced here.” And we stand by that!
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You deserve the best possible results from your treatment. Let’s make this happen! Talk to our team about your case to find out if you are a good candidate.