Relieving a neck pain story

Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash

This is a story of persistance and teamwork

As usual, I prepared my therapy session program beforehand and arrived ready to implement my plan. I expected it to be a normal, productive session like other days, with good progress and patient satisfaction.

Although we had a session just two days ago, something in his neck suddenly clicked and started to ache. It was a weird pain that seemed unrelated to the exercise we were doing. Actually, it was connected in a way. We were performing "Prone Superman Flies," where he needed to extend his neck and flex his head (chin tuck position).

Not only was my patient bothered, but I was also concerned about the pain. I don't accept any disturbances or complications occurring while I'm trying to improve a condition during my therapy session. To address the issue, I mobilized the painful cervical spine segments using the SNAG technique. This approach proved effective, reducing the pain by nearly 90%.

A day after, I got a text message from my patient telling me that the pain was back and he was still suffering from it. He asked for advice or any exercise. I was not happy with the situation because I thought I had helped him with the pain, but realizing that it was unsuccessful was making me curious and concerned. So I sent him some self-release videos for the upper trapezius and paraspinal erector muscles using a tennis ball, hoping that this time it would help. I knew it was not related to the cervical joints and vertebrae themselves; it must be either a muscle cramp or muscle guarding.

Later that night, he texted me that his neck was still bothering him and the videos didn't help. :(

I got curious once again.

So today, I planned to take a closer look at his neck and thoroughly examine it to understand the cause of his pain. They say diagnosis is 50% of healing. After we finished the session, I began to palpate his upper trapezius muscle, searching for a painful trigger point or tight band. As I did this, I asked him to describe the location and intensity of pain that my pressure produced.

His description was: "It started suddenly at the beginning of the exercise. It didn't improve with myofascial release and massage. After sleeping, this morning I feel less pain, but I still sense something when I move my neck around."

Diagnosis is 50% of Healing

With this description and history, my hypothesis was that it was "muscle guarding" and an interruption in intrafusal muscle spindle fiber signaling. So I implemented the SCS technique to the position. The result was successful. His pain decreased and range of motion (ROM) increased! He started to move his neck around, looking for the pain which was no longer there.

"It started suddenly at the beginning of the exercise. It didn't improve with massage. After sleeping, this morning I feel less pain, but I still sense something when I move my neck around."

The most rewarding part for me is seeing that look in patients' eyes when you've helped them overcome their physical problems. It's truly the most precious gift one can receive.

"Wow, it's like magic! You're amazing!" he exclaimed. The look on his face was one of pure joy and relief—his eyes bright and wide with wonder. I took the time to explain the problem and my approach, which he appreciated. His happiness being pain free and reaction made my day. It was moments like these that made all the effort worthwhile.

I know not all sessions end with great and successful results. Although it's hard to accept, this is reality. Even the best doctors sometimes fail to save lives. The key is to pay attention to patients' histories and needs, do everything possible in examination and treatment, and stay curious about their conditions. At the same time I have to give him effort for trusting me and not giving up. It was a true effort. Being open to learning is crucial—it's a never-ending education. Patients sense your passion, attention, and eagerness to help. Often, this dedication alone goes a long way in making patients feel important and cared for.