Neck Pain Treatment

One highlight for osteopathic medical students is obtaining hands-on training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). Cervical spinal manipulations are among the most anticipated of techniques and thankfully have successful outcomes.

Neck Therapy

With the Hollywood stigma and the spine tingling sound of cracking, it is no wonder that we have had to wait this long to learn the mechanics associated with such treatments. As students we are just as nervous performing the technique as we are to be the patient on the table. The risk of severe damage is reported to be rather low, nevertheless, attention to properly performing these treatments is critical.

There are numerous resources available for learning the art of OMM and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians' website outlines a few of the more common treatments performed by osteopathic doctors. Although it is needless to say, there is more available than we students have time to consume. After learning it in the lab, we have to take it upon ourselves to make the time to practice our new skills.

In cases of somatic dysfunction, when a diagnosis is obtained, a trained DO can perform these treatments which relieve unnecessary pain and muscle imbalance. Because it is so sensitive, the neck can have a significant amount of dysfunction. Osteopathic cervical treatment is a quick way for the patient to find relief from their symptoms, and it is an enjoyably unique part of most osteopathic medical students' curriculum.