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1- How big of a problem is back pain?
Neck pain is a serious concern. Consider these facts:
- Severe neck pain is the eighth most common reason people visit their doctor.
- About 70 percent of us will suffer from neck pain at some point in out lives.
- Approximately 10 – 12 percent of Americans are suffering from chronic neck pain right now.
This pain is often a symptom of a more serious condition. So if you experience neck pain, get a chiropractic examination. Understanding the problem is the first step toward fixing it – and avoiding a more serious problem in the future.
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2- What causes neck pain?
Neck pain can be caused by a number of factors including:
- Whiplash, which is the most common cause of chronic neck pain.
- Disc bulges/herniation
- Disc degeneration
- Sciatica
- Arthritis/osteoarthritis
- Stenosis
- Strains
- Tension headaches
For more information about your body and these conditions, visit our "about your body" section.
3- What is whiplash and what causes it?
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by the sudden movement of the head backward, forward or sideways. It is the most common cause of neck pain.
Auto accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, though sports, falls and other injuries can also be responsible. In Alaska in 2000, there were more than 14,000 auto accidents. These accidents resulted in 6,200 injuries – and most of them were neck and whiplash related.
It doesn’t take a major auto accident to cause whiplash. Vehicles can usually withstand collisions of 10 mph without damage. However, whiplash can be caused in accidents of just 5 mph. If you’ve been in an accident, see a chiropractor – even if you don’t have whiplash symptoms. Often, whiplash symptoms don’t develop for days, weeks or months after an accident.
4- Why is the MCU so effective for whiplash/neck pain treatment?
The Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU) succeeds in treating neck pain where other therapies have failed because it emphasizes the restoration of neck movement and strength. The MCU is currently the only treatment that provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment all in one system.
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5- How was the MCU developed?
The MCU was developed in Melbourne, Australia in 2000 to address the need for effective neck pain and whiplash treatment. It was first used in the United States in 2001.
Better Health Pain and Wellness Centers introduced the MCU to Alaska in 2002, because we are committed to providing safe, effective, non-surgical neck pain treatment to Alaskans.
6- Is Better Health Pain and Wellness Centers the only clinic in Alaska to offer MCU therapy?
Yes. We introduced the MCU therapy to Alaska in 2002, and we continue to be the only clinic offering this type of treatment.
7- Aside from the MCU, why should I seek treatment at Better Health Pain and Wellness Centers?
Our physicians are auto injury specialists. Many have post-graduate education in whiplash diagnosis and treatment, and are certified in the management of auto whiplash injuries by the prestigious Spine Research Institute of San Diego.
8- What benefits will I receive from MCU therapy?
The DRS System has been the subject of numerous research studies, You may see many benefits from MCU therapy, including:
- Decreased neck pain
- Improved neck strength
- Improved range of motion
- Improved daily function, like reading, turning your head and lifting
- Long-term results
- Less chance of re-injury
Plus, most insurance companies cover MCU treatment and, unlike surgery, there is no recovery period.
9- How do you know MCU therapy works?
The MCU has been the subject of numerous research studies, which have found the treatment to be safe and effective. Specifically, studies have shown:
- More than 98 percent of MCU patients successfully achieve and maintain their goals.
- After treatment, most MCU patients’ pain levels decrease by 1/3.
- Most patients report between a 50 – 300 percent improvement in neck strength.
- Most patients maintain the gains made during MCU therapy – ensuring that the results are not just temporary.
Here at Better Health Pain and Wellness Centers, we’ve treated hundreds of Alaskans with the MCU – and seen plenty of our own success stories.
10- What can I expect during my MCU treatment?
In most cases, our unique MCU therapy program begins with two – four weeks of home exercises, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy sessions to prepare you for the MCU program. Typically, the program includes 20 MCU treatment sessions.
During an MCU session:
- You’ll be seated in a comfortable chair.
- Your therapist will use the MCU’s head brace to facilitate movement and effectively diagnose and treat the injured areas.
- We’ll use the MCU’s dynamometer to measure your neck strength.
- The MCU’s specialized computer system will provide real-time data.
- The weight stack helps with safe, controlled strength training and rehabilitation.
