Wow! Thank you! This is incredible informative! 15 years ago a radiologist reported on my MRI that I had a torn nuchal ligament - he said it was very rare. I did not treat it and every now and again it would burn in a specific location. Now 15 years later it is a constant burn; I went to an orthopedic surgeon who did not know what a nuchal ligament is..also several PT professionals did not know what it is!! I have an appt with a neurosurgeon and hopefully he can help!
Can this nuchal ligament get shortened and can it be stretched? After a chiropractic session, I noticed that when I lower my head, I feel a volume in this region, as if it were high, which starts from the head region, then the end of the neck.
Thanks for the question! The nuchal ligament is often the main culprit in neck pain and stiffness presentations. When scar tissue forms in there it temporarily can loosen up after an adjustment, but then tightens back up. Stretching won't get rid of the scar tissue. In order to break it down, it needs proper depth, then tension to break it down. Think of the scar tissue as a cavity and stretching is like brushing your teeth, you can't fix a cavity by brushing more, that's why stretching isn't a treatment. What it needs is a specialized and focused treatment. Where are you located so I can see if there is anyone I could refer you to?
Wow! Thank you! This is incredible informative! 15 years ago a radiologist reported on my MRI that I had a torn nuchal ligament - he said it was very rare. I did not treat it and every now and again it would burn in a specific location. Now 15 years later it is a constant burn; I went to an orthopedic surgeon who did not know what a nuchal ligament is..also several PT professionals did not know what it is!! I have an appt with a neurosurgeon and hopefully he can help!
Thanks Dr. Matt!! Another great video!!
Can this nuchal ligament get shortened and can it be stretched? After a chiropractic session, I noticed that when I lower my head, I feel a volume in this region, as if it were high, which starts from the head region, then the end of the neck.
Thanks for the question! The nuchal ligament is often the main culprit in neck pain and stiffness presentations. When scar tissue forms in there it temporarily can loosen up after an adjustment, but then tightens back up. Stretching won't get rid of the scar tissue. In order to break it down, it needs proper depth, then tension to break it down. Think of the scar tissue as a cavity and stretching is like brushing your teeth, you can't fix a cavity by brushing more, that's why stretching isn't a treatment. What it needs is a specialized and focused treatment. Where are you located so I can see if there is anyone I could refer you to?