Son PMR & Chiropractic clinic

A Case of Coexisting Cervical Disc Herniation and Shoulder Dysfunction in a 60-Year-Old Woman by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A 60-year-old female patient recently visited our clinic with complaints of neck pain, shoulder discomfort, arm tingling , and limited shoulder mobility that had persisted for several months. She had been previously diagnosed with cervical disc herniation , and MRI findings revealed disc protrusion at the C5-C6 level , compressing the corresponding nerve root. Additionally, physical examination showed marked limitations in shoulder abduction and external rotation , with signs of supraspinatus muscle weakness . Understanding the Connection Cervical disc herniation and shoulder disorders (such as rotator cuff tendinopathy) often coexist, and their symptoms can overlap or influence each other. Nerve root compression in the cervical spine can lead to neuromuscular dysfunction , contributing to shoulder w...

Contraindications for Upper Cervical Treatment by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul The upper cervical spine (C1 and C2) plays a critical role in connecting the head and body. Due to its delicate and complex nature, treatment of this area can offer significant benefits but must be performed with great caution. Certain conditions may require delaying or avoiding upper cervical treatment to ensure patient safety. 1. Suspected Cerebrovascular Disorders Conditions such as vertebral artery anomalies, stenosis, or dissection require thorough evaluation before considering upper cervical treatment. Manipulation of the upper cervical region may affect blood flow; therefore, it is important to confirm vascular integrity through appropriate imaging and medical consultation beforehand. 2. Bone Disorders and Structural Abnormalities Patients with severe osteoporosis , pathologic fractures , or congenital anomalies (e.g., Down syndrom...

Why Treating the Knee Is Important When Managing Hip Pain by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul When addressing hip pain, it is crucial to also assess and manage the knee joint. There are several anatomical and biomechanical reasons for this integrated approach. 1. The Hip and Knee Are Functionally Connected The hip and knee joints are part of a continuous structural and functional chain in the lower body. The femur (thigh bone) forms both the hip and knee joints. When the hip is dysfunctional, it can alter the alignment and movement of the femur, leading to abnormal stress and dysfunction in the knee. Reference: Neumann, D. A. (2010). Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System. The femur structurally connects the hip and knee, and dysfunction in one joint directly affects the loading and movement patterns of the adjacent joint. 2. Hip Dysfunction Causes Compensatory Stress on the Knee When hip mobility is restricted or...

Upper Cervical Syndrome Caused by Aftereffects of a Car Accident by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A car accident can leave behind not only immediate injuries but also long-term aftereffects that manifest over time. In particular, injuries around the neck, even if seemingly minor, can eventually affect the upper cervical spine (C0–C2) and cause a range of symptoms. This condition is often referred to as Upper Cervical Syndrome caused by car accident aftereffects . What Is the Upper Cervical Spine? The upper cervical spine refers to the very top part of the cervical spine (C0–C2) that connects the head and neck. It plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of the head and allowing a wide range of movement. Moreover, many vital nerves and blood vessels pass through this area, so even subtle misalignments can impact the entire body. Why Does Upper Cervical Syndrome Develop After a Car Accident? Subtle Misalignments Due to Im...

Could Your Autonomic Symptoms Be Coming From Your Neck? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul — Understanding the Link Between Autonomic Dysfunction and Upper Cervical Syndrome At our clinic, we often meet patients who experience unusual symptoms like a racing heart , shortness of breath , cold hands and feet , poor digestion , or chronic fatigue , but whose medical tests all come back normal. These symptoms are often linked to a condition called autonomic dysfunction — and surprisingly, in some cases, the underlying cause may be found in the upper neck (upper cervical spine) . What Is Autonomic Dysfunction? The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls automatic body functions like heart rate, digestion, breathing, temperature regulation, and blood pressure. When this system becomes imbalanced, the result is autonomic dysfunction — a condition that can manifest with a wide range of physical symptoms. Common symptoms of autonomic...

"From Neck Pain to Hand Numbness – A Case of Cervical Disc and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Improved with Upper Cervical Chiropractic and IMS Treatment" — A Case Report of a Late 50s Housewife with Chronic Pain from Repetitive Household Tasks — by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A woman in her late 50s visited our clinic complaining of persistent pain extending from the neck to the arm, along with numbness in her hand. She had been performing repetitive household chores for years, often involving prolonged arm and wrist use. Her symptoms worsened over time, interfering with sleep and daily life. Clinical assessment revealed signs of cervical disc degeneration , along with symptoms suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome . This case illustrates the classic example of a “ double crush syndrome ,” where minor compression in the cervical spine, combined with entrapment at the wrist, leads to more severe peripheral nerve symptoms than ...

Why Can Numbness in the Right Face and Hand Improve with Upper Cervical and IMS Treatment? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Some patients visit our clinic complaining of numbness or tingling in the right side of the face and hand , even without any history of trauma. While these symptoms may sometimes stem from peripheral nerve issues, they are often closely related to dysfunction in the upper cervical spine, particularly C1 to C3 . How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Facial and Hand Sensation The upper cervical spine is a key intersection where multiple sensory and motor pathways converge: The C2 nerve root is involved in sensation to the back of the head, temporal region, and sometimes the upper face. The C3 and C4 nerves contribute to sensation in the neck, shoulders, and parts of the upper extremity. Importantly, the spinal trigeminal nucleus , which processes facial sensation, extends down into the upper cervical...

 Rapid Recovery of Arm Weakness from Cervical Disc Herniation through Upper Cervical Care, IMS, and Integrated Management by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Cervical disc herniation can compress the nerves extending from the neck to the arms, leading to symptoms such as arm numbness, sensory disturbances, and in more severe cases, arm weakness. When arm strength is noticeably reduced, it usually indicates significant nerve involvement. At Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic , we help patients recover quickly from arm weakness caused by cervical disc herniation through upper cervical-centered correction , IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) therapy , and comprehensive rehabilitation management . This case involves a woman in her mid-40s, who presented with sudden onset of left arm weakness and numbness . MRI evaluation revealed a disc herniation at the C5-C6 level . Our Treatment Approach Upper Cervical Alignment Assessm...

How Upper Cervical Treatment May Help Improve Tinnitus by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Tinnitus, or the perception of ringing in the ears, can arise from a wide range of causes. While it is often associated with issues within the ear itself, it can also be influenced by the nervous system and musculoskeletal factors. In particular, tension or misalignment in the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2) can impact neurological function and blood flow, potentially contributing to the development or worsening of tinnitus symptoms. Upper cervical treatment focuses on restoring balance and function in this critical area. Several mechanisms may explain why patients sometimes experience relief from tinnitus through upper cervical care: 1. Neurological Stabilization The upper cervical spine houses pathways crucial to brain communication. Misalignment or dysfunction in this region can irritate the nervous system and heighten sensitivity, possi...

Hip Pain and Difficulty Sitting Cross-Legged – What Conditions Should Be Considered? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Sometimes, hip pain and movement restrictions become noticeable, especially when trying to sit cross-legged on the floor. If you experience significant discomfort or find it difficult to maintain a cross-legged position, several hip-related conditions may be considered. Here are some common possibilities: 1. Hip Osteoarthritis This is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the hip joint gradually wears down, leading to joint space narrowing and pain. Pain typically worsens with movement, and the range of motion—especially flexion and abduction—becomes limited, making cross-legged sitting difficult. It commonly occurs in middle-aged and older adults. 2. Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head This condition results from reduced blood supply to the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint), causing the ...

Why Head, Face, and Neck Pain Are Connected – Understanding Trigemino-Cervical Convergence by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Hello, this is Son Cheolho Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic. Today, I would like to share an important neurological concept called "Trigemino-Cervical Convergence," which explains why pain in the head, face, and neck often overlaps and influences each other. What Is Trigemino-Cervical Convergence? The face and head are primarily innervated by the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), while the upper part of the neck (especially the C1–C3 regions) is innervated by the cervical spinal nerves. Interestingly, signals from both these regions converge and are processed together in an area of the brainstem called the Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus. This phenomenon is known as Trigemino-Cervical Convergence. Why Is This Important? Because of this neurological convergence: Problems in the neck (cervica...

Why Upper Cervical Treatment May Help Alleviate Eye and Ear Pain After Cervical Spine Surgery? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A middle-aged female patient visited our clinic after undergoing cervical spine surgery at the C5-6-7 levels about one year ago. Although her neck pain gradually improved after surgery, she began to experience new symptoms—pain around her left eye and ear—which caused significant discomfort in daily life. Despite thorough evaluations by ophthalmologists and ENT specialists, no specific abnormalities were found. Subsequently, she was referred to our clinic. At the initial consultation, the patient not only reported neck discomfort but also persistent pain around her left eye and ear . This pattern of symptoms was difficult to fully explain through ophthalmological or ENT causes alone. Currently, she is undergoing upper cervical treatment at our clinic, and she has completed two sessions so far . While...

 What is Central Sensitization? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Central sensitization refers to a condition where the brain and spinal cord become abnormally sensitive to pain signals following an injury or inflammation. In simpler terms, the pathways that perceive pain become overly reactive, causing individuals to experience excessive pain from minor stimuli or persistent pain even after healing . Key Features of Central Sensitization Amplified pain responses (Allodynia) Pain is felt even with non-painful stimuli, such as light touch or gentle movement. Increased pain sensitivity (Hyperalgesia) Painful stimuli feel much more intense than usual. Persistent pain Pain can continue even after the original injury or inflammation has resolved. How Central Sensitization Develops Peripheral nerve injury or inflammation → Continuous transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord and brain → Hyperexcitab...