Son PMR & Chiropractic clinic

🌙 Why Does Musculoskeletal Pain Get Worse at Night? by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Many people wonder: "My pain was manageable during the day, but it gets much worse at night. Why is that?" You're not imagining it — musculoskeletal pain often intensifies in the evening or at night. Here's why: 1. Shift from Sympathetic to Parasympathetic Nervous System During the day, your sympathetic nervous system — the one responsible for action and alertness — is active. It keeps your body engaged and often masks pain sensations. At night, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over to help the body rest and recover. As your body relaxes, your sensitivity to pain can increase , making discomfort more noticeable. 2. Reduced Movement = Poor Circulation When you're active during the day, blood flows freely through your muscles and joints. But at night, physical activity decreases and circulation slows down . This can cause inf...

W hy Do Side Sleepers with Temporal Headache and Dizziness Improve with Upper Cervical Chiropractic and IMS Treatment? by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Have you ever been awakened in the early morning by a throbbing pain in your temples or a sensation of dizziness ? If these symptoms worsen when you sleep on your side, the underlying cause might not be simple fatigue or stress—it could be related to dysfunction in the upper cervical spine , specifically at C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) . ■ How Side Sleeping Affects the Upper Cervical Spine When sleeping on your side, the alignment between the head and neck is often compromised. This subtle misalignment—particularly involving the atlas and axis—can affect: Vertebral artery blood flow , potentially leading to temporary changes in circulation Autonomic nervous system imbalance , due to irritation of sympathetic pathways Increased tension and sensitivity in cranial and occipital nerves As a ...

Why Some Patients Experience Less Dizziness After Upper Cervical Treatment – Understanding the Link Between the Upper Neck and Balance by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul When people think of dizziness, they often associate it with inner ear problems. However, in clinical settings, we often meet patients whose dizziness persists despite normal ear examinations. In these cases, issues in the upper cervical spine—especially the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae —may play a significant role. The Upper Cervical Spine and Its Role in Balance The upper cervical region supports the skull and plays a critical role in coordinating head and neck movement. Several important anatomical structures pass through or near this area: Vertebral Arteries : These travel through the upper cervical vertebrae to supply blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and inner ear structures responsible for balance. Proprioceptors : Located in muscles and joints around the neck, ...

Why Hair Designers Suffer from Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care and IMS Offer a Comprehensive Solution By Cheolho Son, MD, DC(Physiatrist and Chiropractor) in Seoul 💡 Hair Designers: A High-Risk Group for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Hair designers spend long hours standing, bending their necks, and lifting their arms repeatedly to style clients’ hair. These repetitive movements and awkward postures place significant stress on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. According to occupational health data from Korea and other countries, hairdressers are at high risk for: Chronic neck and shoulder pain Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands Wrist overuse syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome 📚 Reference: Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2015 – “Survey on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Hairdressers” 📌 Beyond Muscle Fatigue – The Role of the Upper Cervical Spine and Deep Muscular Te...

Why Treating T11–T12 and L1–L2 Matters in Lumbar Disc Patients – A Sympathetic Nervous System Perspective by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Lumbar disc herniation, commonly known as a herniated disc, typically occurs between the L4–L5 or L5–S1 vertebral levels. It often causes low back pain that radiates down the legs. However, treating only the local disc pathology does not always lead to full symptom relief. In many cases, it is essential to consider the anatomical pathways of the sympathetic nervous system as part of a more integrated treatment strategy. First , the sympathetic nervous system originates from the spinal cord between T1 and L2. These nerves regulate many autonomic functions, including peripheral blood flow, sweating, muscle tone, and sensory sensitivity. Notably, the T11–T12 and L1–L2 spinal levels are key areas where sympathetic fibers travel down toward the lower extremities. Dysfunction in this region can lead to symptoms such as...

Why Should We Also Address T1–T2 in Cervical Disc Patients? – The Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Body: Patients with cervical disc issues typically focus on problems in the neck area alone. However, in clinical practice, addressing the upper thoracic spine—especially T1 and T2—can be equally important . One major reason lies in the close relationship between these spinal levels and the sympathetic nervous system . Anatomical Connection: T1–T2 and the Sympathetic Nervous System The sympathetic nervous system originates from the thoracic spinal cord segments T1 to L2 . Among them, T1 and T2 play a critical role as they contribute to sympathetic fibers directed to the heart, lungs, upper limbs, and face . T1 segment is associated with sympathetic fibers traveling to the upper extremities and the heart. T2 segment contributes to sympathetic pathways affecting the head and face , via the superior cervic...

Sudden Wrist Drop – Presumptive Cervical Disc and Peripheral Nerve Palsy Responding Rapidly to Upper Cervical Treatment by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A man in his 50s recently visited our clinic after an unexpected and alarming symptom: he could no longer lift his right hand, and his wrist had suddenly dropped. Worried it might be a stroke, he rushed to a university hospital emergency room. Fortunately, brain imaging showed no abnormalities. However, his symptoms persisted — his wrist remained limp, and he was unable to lift his arm properly. Feeling confused and anxious, he came to our clinic seeking further answers. Clinical Assessment and Presumptive Diagnosis Upon a detailed physical and neurological examination, the following findings were noted: Presumptive cervical disc involvement at the C5–C6 level Upper cervical misalignment (C1–C2 instability) Severe tension and myofascial tightness in the anterior and middle scalene musc...

Relief from Occipital and Cervical Pain Through Upper Cervical Care and IMS by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A patient recently visited our clinic with persistent pain in the back of the head and neck. The discomfort was mainly located in the bilateral occipital area and sometimes radiated behind the eyes. The patient also reported stiffness in the neck and a constant pulling sensation during movement. Due to the location of the pain, they were deeply worried that it might be a sign of a serious brain disorder. However, after conducting a thorough neurological and physical examination, no red flags suggesting intracranial pathology were found. Instead, we identified segmental dysfunction in the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2) , along with significant tension in the suboccipital muscles , including the rectus capitis posterior major and minor. We initiated a treatment plan consisting of: Upper cervical chiropractic care tailored to the patient...

Cervical-Origin Chest Pain – A Hidden Cause Often Overlooked by Son Cheolho Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul When people experience chest pain, the first concern is usually a heart or lung condition. And rightly so—serious issues like angina or myocardial infarction must always be ruled out first. However, when diagnostic tests reveal no cardiac or pulmonary abnormalities , another possible cause may be found in an unexpected area: the cervical spine . This condition is known as cervicogenic chest pain or musculoskeletal-related chest pain . What Is Cervicogenic Chest Pain? Cervicogenic chest pain refers to discomfort in the chest region caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck) . This may result from cervical disc degeneration, joint instability, or soft tissue dysfunction, such as myofascial or neural tension. The pain is often referred , meaning the source of the pain is in the neck, but the sensation is felt in the chest, upper back, or even...

“My Head Feels Clear Again” – A Case of Brain Fog Improvement by Son Cheolho Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A female patient in her 60s recently revisited our clinic after several months. With a bright smile, she shared something meaningful: “My head feels so much clearer these days. I don’t feel that heavy, foggy sensation anymore.” She had previously visited our clinic complaining of symptoms commonly described as “brain fog” — mental cloudiness, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of cognitive sluggishness. Although brain fog is not a formal medical diagnosis, it is a well-recognized condition that often affects middle-aged and older adults, significantly impacting their quality of life. In this case, we focused on addressing possible physical contributors to her symptoms. We provided upper cervical care to evaluate and improve alignment and function in the upper cervical spine, particularly around the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) regions. Additiona...

Not Just Neck and Shoulder Pain – A Rare Case of Left Atrial Myxoma Discovered Through Careful Evaluation by Son Cheolho Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A patient recently visited our clinic with complaints of left shoulder and neck pain . The symptoms were typical of musculoskeletal discomfort and worsened with certain postures, leading us to initiate conservative treatment. However, during the course of care, the patient reported something unusual — a deep, non-localized chest pain that worsened when lying down . Interestingly, there was no tenderness or pain upon palpation of the chest wall, neck, or shoulder. The discomfort was described as a heavy, deep-seated pain , which raised concern for a possible viscerosomatic origin , rather than a purely musculoskeletal one. Considering the nature of the symptoms and their positional component, we referred the patient to a cardiologist for further evaluation. Advanced imaging and diagnostic tests revealed an...

Why You Should Consider Upper Cervical Care for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain by Son Cheolho Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Chronic musculoskeletal pain that does not respond well to conventional treatment is more common than you might think. Many patients undergo repeated tests, take various medications, or receive physical therapy—yet still struggle with pain that seems to persist without a clear cause. In such cases, it is important to consider the role of the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2), which plays a critical role in whole-body regulation. What Is the Upper Cervical Spine? The upper cervical spine consists of the first and second cervical vertebrae , known as the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) . These vertebrae support the skull and protect the lower part of the brainstem, an area that governs: Autonomic nervous system regulation (including digestion, circulation, and respiration) Balance and proprioception Pain modulation and sensory in...

R adiologic Findings Are Not the Whole Story – A Case of Knee Osteoarthritis Without Pain by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul At Son Cheolho Rehabilitation Clinic , we frequently encounter cases where radiologic findings appear quite severe, yet the patient reports minimal or no symptoms. Here is a representative case that reminds us why imaging should be interpreted in the full clinical context. A woman in her 70s visited our clinic for routine follow-up. She reported no significant knee pain and was functioning well in daily life — walking, standing for extended periods, and climbing stairs without discomfort. However, her recent knee X-rays showed moderate to advanced degenerative changes in both knees. There was clear joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and subchondral sclerosis, which are typical radiologic features of osteoarthritis. Importantly, she had no history of bursitis or regenerative injections such as PDRN....

Why Do Patients with Neck Pain and Occipital Headaches Improve with Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Integrative Treatment? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Chronic neck pain and occipital headaches often result from a combination of factors such as misalignment in the upper cervical spine , myofascial tension , and nerve irritation . Rather than relying on a single treatment method, an integrative approach that combines chiropractic adjustment of the upper cervical spine, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) , myofascial release , and precise nerve injection therapies can provide a more comprehensive and lasting solution. 1. The Critical Role of the Upper Cervical Spine (C1, C2) The upper cervical spine is closely associated with the brainstem and autonomic nervous system. Even subtle misalignments at the C1 (atlas) or C2 (axis) levels can disturb cerebrospinal fluid flow and put strain on surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to...

Feeling Cold Without a Fever? The Neck May Be Sending a Signal by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A 60-year-old male patient recently visited our clinic, complaining of persistent cold sensations throughout his body—despite having a normal body temperature and no signs of fever. He had undergone general medical evaluations elsewhere, which showed no major abnormalities. Upon our examination, we observed muscular tightness and possible misalignment in the upper cervical spine (C1–C3) , which may be contributing to his symptoms. This case raises an important clinical consideration: Can upper cervical dysfunction cause a sensation of internal coldness? The answer is— yes, in some cases. The Link Between the Upper Cervical Spine and the Autonomic Nervous System The upper cervical region (C1 to C3) is more than just the top of the spine—it plays a crucial role in regulating autonomic nervous system activity , especially the sympathe...