Poor posture and weak neck and back muscles have been determined to be the main culprits that are responsible for chronic headaches and neck pain according to Santa Monica chiropractor, Dr. Dean Goodman, D.C. In his thirty years of practice, Dr. Goodman has helped thousands of patients to recover from conditions that failed to respond to drugs and other forms of treatment. Dr. Goodman cites numerous studies that have concluded that Spinal Manipulation is recommended for neck pain and headaches, including troublesome migraine headaches. Several randomized controlled trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy of chiropractic adjustments and manipulation for neck pain using various methods. Results from most studies suggest that 8 to 15 sessions of spinal manipulative therapy administered over 3 to 6 weeks achieve equivalent or superior improvement in pain and function when compared with other commonly used interventions, such as physical therapy, medication, education, or exercise, for short, intermediate, and long-term follow-up.

Many patients spend far too many hours sitting at work stations focused on their computer monitors. They often sit in chairs that do not provide adequate support for their backs or necks. Often they are looking at monitors that are positioned too high or too low. They may also be using a mouse or stylus that is too high with resulting stress on neck and shoulder muscles. The resulting postural strain can irritate nerves and fatigue muscles. The postural stress of multi-tasking is compounded by the stress of many hours sitting in a car navigating through ever-increasing traffic. The result is neck and back tension that is relentless and and accumulative.

Impaired nerve signals and muscle fatigue and weakness lead to a variety of symptoms. Dr. Goodman has found that chiropractic care, especially when used in conjunction with strengthening exercises and postural awareness, can bring relief to patients suffering with neck pain, neck pain, headaches and joint pain. Many patients who have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome actually suffer from nerve impingement that is related to spinal misalignment and poor posture. Not every patient will respond quickly to chiropractic correction, but most patients will discover that spinal manipulative therapy and strengthening exercises will enable them to reduce their dependence on pain medication and will also enable them to continue on a path toward the management and control of their symptoms so that they can work more effectively and still enjoy their leisure time. Dr. Goodman practices in Santa Monica, California and is available for consultation and treatment. He and his staff take the time to offer a personal approach to re-educate patients in how they can develop new habits that re-inforce the correction of misalignment and poor posture. Many of his patients have tried massage, acupuncture and physical therapy, but have not received the benefits that they experience with his unique chiropractic approach. In addition to maintaining a busy practice, Dr. Goodman frequently lectures about health and personal fitness. He has run 27 marathons and recently completed the 2010 Boston Marathon and Portland Marathon.