INDUSTRY INSIGHT
CHIROPRACTICS
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“ Text Neck ”
“ Text neck ” is a term that describes the forward head posture that a person assumes when looking down at a phone or computer . Forward head posture alters the biomechanics of the spine and places increased strain on our muscles and joints . When we use poor postures day after day , the spine remodels itself to account for these increased demands — and that leads to muscle imbalances and long-term changes in the bones and joints . These changes are termed “ Upper Cross Syndrome ” by physical medicine practitioners .
A closer look at Upper Cross Syndrome
Muscles work together in groups across joints . A good example would be the biceps and triceps . These muscles work together to make the elbow joint work properly . Muscle imbalances occur when the muscle on one side of the joint becomes tight and overactive while the muscle on the other side of the joint becomes weak and underactive . This can occur due to poor postures , repetitive motions , or disuse . When muscle imbalances occur , the joint becomes less mobile and cannot work properly . This perpetuates the imbalance and causes the joints to break down , ultimately leading to arthritic degeneration .
In Upper Cross Syndrome the traps and pecs become shortened and tight while the deep neck flexors and scapular stabilizers become underactive and weak . This pulls the shoulders and head forward
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while putting excessive strain on the cervical vertebrae . As the head comes forward , the muscles at the base of the skull must work extra hard to keep the head and eyes facing upward . In addition , the traps have to work overtime to suspend the head and stabilize the shoulders .
As an example of how much extra neck strain this condition causes , biomechanical analysis has shown that for every 10 degrees the head and neck tilt forward , the muscles and joints in the neck must bear an extra 10 lbs . of weight . This means that at a 45-degree angle , there is approximately a 50-lb . strain on the vertebra and muscles in the neck .
Common symptoms of Upper Cross Syndrome Neck pain & stiffness Shoulder impingement syndrome Mid-back pain
Jaw pain
Headaches Tingling / numbness in arms / hands
Dizziness
Brain fog
From a physical medicine perspective , we want to restore proper motion to the joints through manipulation and correct the muscle imbalances through myofascial release and targeted exercise protocols . Unless all of these aspects are addressed , optimal improvement will not occur . It is also important to correct the posture to stop further irritation of the already-inflamed tissues . This can be accomplished by improving workplace ergonomics and practicing “ posture awareness .” Together , these treatments bring the system back into balance , which ends the cycle of joint degeneration and painful muscular symptoms .
This Industry Insight was submitted by Dr . Justin Shemenski , Chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic of McCandless .
Dr . Shemenski attained his doctorate at D ’ Youville College in Buffalo , NY . His clinical experiences included rotations at the Erie County Medical Center hospital system , a large multi-disciplinary sports medicine practice and a neurosurgery clinic that is run by the University at Buffalo medical school .
After graduation , he returned to the Pittsburgh area and worked as the clinic director of two multi-disciplinary practices that treated a large range of musculoskeletal conditions with traditional allopathic medical treatments , physical medicine modalities , physical rehabilitation , and chiropractic care .
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