A chiropractor understands that seemingly small and insignificant misalignment can cause disproportionate pain and discomfort. A healthy neck exhibits a gentle C-shaped, inward curve that ensures the correct alignment of all the tendons, ligaments, and bones in the neck. When the natural C-shaped curve is compromised, alignment is lost, and the bones, tendons, and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. This misalignment is the source of much of the neck pain that people experience.
If you are living with constant pain and your movement is restricted, it is time to speak with a chiropractor about natural treatment options.
12 Signs That Your Natural Neck Curve Has Been Compromised
Neck curve issues occur when stress overwhelms the resistance of the neck’s supporting tissues. Typically, the loss of the neck curve is the result of many smaller stresses or injuries over time.
Symptoms of neck misalignment can vary significantly depending on the severity of the condition. Most patients with neck curve problems have experienced trauma such as whiplash, typically from car accidents, sports injuries, or concussions. Subsequent and prolonged micro-stresses such as poor posture or excessive sitting at a desk all day can produce symptoms such as:
- Neck pain
- Loss of range of motion
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Issues with balance
- Headaches/migraines
- Shoulder pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Pinched nerves
- Muscle tension
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal arthritis
- Decreased blood flow to the brain, often resulting in brain fog or forgetfulness
How to Restore the Neck’s Natural Curve
Modern technology may make our lives easier in many ways, but they have been significantly detrimental when it comes to proper spinal alignment. Cell phones, tablets, and laptops cause us to compromise the correct posture and positioning needed to protect the natural curve.
However, when the head is in alignment with the spine and positioned directly over the shoulders, the cervical spine can facilitate proper weight distribution between the head and joints – maintaining the natural curve. Here are some key ways to restore proper alignment.
Limit Screen Time: Extended screen time can aggravate muscle fatigue and poor posture. It is essential for people to take periodic breaks and stretch their necks and back.
Optimize Work Area: The correct height of the chair and desk are vital to maintaining a normal curvature of the neck. The top of the monitor should be positioned at or slightly below eye level. The chair’s position should allow feet to rest flat on the floor.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be a useful treatment solution when looking to restore the natural curve of the neck. Options for treatment include neutral spinal alignment, range of motion and strengthening exercises, trigger point injections, and muscle manipulation and activation.
Chiropractic Treatment: Chiropractors restore the full range of motion to the spine by correcting subluxations and reversing the degeneration process. As the spine begins to function more easily, the body begins to restore the normal, healthy curve you’ve lost. Spinal remodeling may also be recommended to strengthen the muscles that support the cervical curve.
In our next article, we will discuss some of the more serious conditions that may result in a loss of your natural neck curve.
Exceptional Chiropractic Care in Sarasota
Dr. Ryan Johnson offers the most innovative treatments alongside traditional methods to provide the most comprehensive care to his patients. If you are a Sarasota resident seeking relief from pain, discomfort or inflammation, call our offices to schedule your initial consultation.
