Tech-Neck, Text-Neck, Anterior Head Carriage, Upper Crossed Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Cervicocranial Syndrome, Cervicobrachial Syndrome, or The Cervical Syndrome. Whatever you want to call it, these are all similar syndromes with small variations.
The bulk of these syndromes and their symptoms are modern takes or slight variations on what was once termed “The Cervical Syndrome.” The Cervical Syndrome (1949) is an article written by Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Ruth Jackson, who relates that certain postural and whiplash-type injuries are a direct cause of multiple neck issues and symptoms that may commonly arise.
8 Symptoms of Cervical Syndrome
Symptoms of Cervical Syndrome include but are not limited to;
- Neck pain
- Headaches and Migraines
- Vertigo, visual disturbances, and tinnitus
- Nausea
- Upper back pain, shoulder pain, tension and knots
- Chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath
- Numbness and tingling
- Pain, swelling, and dysfunction of the upper extremities.
“At least half of patients suffering from cervical syndrome causing shoulder
disability will also complain of headache as one of their principle symptoms.”
– Ruth Jackson MD
I have all of these!
I know what you’re thinking, I have all of these! Yep, you and the whole world after the millionth zoom meeting this week in your makeshift home offices that lack even the most basic ergonomics. It also doesn’t help that all of our social interactions revolve around smartphones that force our head and neck into a hunchback like position. Add to this some of the more classic reasons for Cervical Syndrome like sewing, reading, driving, sleeping, or any other occupation or hobby that forces the head and neck forward in front of the body.
As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I have witnessed first hand the destruction that these postures, as well as whiplash-type injuries, will have on people. I have regularly used Chiropractic, postural education, and specialized exercises for relief and correction of Upper Crossed Syndrome. Here are 9 Exercises for Upper Crossed Postures I regularly prescribe.
Poor posture is the least of our worries here in 2020, but nevertheless it is still an essential we have to pay attention to. Our bodies haven’t yet evolved to handle these types of sedentary physical stressors. Not to mention the chemical and emotional stressors of this year. In order to combat the effects of our social demands, you must strive to maintain Physical, Chemical, and Emotional Health. The 12 innate Essentials for your Well-Being.
“The cervical syndrome is caused by “cervical nerve root irritation.”
-Ruth Jackson MD
Outdated or Underrated?
I found the original article (1949) on the FTCA Chiropractic forum where many of the Chiros there were bashing it for its outdated protocols when it comes to treating this syndrome or rather the symptoms related to this syndrome.
The critique was that this updated (2010) article, as well as the original, failed to mention all of the newest technologies available to our now almost completely dominated physio-like profession. Many Chiropractors as well as PT’s rely on gadgets from lasers to traction devices that have been invented to treat the symptoms of pain. And God bless them for that. Pain is real and it sucks.
In my opinion, the point of the article was missed by many of these fellow colleagues on their bubble platform. The remedy to Cervical Syndrome was right there in the article. It didn’t involve any of the latest state of the art equipment and it didn’t detail how to treat the effects of the syndrome.
There is a relationship between the cervical syndrome, cervical nerve root
irritation, and the sympathetic nervous system. It is this sympathetic nervous
system involvement that is responsible for headaches, including migraine.
-Ruth Jackson MD
The Fix
The fix, as the article related, is in reversing the cause and creating good habits so the degenerative effects are minimal.
Short Term
- Restore motion to joints that lack motion.
- Educate on posture, muscle imbalances, and ergonomics.
- Implement a plan for long-term improvement and healing.
Long Term
- Keep the range of motion as full as possible through chiropractic and exercise routines.
- Restore normal biomechanics through progressive exercises.
- Create better habits in relationship to ergonomics, posture, and health in general.
No Quick Fix
Yes, treat the pain if need be. Lasers, tasers, needling, massage, ice, heat, and more. But, please don’t neglect the long term treatment goals here. More importantly, do not interfere with the body’s natural healing process. Our healing process has been evolving since the dawn of time, so pretending that we know more or are intellectually superior to its processes is arrogant at best.
The most commonly prescribed treatments for these symptoms aren’t mechanical at all, instead they are chemicals known as NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. Unfortunately, these halt the body’s natural healing processes and alter the pathways used for proper healing.
Treating the effects of cervical syndrome without remedying the cause is like mopping up the water without fixing the leak first.
Find a Pro
If you feel like you’re suffering from Cervical Syndrome or have symptoms related to it, seek out the appropriate doctor of your choice for help. If all you’re doing is mopping up the resulting pain, then look for a new physician. I prefer you to see a Chiropractor that is trained in CBP or similar techniques.
“In 70% of cases there is obliteration of the curve and in 20% of these a
segmental reversal of the [cervical lordotic] curve.”
-Ruth Jackson MD
Routines Build Dreams
This syndrome cannot be cured by a lotion, potion, or pill. The cause needs your attention and persistence to build new routines and create long-lasting change. Take the Oath and resolve to make a change for your health. We are the sum of our habits and routines and I am convinced that it is our Routines that Build Dreams.
One Adjustment Action Step
- Educate yourself on Upper Crossed Syndrome as well as implement some exercises to start the healing process.
- Movement is life. So, move! Keep a good exercise plan to help balance out your daily sedentary plans. 30 minutes is the minimum as you will see here in 12 Reasons Your Entire Body Needs Exercise.
- Fix your Posture for optimal movement and maximum longevity of your musculoskeletal system. Here are 3 Steps to Make Your Posture Great Again.
- Cut inflammation and create better building blocks for life by Eating Real Food, here’s a list of foods that are high in vitamins and minerals.
- Give your system time to reset and re-energize. Sleep, along with movement, is the most underestimated and underutilized heroes of healing.
- If you like gadgets and gizmos, invest in the best postural gadgets on the market. 11 Best and Worst Postural Gadgets.
As I have related to you in previous articles the lack of movement or poor movement form creates stress on the musculoskeletal system (arthritis) as well as the nervous system (subluxation). Biomechanical joint dysfunction leads to degeneration of the musculoskeletal system and the neurological system.
Better habits produce better results. Stop looking for a quick fix. Routines Build Dreams or make nightmares. It’s your choice.
Nick the DC
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