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Upper back pain and tension, Widow’s hump, Upper crossed syndrome, Facet syndrome, SOB, TOS.
Dealing with upper back pain and tension is a shared experience for many of us, perhaps even on a daily basis. This discomfort can manifest in a specific spot or spread across a broader, less defined area, spanning various muscle groups from the back down to the base of the skull. It often accompanies noticeable postural changes, such as the Widow’s hump or an upper crossed syndrome pattern, characterized by an anterior head carriage.
These issues tend to crop up during or after work, extended periods of sitting, or particularly stressful times. The pain and tension are not only bothersome but can also lead to postural problems like shortness of breath when the spine becomes stiff and immobile, hindering proper rib expansion during breathing. In cases involving facet syndrome, where the facet joints become stiff and inflamed, straightening up and extending our backs can feel like an uphill battle, giving rise to a localized “stuck” sensation.
Our modern lifestyle, dominated by desk jobs and sedentary habits, has exacerbated upper back pain, tension, and poor neck and upper back postures. The prevalence of seated work and the predominant use of front muscles in our arms and chest contribute to muscle imbalances. Prolonged inactivity weakens our back muscles, while the constant forward pull on our shoulders strains the muscles in our back and neck, resulting in pain. The gravitational shift caused by a forward head posture further amplifies the thoracic kyphosis curve.
Chiropractic adjustments offer a targeted approach to alleviate facet joint syndrome, easing tension in the joints formed by the upper and lower vertebrae. These adjustments also help restore movement in stuck ribs, as well as in the vertebrae and, if necessary, the clavicle, which may contribute to thoracic outlet syndrome. Addressing overactive muscles through trigger point therapy and focusing on strengthening weaker muscles is crucial for transitioning from a sedentary posture to one that resembles Tarzan’s confident stance.
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Chest pains, Costochondritis, Acid reflux
Experiencing chest pain can be quite unsettling, and there are various reasons it might be happening. Once medical issues are ruled out, we often find that structural factors, such as rib subluxation or costochondritis, could be at play. Additionally, pain might be radiating from another source, like reflux, or be exacerbated by anxiety, which can really make things uncomfortable in the chest area.
Rib subluxations can even cause shortness of breath, sometimes mistaken for anxiety. When our ribs are immobile and we struggle to take deep breaths, it triggers our sympathetic nervous system, leaving us in a more stressed state overall. This increased stress can lead to feelings of anxiety and disrupt our digestive system, potentially causing reflux issues.
Costochondritis, an arthritic or inflammatory condition of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, can be painful during activities like vigorous exercise or coughing. Certain foods, drinks (especially alcohol), and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen are known to cause reflux by allowing stomach acid to travel up the esophagus. Dysfunction in the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus can also contribute to leakage, particularly when lying down after meals. Chiropractic adjustments, which stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and the vagus nerve, may help alleviate reflux by addressing improper innervation to the sphincter.
A spine that lacks mobility can increase pressure on the intestines, leading to discomfort. The stomach, being movable within the abdominal cavity, can sometimes shift to an incorrect position, most commonly upward. This misalignment can result in reflux and other stomach dysfunctions, including improper digestion of protein.
At our office, we focus on adjusting the thoracic spine responsible for stomach innervation and employ gentle soft tissue techniques to reposition the stomach, promoting relief and improved function. Neck adjustments are also crucial for vagus nerve function, as this nerve plays a key role in the lower esophageal sphincter’s operation. Beyond that, the vagus nerve influences other digestive organs, the heart, eyes, and various glands. In times of stress, the vagus nerve struggles to function correctly, contributing to issues such as arrhythmias, breathing difficulties, and reflux. Chiropractic care helps the body shift from a sympathetic state, enhancing nervous system function and stimulating the vagus nerve for overall well-being.
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Scoliosis, Scheuermanns
No two people are perfectly symmetrical, and our spines often have a natural curve. When it comes to scoliosis, the spine takes a noticeable sideways bend, usually curving to the right in the upper back and to the left in the lower back. This condition typically falls into two categories: functional or structural. Functional scoliosis occurs as a way for the body to compensate for other imbalances, such as a shorter leg or a pelvic imbalance/subluxation. The good news is that functional scoliosis is often solvable by addressing and correcting these underlying structural issues.
On the other hand, structural scoliosis is a bit more challenging, involving histological changes to the skeleton itself. While it’s harder to correct, management strategies can prevent it from worsening. Interestingly, many structural scoliosis cases also have a functional component, which is why chiropractic care can often lead to improvement, regardless of the type.
Now, let’s talk about Scheuermann’s disease, a condition similar to scoliosis. The key difference lies in the fact that Scheuermann’s results in an accentuation of the normal kyphotic curve in the upper back, rather than a sideways bend. This tends to develop during the early teenage years and is distinct from the thoracic hunch that some elderly individuals may experience.
Both structural scoliosis and Scheuermann’s disease are considered idiopathic, meaning their exact cause is unknown. Living with scoliosis or Scheuermann’s can bring about feelings of stiffness, rigidity, and often, severe pain in the back. Affected areas also tend to have more inflammation and may undergo early degenerative processes, highlighting the importance of early therapeutic and preventative intervention.
In less severe cases and with regular chiropractic care, individuals with these conditions can lead fully functional, pain-free lives. However, maintaining mobility in the affected areas is key, especially from a young age. Children and teens who start chiropractic care early in their diagnosis often achieve the best results. In more severe cases, surgery may become a necessary option.
Remember, each case is unique, and a tailored approach to care is essential. If you or a loved one is dealing with scoliosis or Scheuermann’s, seeking professional advice and early intervention can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
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