Research shows that a loss of neck curvature increases the likelihood of a disc herniation. A study also showed that appropriate correction and restoration to the neck curve produced lower rates and degrees of disc problems. Chiropractic care offers the least invasive and most effective way to increase neck mobility, alignment, and restoration of good neck curvature.

Forward head posture represents one of the most significant reasons for a decrease in proper neck curvature

Sitting, texting, repetitive computer work, sedentary lifestyles, motor vehicle accidents, and other physical traumas serve as the primary culprits of forward head posture. Each of these conditions reduce neck curve, leaving the spine weaker and more vulnerable to stress. The trauma also increases pressure on the pads (discs) between each vertebra.

Discs operate similar to shocks on a car

They absorb the pressure of daily wear and tear. Discs are made of cartilage, water, and a gel-like substance in the center for added protection. As alignment of the spine becomes altered, the gel-like nucleus in the middle of the disc becomes slightly displaced. This forces pressure on the side of the disc and stresses the cartilage. Consistent adversity produces tears in the cartilage and forces the gel-like substance to slightly protrude or bulge through the side of the disc resulting in a disc herniation. Herniations come in a variety of sizes. Smaller herniations tend to be referred to as more of a bulge than a herniation. Yet every herniation leaves the spine weakened and extremely vulnerable to stress and pressure.

Reduced neck curve equals increased disc herniations

New research shows that altered spinal alignment, particularly reduced neck curvature, decreases disc height and increases rates of disc herniations. The generative process often occurs with no pain. Chiropractors and other spine specialists use expert testing and technology to check for disc space abnormalities or other problems before pain arrives. A proactive approach proves vital to long term functionality. Spinal alignment plays a vital role in the health, durability, and longevity of the spine. Chiropractors promote the importance of spinal correction and restoration without drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic to the rescue!!

Chiropractors comprise the only natural health providers who focus specifically on detecting and correcting spinal movement, alignment, and nervous system function. Regular chiropractic care helps improve spinal alignment and ensures better curvature, resulting in greater strength, durability, increased disc space, and less risk of disc bulges and herniations. The long-term benefit cannot be measured. Every person deserves a healthy spine and future.

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The model reflects human biomechanics. The most important structures in the body contain arcs. The human spine comprises the most importance arches of all. The spine requires three important curves (as viewed from the side) for optimal health. The curvatures make the spine stronger and more durable. Losing curves in the spine alters function in the body and predisposes the bones and discs to unnecessary wear and tear.

Loss of spinal curves usually occurs slowly over years or decades due to poor posture and ergonomics. Spinal curves also reduced due to trauma such as whiplash or other forms of natural or unnatural impact. Abnormal spinal curves create cosmetic changes which affect appearance and posture but the most harmful result of losing curvature degrees comes from the damage done to nerve and blood flow. Loss of neck curve alone associates with decreased vertebral artery hemodynamics. This means a loss of appropriate neck curve reduces blood flow to specific parts of the brain and body.

Patients entering Chiropractic or medical offices with a loss of neck curve experience greater risk for increased spinal cord and nerve tension, pain, disability, poor health, and lowered quality-of-life. The increased stress points stemming from a reduced spinal curvature lead to increased vertebral stress, providing the basis for vertebral compression, osteoarthritis, and even bone spur formation. The muscles and soft tissue which supports the neck must work harder to compensate for biomechanical instability. Soft tissue weakness and damage eventually begin to materialize and amplify the original problem.

Chiropractors pay close attention to the health of spinal curves by evaluating the structure and range of motion of the spine. X-rays prove valuable in locating trouble spots and assessing the need for care. Most Chiropractors specialize in evaluating and correcting spinal curvature and motion to restore proper nerve and blood flow. Clinical trials show that correction of the cervical curve improves a vast array of symptoms and conditions. A 2019 study utilized Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) to measure cerebral blood flow before and after taking steps to improve the neck curve. Decreased neck curvature also reflected decreased blood flow on MRA reports. Correction of the neck curve resulted in an immediate and significant increase in the amount of cerebral blood flowing to and from the brain. The results proved consistent with the notion that biomechanics influence physiology.

Scientific evidence continues to emphasize the value of Chiropractic care for those with or without the manifestation of negative health symptoms. Proactive care for the spine and nervous system prove essential to long term health care. The curves in the spine play an important role in spinal health, spinal longevity, and whole-body health. Every spine in every person deserves the care and attention needed for a vibrant future full of life and health.

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Studies estimate that over half of all people will experience an episode of neck pain at some point in their lifetime. Most neck pain sufferers will rely on symptom-numbing medications for relief. Long term concern radiates from the fact that medications simply cut off the pain signal temporarily. The body’s pain receptors become numbed while never addressing the cause of the pain. As a result, symptoms usually becoming worse and dependency on medication becomes more prevalent. The key to achieving short- and long-term results that last begins with addressing the underlying cause of pain. The type of provider first chosen for alleviation of neck pain symptoms turns out to be the most important decision in achieving successful long-term pain relief.

Recent research shows that Chiropractic provides superior results when compared to other forms of treatment for neck pain

Chiropractic care produced the best outcomes in several categories. These categories include: the lowest rate of opioid prescriptions, lowest use of advanced imaging, lowest referrals for injections, and the lowest surgery rate. In fact, the number of surgeries needed for those who utilized chiropractic care was zero.  Chiropractic provides an important whole-body health improving intervention for those with neck pain. Many people do not get the opportunity to hear about the benefits of Chiropractic.  This is due to the mass marketing and prescription of pharmaceutical drugs touted as the standard of care. Chiropractic not only improves neck pain outcomes for those suffering, but also generates a host of added benefits through the scientific application of the adjustment. 

The success of Chiropractic begins with the purpose and intentionality of nervous system care

Chiropractic does not simply focus on pain relief or symptom reduction. Chiropractic focuses primarily on achieving greater levels of health in the nervous system by improving the alignment and movement of the spine. The unique relationship between the spine and central nervous system allow Chiropractic care to facilitate healing and alleviation of many unwanted symptoms and conditions. Chiropractors focus on improving spinal alignment and mobility.  This allows the nervous system to more clearly communicate with the rest of the body. Research over the last three decades continues to show evidence supporting the history of Chiropractic care and the results seen in clinics all over the world. Pain reduction proves to be just one of the many benefits achieved through the influence of a Chiropractic adjustment. Other functions proven to be influenced by a Chiropractic adjustment include improved breathing, better sleep, stronger immunity, increased mobility, better heart function, and many more.

Neck pain signals an indication that an underlying cause exists in the spine that must be addressed

Pain medications receive publicity and represent the most popular form of treatment for people experiencing neck pain. However, pain medications never get to the cause of the problem. Chiropractors look at the structure and mobility of the neck and its potential role in pain and other body function problems. Research shows that one of the best approaches to improving neck discomfort begins with an evaluation by a Doctor of Chiropractic in order to address the source of the pain. More and more people make their healthcare decisions based on the amount of evidence and research behind each intervention. Overwhelming evidence proves that Chiropractic achieves unique results unparalleled by other healthcare options. Research continues to validate the value and benefits of Chiropractic care for all ages.

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Even at low speeds, motor vehicle collisions can have a catastrophic effect on the human anatomy. Auto accidents damage bones, nerves, muscles, tendons and more, and the resulting pain can be debilitating.

Seeking chiropractic treatment as soon as possible is your best bet for overcoming the pain you are experiencing while accelerating the healing process. If you don’t seek out a trusted chiropractor, you risk allowing your injuries to lead to chronic pain that affects you for years.

According to survey of chronic pain sufferers, nearly half – 45 percent – reported that they could trace their condition back to an auto accident. Don’t be one of the people that deals with ongoing discomfort because they didn’t see a chiropractor after a collision.

Common Back Injuries Related Auto Accidents

There are many different types of injuries that car accident victims can experience. The spinal system’s complex network of nerves, discs, muscles, tendons and ligaments is very delicate and very vulnerable to the sudden impacts and shifts associated with collisions.

It doesn’t take much to cause damage. Even a 5 mph collision can lead to whiplash.

Here is a quick rundown of some of the most common back injuries that result from auto accidents:

Cervical Spine Injuries

When the head is whipped back and forth quickly during collision impact, injuries to the cervical spine are common. This type of condition is usually referred to as whiplash. Damage to the vertebrae and nerves can cause long-term pain and stiffness.

Thoracic Spine Injuries

Damage to the thoracic spine, or the upper back, is also common during a wreck. An injury to this part of the anatomy can result in permanent nerve damage and chronic pain.

Lumbar Spine Injuries

The strongest muscles and largest vertebra are located in the lumbar spine in your lower back. Damage here can limit mobility and bring a great deal of pain.

Herniated Discs

The discs between each individual vertebrae provide protection. During an accident, these discs can be knocked out of place, putting pressure on surrounding nerves. Herniated discs can create painful sensations in the lower back and throughout the legs.

Auto Accident Chiropractor in Broken Arrow

Dr. Travis Ring at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic recommends that you seek early treatment after a car collision. Early intervention is always the best approach because it allows you to begin to feel better sooner while speeding the process of healing.  To learn more about our auto accident chiropractic services, or to schedule an appointment, call 918-940-4630 now!

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Our spines simply aren’t designed to support our heads that way for so many hours.  Your head weighs between 12-15 lbs.  When supported in good posture it balances well on your spine and skeleton.  When looking down, the weight is supported by the muscles in your neck and upper back and your spine is not doing the bulk of the supporting work as it should.  The result is neck pain from texting, reading and Facebooking.

My advice is “be where you are at”, it is something I need to practice too.  People who email you don’t need instant communication back.  Facebook isn’t real life, it isn’t that important.  Recent research shows that people who don’t use it report higher levels of happiness and less anxiety.  Who among us couldn’t stand a little more happiness and freedom from anxiety.

On top of that, by constantly clicking between apps on our phones or Ipads, we are destroying our attention spans and our ability to concentrate.  Research also shows that in the last decade the average American attention span has decreased an enormous amount.  I personally didn’t have a lot, to begin with so this isn’t good news.

My recommendations are easier to say than do.  Set aside quiet hours and turn your phone off and put it away, at least put it on silent.  Make yourself have to get up to check it and put it on silent so the beeping doesn’t entice you into engaging. Set yourself a limit on how many times you can go on Facebook a day and don’t keep it playing in the background on your computer.  Respond to emails in chunks if you have to be on top of things, don’t check it or respond constantly.

Part of my problem is that I love to read and often don’t do it in the best posture.  If I had to pick between giving up the iPad and giving up the book, the obvious choice is putting the iPad down.  I have been trying to leave my iPad in another room lately while I read.  Mine is old and almost dead and I am really evaluating whether or not I want a new one.  I am starting to think it might be more trouble than it is worth.  As for reading, I read either on a kindle that exclusively is a reader or a book.  If it was a kindle fire with all of my apps on, I would never actually finish a book because I would be mindlessly clicking between things.

So…bottom line.  Put the devices away or use them in good posture.  Your back and your brain will thank you!  If you would like some tips and tricks on how you can improve your posture or if you would like to sit down with Dr. Travis Ring DC of Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic to discuss your health issues, please give us a call at 918-940-4630.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

The post Is texting bad for my neck? first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

First of all, evaluate your sleeping posture.  If you prefer to sleep on your back, you need a pillow with the support (neck roll) under your neck.  The bulk of the pillow should not be under your head.  If your preference is to sleep on your side, you need a thicker pillow to keep your head in line with your neck.  If you are sleeping on a feather pillow that flattens out during the night or a thin foam pillow, that isn’t going to work.  You will spend a lot of the night with your head tilted towards the bed pinching off the nerves that exit your spine.  That causes you to wake up with neck pain and numbness.

Secondly,  I really like to read at night before I go to bed.  It’s a nice little ritual that helps me wind down from my day and makes me tired.  I found a pillow at Walmart here in Broken Arrow that is perfect for holding a kindle or a book.  It even has a nice pocket if you wear reading glasses.  It is shaped like a pyramid and has a little ridge around it the reader sits within.  For those of you who like books, it also has a long tassel to keep your page.  You can keep it on your lap, your table or take it to bed.  It keeps the book at an angle so your head isn’t constantly looking down.

Thirdly, ask yourself why you have neck pain and headaches.  Have you left a problem untreated for years only for your muscular imbalances to worsen?  Do you spend endless hours on devices such as laptops, phones, and tablets?  Do you have a career that restricts you to a desk and computer the majority of the day?

It’s important to ask yourself what shape you want your spine to be in 5 years from now.  If the answer is better than it is right now, you need to change your device habits and also find a chiropractor so that you can correct the damage that years of looking forward and down have caused.

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