The Link Between Posture and Shoulder Motion
Bottom Line:
Your shoulder is one of the most complex joints in your body. It is surrounded and supported by a complex network of nerves, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Many of these structures tie back to your spine or mid-back and neck. Your posture, or position, directly impacts the motion of your shoulder and scapula. Long hours at a desk or computer can lead to postural changes and muscle imbalances. Poor posture and a forward head position can lead to “upper cross syndrome.” Upper cross syndrome is an imbalance of the muscles in your upper back, neck, and shoulder that can lead to neck, back, and shoulder pain with restricted range of motion.
Why it Matters:
Whether it's working at a computer, long hours in a car, or using a tablet/smartphone, just about everyone is susceptible to developing upper cross syndrome. However, you don’t need to suffer or change your career to find relief. A combination of Chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and specific postural exercises can make a huge impact on your ability to stay happy and healthy. Taking short breaks every 20-30 minutes to lightly extend your arms and move your neck through a comfortable range of motion will help your body “reset” while working. Also, periodic Chiropractic adjustments will help you maintain an optimal range of motion and reduce restrictions that can occur in your spinal joints.
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body.
Your posture greatly impacts the ability of your shoulders to move through their full range of motion.
It’s important to address the neck and mid-back when treating a shoulder injury.
Next Steps:
Upper cross syndrome is one of the most common conditions we see in our practice. Far too many people suffer from pain for years before discovering Chiropractic care. Millions of people end up taking medications just to get through the day. Like you, we believe there is a better way. Take a flyer for our upcoming workshop and share it with a friend at work. We are excited to share how the challenges of upper cross syndrome can be overcome without drugs or surgery!
Take advantage of this month's Body Signals Workshop: Falling Apart Syndrome - Upper Extremities, where we will address all the issues that cause neck, shoulder and wrist pain. It's free, just let us know you're coming ~ RSVP on Eventbrite, Facebook or through our website!
Stay Well,
Dr. Kim Gibas
>> Schedule an appointment to get that shoulder and posture under control: 847-426-7008
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Science Source:
Upper Crossed Syndrome and Its Relationship to Cervicogenic Headache. JMPT 2004 MedicalNewsToday.com
