Back Clinic Neck Treatment Team. Dr. Alex Jimenezs collection of neck pain articles contain a selection of medical conditions and/or injuries regarding symptoms surrounding the cervical spine. The neck is made up of various complex structures; bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other types of tissues. When these structures are damaged or injured as a result of improper posture, osteoarthritis, or even whiplash, among other complications, the pain and discomfort an individual experiences can be impairing. Through chiropractic care, Dr. Jimenez explains how the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations focuses on the cervical spine can greatly help relieve the painful symptoms associated with neck issues. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.
Waking up with neck soreness, stiffness, achiness, and pain can take a toll throughout the day. Individuals, that experience this regularly wonder what happened while laying down in bed? Individuals can wake up with one or a combination of these symptoms after sleeping. A few ways to prevent neck pain after sleeping and self-care to relieve any symptoms.
What Is Happening?
The spine keeps the body upright and moving and regularly resists gravity and other forces acting upon it. The neck, aka the cervical spine, is a little more delicate. The neck has the important job of holding up the head. The human head weighs around 10 to 12 lbs, and that’s using proper posture. According to a study, the head’s weight can increase up to 60 lbs. with a 60-degree tilt. This can happen from looking down at a phone for too long. All that weight makes the muscles that support the head and neck work overtime contributing to fatigued muscles.
Then when sleeping, cervical spinal misalignment starts to set in, producing torticollis. Torticollis, aka wry neck, is a condition where the neck gets twisted or tilted at an awkward angle. Babies can be born with it, known as congenital torticollis, and individuals can develop it from various sources. It can be temporary, chronic, and it can be caused by acute trauma. Torticollis is not considered a condition like ankylosing spondylitis but more like a symptom with overlapping sources.
The neck’s ligaments can become irritated and inflamed.
Neck muscle spasms can cause soreness and inflammation.
Either of these can be caused by sleeping in an awkward position or by using the wrong pillow.
Waking With Neck Pain
When waking up with neck pain, it could be that the pillow no longer provides sufficient support, the pillow is too thick, placing the neck in an awkward position, the individual’s sleeping position strains the muscles and ligaments, or a combination. It is usually a pillow that is too soft with no support that causes neck pain. Maintaining spinal alignment when sleeping is just as crucial as during the day, as it helps to prevent overly taxing the muscles and ligaments.
How to control posture when sleeping?
The pillow could be the answer. A firm pillow will keep the spine in a straight line from the atlas, which is the first cervical vertebra/C1, down to the coccyx or the tailbone. The way an individual sleeps also affects how they wake up. The most recommended sleeping position for individuals with morning neck pain is on the back. Back sleeping might not work for everyone as it can aggravate conditions like sleep apnea. If that is the case, sleeping on the side is the next recommended position. It is recommended to avoid sleeping on the stomach. The head could slip down the pillow edge causing the head to be in a tilted position. This can place added pressure on the nerves that start in the neck, leading to further neck pain or radiculopathy pain that spreads out to the arms or legs.
What To Do?
If neck pain presents after waking, get some ice or a cold pack on it. Try 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This will reduce inflammation. Also, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help. If neck pain continues, switch from ice to heat also 20 minutes on, 20 off. If the pain is caused by spasming muscle/s, heat can relax the area and increase blood circulation. A gentle massage on and around the area can help spread the circulation and ease the spasm.
Stretching the neck
Stretching the neck will keep the muscles loose and reduce the risk of ligament, muscle and tendon strains, and torticollis.
Body composition change and losing fat mass are also related to sleep. Losing fat requires the body to be in a caloric deficit. This means having the body use more energy than the body takes in. This is accomplished by restricting calories through diet or increasing calories used through physical activity/exercise. However, most individuals utilize a combination. This can be referred to as calories in/calories out. Losing sleep can sabotage fat loss goals by stealing both the calories in and calories out.
References
Hansraj, Kenneth K. “Assessment of stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head.” Surgical technology international vol. 25 (2014): 277-9.
Preventing Neck Pain from Sleeping: National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.) “How to Prevent Neck Pain While Sleeping.” sleep.org/articles/prevent-neck-pain-while-sleeping/
Neck crepitus is a grinding sound that comes from moving or rotating the neck. Usually, it is not something to worry about, as the body is a sound system that generates various noises. For example, when hungry, the stomach rumbles. After digestion, the body releases the gasses through a burp. The bones can also generate neck cracking or popping sounds with regular movements. This unusual sensation is known as crepitus.
Crepitus
Crepitus or crepitation is a scientific term that describes joint movements sounds. Sounds can include:
Popping
Cracking
Snapping
Grinding
However, crepitus can happen in any moveable joints in the body. An example could be a neck cracking or popping sound when looking over the shoulder.
Why the Neck So Susceptible
The cervical spine consists of seven segments, and each segment has multiple joints that interact with the segments above and below it. The cervical spine is a flexible system that protects the neurologic structures while maintaining head and neck stability. This flexibility and the multiple joints at each level can wear down, leading to arthritis and neck crepitus.
Other Symptoms
Neck crepitus can present without other symptoms. But it can also be associated with other severe symptoms that include:
Neck pain
Instability
Weakness
Numbness
Diminished manual dexterity
Difficulty walking
Risk Increases With Age
Neck crepitus can present at any age; however, the risk increases as the body ages. Some individuals may have neck crepitus symptoms more often. For example, the neck cracking or popping sounds could present just a few times a month. However, other individuals could have cracking, popping sounds daily or even throughout the day. Neck crepitus can increase or decrease in frequency. Symptoms could present for several days before the sensations stop entirely.
Possible Causes
Neck crepitus can have various causes, and multiple factors can also overlap to generate these sensations.
Articular Pressure Changes
Natural lubricating lining and fluid are found within the body’s joints. Small gas bubbles can form within the synovial joints, including the facet joints. When the bubbles collapse, they are released, creating cracking noises in the joints. The sounds can happen with regular everyday movements. This also occurs when a chiropractor or physical therapist performs spinal manipulations.
Tendon or Ligament Movement
Tendons are the tissue that connects the muscles to the bones, and Ligaments connect the bones. A tendon in motion can also make noises when sliding around a bone or over another tendon or ligament. The cracking can be caused by tight tissues and muscles from aging or muscles that have become weak/deconditioned.
Bones Grinding
Osteoarthritis, known as spondylosis in the spine, can cause the facet joints that connect the vertebrae to degenerate. The protective cartilage wears down, and the vertebral bones start to rub against each other. This can produce a grinding noise. However, the grinding can result from disc degeneration, which reduces the cushioning between the vertebrae.
When to Consult A Physician
If neck crepitus presents without other symptoms, it’s usually not serious. When neck crepitus presents with other symptoms, it is recommended to contact a doctor. These symptoms include:
If pain spreads out and runs down the arm or there is difficulty completing fine motor tasks like writing your name or getting dressed, consult a doctor. These symptoms can be caused by spinal cord or nerve root compression. Sometimes, neck crepitus can show up after a different health issue. For example, if an individual notices neck sounds weeks after cervical spine surgery, the spine surgeon can determine if the two are connected. A recent fall or car accident could also cause symptoms to present. If the crepitus presents almost every time with joint movement, there could be compromised joint function.
Treatment and Prevention
There are various treatment options for neck crepitus. It is recommended to start with conservative treatment like physical therapy and chiropractic pain management. Imaging scans are necessary to see if there are signs of compression on the spinal cord or nerves. Treatment objectives are to remove the pressure from the neural structures and restore the spine’s stability. Cervical traction is another form of treatment. Consult a physician, spine specialist, or chiropractor to properly diagnose the issues, figure out what is going on, and develop a personalized treatment plan if necessary.
Body Composition
Sugar Replacements
Sugar substitutes can help with weight control and diabetes by allowing individuals to eat sweets without raising blood sugar levels. Sugar replacements are additives that add sweetness to food without the calories of sugar. Some sugar substitutes are synthetically made, while others are natural. Sugar replacements include:
Sucralose
This artificial sweetener comes from sucrose and contains no calories. It is highly sweeter than sugar and can be found in grocery stores.
Fructose
This sweetener comes in crystalline form or high-fructose corn syrup, which is often used for baking. Fructose is sweeter than sugar and has been linked to early diabetes.
Stevia
This sweetener is extracted from the stevia rebaudiana plant species. It is calorie-free and can help manage and improve cholesterol levels.
Aspartame
Only a tiny amount is necessary, as this artificial sweetener is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It contains four calories per gram.
Aspartame has been associated with cancer, dementia, and depression. But research has not found a direct correlation, and currently, recommended amounts are safe to consume.
References
Mohamad, I et al. “Swollen neck and crepitus after bouts of cough.” Malaysian family physician: the official journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia vol. 8,3 49-50. 31 Dec. 2013
Nguyen, Andrew B et al. “Crepitus: an uncommon complication of a common procedure.” The Annals of thoracic surgery vol. 91,4 (2011): e63. doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.01.031
Muscle tension in the neck is a common musculoskeletal disorder. The neck is made up of flexible muscles that support the weight of the head. The muscles can experience injury and irritation from overuse and poor posture habits. Worn joints or compressed nerves can cause neck pain, but muscle spasms or soft tissue injuries commonly cause neck tension. Neck tension can present suddenly or progress slowly. Sleeping in an awkward position or straining the neck while engaged/involved in some activity can cause muscles to tense up. Chronic neck tension that comes and goes over the course of weeks or months could have a cause that goes unnoticed, like teeth grinding or being in a hunched position for extended periods.
Symptoms of neck tension
Symptoms can come on suddenly or progressively. These include:
Stiffness
Tightness
Spasms
Turning the head is difficult
Discomfort and/or pain worsens with certain positions
Causes
Because the neck can move in many directions, there are various causes of tension in the neck. These include:
Repetitive motion or overuse injuries
Individuals whose work requires repetitive movements like scanning objects, looking up and behind constantly can strain the muscles.
Improper posture
An adult’s head weighs 10 to 11 pounds. If the weight is not properly distributed and supported with a healthy posture, the neck muscles have to work harder, causing strain.
Computer workstation habits
Individuals that sit at a desk or workstation for most of the day or night can develop hunching habits that they may overlook. This can definitely cause neck muscles to strain.
Phone habits
Constantly looking down at the phone is a common cause of tension in the neck and text neck.
Grinding teeth
When individuals grind or clench their teeth, pressure is placed on the muscles in the neck and jaw. This pressure strains the muscles, causing pain. There are exercises to promote more relaxed jaw muscles.
Physical activities and sports
Working out in a way that engages the neck muscles or whipping the head around during a game or some physical activity can cause minor neck injury and strain.
Sleep position habits
When sleeping, the head and neck should be aligned with the rest of the body. Using large pillows that elevate the neck too much can cause tension to build up while sleeping.
Heavy purses, backpacks, shoulder bags
Lifting and carrying any heavy object can throw the body out of alignment. This can cause strain on one side of the neck, building tension.
These are mild to moderate headaches that typically affect the forehead. However, these types of headaches can cause neck tension and tenderness.
Prevention
Making simple adjustments can help relieve, manage, and prevent tension in the neck and shoulders. These include:
Ergonomics
Consider a standing desk. Adjust the workstation so that proper posture along with comfort is maintained. Try different adjustments like the height of the chair, desk, and computer.
Be aware of body posture.
Stay aware of the body’s posture when sitting and standing. Keep the ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line. Consider phone posture reminders and devicesto check in with how you’re holding yourself throughout the day.
Take breaks throughout the day.
Take breaks that will move the body and stretch the neck and upper body. This benefits the muscles, eyes, and mental health.
Sleep position
Improve sleeping positions with a smaller, flatter, firmer pillow.
Reduce weight from the shoulders
Utilize a rolling bag instead of carrying heavy bags and backpacks, and only carry what is necessary.
Movement
Try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise/physical activity a day to keep the body in healthy condition.
Meditation and stretching
Practicing yoga or meditation along with stretching out helps reduce psychological and physical stress. Yoga can count as daily exercise.
Doctor or Dentist
If chronic neck tension is presenting, see a doctor or chiropractor. Consult a dentist about teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint TMJ disorder treatments.
Neck stretches
To relieve tension in the neck, try some neck stretches.
Gently pull your head to the right, so the ear almost touches the shoulder.
Hold for 30 seconds
Repeat on the opposite side.
Body Composition
The Immune System
The Immune System is essential in maintaining health. Its objective is to:
Neutralize pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria that enter the body and threaten homeostasis.
Eliminate harmful substances from the environment.
Fight against cells that cause illnesses like cancer.
Innate and adaptive immune processes.
The innate system includes exterior defenses, like the skin, proteins, and white blood cells.
Any organisms that escape the first line of defense have to then face the adaptive system. This is made up of T and B cells.
The adaptive immune system is constantly adapting and evolving to identify changes in pathogens change over time.
These systems work together to provide resistance and the elimination of long-term survival of infectious agents in the body.
References
Chaplin, David D. “Overview of the immune response.” The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology vol. 125,2 Suppl 2 (2010): S3-23. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.980
Hawk, Cheryl et al. “Best Practices for Chiropractic Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,10 (2020): 884-901. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0181
Hughes, Stephen Fôn et al. “The role of phagocytic leukocytes following flexible ureterorenoscopy, for the treatment of kidney stones: an observational, clinical pilots-study.” European journal of medical research vol. 25,1 68. 11 Dec. 2020, doi:10.1186/s40001-020-00466-7
Many individuals will be looking up at the fireworks this 4th of July weekend. A word of caution when keeping the neck in one position for too long can cause neck discomfort and/or pain. Neck discomfort and pain can cause significant disruption with everyday activities. The neck is an area that is constantly in motion. Keeping it in one position for an extended period can cause damage/injury and spinal misalignment. Although neck pain often resolves on its own in a few days. However, it can lead to headaches or an inability to concentrate, affecting an individual’s quality of life. Here are some potential causes and remedies for decreasing neck discomfort and pain.
Keeping The Neck In One Position For Too Long Can Cause
Mechanical issues and imbalances in the upper spine, known as the cervical spine
Muscle tension
Muscle strain
Spinal misalignment
Poor posture
Sleeping problems
Injury or trauma to the neck from the force and weight
Chronic neck misalignment
If symptoms come on suddenly, are severe, or result in neurological issues like severe shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or sudden loss of arm strength, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment
When the neck is strained or out of alignment, it disrupts nerve circulation integrity. Spinal misalignment is subtle in nature and can be difficult to detect without a professional examination. A chiropractor is trained to recognize any underlying issues to reset/realign the entire spine to optimal form. They will assess, guide, and treat the issue/s specific to the individual’s needs. Once the nerves are working uninhibited, a chiropractor can recommend neck exercises, stretches, and more to strengthen and prevent neck problems. When spinal alignment is restored, the body will begin to operate at full potential.
Healthy Body Composition
Meal Prep to Success
For individuals that want to eat less and change eating habits, change up the approach.
Meal prepping is a healthy habit that many have had success with because it helps achieve sustainable outcomes in weight loss. Every meal plan will vary for everyone.
First, individuals have different health goals.
Second, everyone has a different approach to their diet choices. For example, an individual might want to go low-carb and goes with the ketogenic diet. In comparison, some individuals are comfortable planning a week in advance and freezing labeled plastic containers.
Regardless of goals, dietary, or fitness preferences, a workable meal plan is recommended. The ultimate goal is to prevent feeling overwhelmed about planning the next healthy meal and resort to a junk food meal. To steer clear of unhealthy food choices and achieve a healthy body composition, here is a real-world tip to create and stick to a healthy meal plan.
Have a well-stocked fridge and pantry
Keeping to a meal plan is easier with a well-stocked fridge and pantry. Ensure to keep a list of essential groceries whenever going to the store to ensure plenty. This list of staples includes:
Having these ingredients ready to go means a healthy meal can be quickly put together when short on time.
Be realistic and make room for crazy days
You don’t have to come up with a seven-day weekly meal plan. It is important to change up the routine, so boredom doesn’t set in. Before planning and prepping several meals, double-check the calendar. Allow yourself some slack. This could be one or two lunches or dinners in a week just in case something comes up. If batch cooking, even schedule days for leftovers for that extra flexibility.
Open Orthop J. 2016. A Qualitative Description of Chronic Neck Pain has Implications for Outcome Assessment and Classification. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5301418/
Individuals experiencing radiculopathy in and around the neck notice it immediately often driving them to the medicine cabinet. This condition presents with:
Acute pain
Numbness
Muscle spasms
However, medication will only help relieve the pain temporarily but it won’t alleviate what is causing the radiculopathy. This is because pain medication/s can exacerbate the condition by blocking the pain signals with the root nerve issue never being resolved. Chiropractic is a complete solution that specifically mobilizes the cervical joints where nerve impingement is happening. The objective is to help individuals understand the underlying cause of the acute pain induced by radiculopathy and provide long-term pain relief through cervical joint mobilization.
Radiculopathy Pain
To determine what cervical nerve bundles are being affected by a subluxation or vertebral compression a chiropractor needs to isolate the pain. This is accomplished through a description of symptoms, radiological imaging to provide visual confirmation, and an examination of the affected area. Isolating the pain allows the chiropractor to determine the extent of misalignment and how much the nerve is being compressed. This will help in the development of a customized treatment plan. A chiropractor will be able to see and feel the degree of pressure being placed on the nerve or bundle of nerves.
Mobilizing The Cervical Joints
Chiropractors approach this directly based on the individual and the severity of the case. The most common joint mobilizations include:
Low-impact adjusting will shift the misaligned vertebrae back into place
Adjustments to the opposite non-painful area will help counterbalance stress in the spine
Radiculopathy improvement consists of:
The cervical spine is stabilized through bracing and posture supports
Isometric exercises will recondition the neck, shoulders, and upper back
Range of motion exercises will prevent any subtle compression/s
Corrective restoration of the cervical spine’s curve
The spine returns to normal during cervical joint mobilization and alleviates radiculopathy immediately and long term.
Proper chiropractic care will correct the affected nerve bundle, and stabilize the cervical spine to prevent/resist:
Compression
Translation
Subluxation
Other shifts that can occur
Chiropractic Mobilization Long Term Relief
A pinched nerve should not be treated with over-the-counter medications for long-term health. Corrective chiropractic mobilization is a recommended course of action for alleviating this and other musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic understands the nature and severity of radiculopathy as well as developing the proper customized treatment plan that will bring optimal results.
Body Composition
DASH Diet Example
Breakfast
3/4 cup bran flakes cereal with 1 banana and 1 cup low-fat milk
1 slice whole-wheat bread with 1 tsp. unsalted butter
1 orange
1 cup coffee
Lunch
Sandwich 2 slices of whole-wheat bread
3 oz. grilled thin chicken breast
2 slices low-fat cheese
1 tbsp. mustard
Salad
1/2 cup chopped/diced cucumbers
1/2 cup chopped/diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon low-calorie non-cream dressing
1/2 cup fruit cocktail with no sugar
Snack
1/3 cup unsalted almonds
Dinner
3 oz. lean beef with 2 tbsp. fat-free, low sodium gravy
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Open Orthop J. 2016. A Qualitative Description of Chronic Neck Pain has Implications for Outcome Assessment and Classification. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5301418/
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Management of Cervical Radiculopathy: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4541004/
After all of these years, I am happy to announce that the Texas Supreme Court has finally made a decision regarding the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners et al v. Texas Medical Association case on January 29th, 2021. With great honor and gratitude, I’d like to continue to extend sincere thanks to everyone who worked hard on this case and whose tremendous efforts resulted in the decision. Thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision, chiropractors in Texas can now carry on their jobs accordingly. Below, I have provided a letter from Board President, Mark R. Bronson, D.C., F.I.A.N.M. on behalf of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners stating the Texas Supreme Court’s decision in the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners et al v. Texas Medical Association case on January 29th, 2021. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
February 1, 2021
On behalf of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, I extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone whose efforts resulted in the Texas Supreme Court’s decision in Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners et al v. Texas Medical Association on January 29, 2021. Special thanks are due to all the attorneys at the Office of the Attorney General who worked on this case over these years.
The decision properly affirmed the validity of the Board’s scope of practice rule, which the court clearly said does not exceed our statutory scope of chiropractic practice. The court unequivocally held that the Board�s rules do not violate Occupations Code Chapter 201 or run counter to the chapter’s objectives set by the Texas Legislature, and in fact, carefully observe the statutory boundary between the medical and chiropractic professions. This decision, which recognizes the common sense and long-standing inclusion of associated nerves in chiropractic diagnosis and treatment, preserves and strengthens the essence of chiropractic.
Thanks to the court’s decision, our licensees can now fulfill their duties as vital portal-of-entry healthcare providers in Texas without fear. The court’s decision reaffirms the principles of economic freedom that have made Texas the best state in the nation to be a chiropractor.
Sincerely,
Mark R. Bronson, D.C., F.I.A.N.M. Board President
Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas & New Mexico*
The Atlas vertebra is named for the mythological figure who held the world on their back/neck. The vertebrae are located at the top of the spine, where the cranium and spine connect. More than just a foundation for support, the vertebrae could be the most important vertebrae of the body. It consists of a complex bundle of nerves, vertebral arteries, and is the point where the entire weight of the cranium makes contact.
The myth requires Atlas to be careful while holding the world carefully and confidently at all times, otherwise it will come crashing down. The key is being able to balance it perfectly. The vertebra has the same job to hold the head up properly and maintain posture. If not problems with balance and alignment will begin to develop, and affect the entire spine.
The Atlas Vertebra
Balance
The Atlas vertebrae’s role in maintaining balance is based on its ability to adjust to the weight of the head. The actual vertebra is wider than the other cervical vertebrae. This creates a center of gravity that is reinforced through proper posture. It distributes the weight of the head (10-12lb) evenly to centralize the weight and is supported by the natural curvature of the spine.
If the center of gravity shifts, the Atlas vertebra will tilt in that direction as well. This creates instability in the cervical spine and can increase the amount of weight the spine is taking and trying to redistribute. This creates spinal issues and leads to everything from poor posture, overcompensation that leads to injury.
Shifting Causes
Disruption to the vertebra and its ability to balance can come from a variety of causes and can occur as a result of chronic and acute conditions. Some include:
Auto accidents, sports, work injuries can cause cervical soft tissue damage
Dislocation of cervical vertebrae below the Atlas results in instability
Poor posture/s make individuals overcompensate to one side of the body straining muscles, ligaments, tendons causing pain and other issues
Herniated, bulging, and slipped discs
Unbalanced effects
Spinal issues range from simple neck pain and soreness to full-on chronic pain. Because the Atlas can alter the balance of the entire spine, combined with cranium support, issues can be localized and referred creating further complications. Addressing the root problems requires a comprehensive chiropractic approach. Chiropractic will assess the position of the spine and determine the degree to which Atlas has shifted out of place. An adjustment treatment plan makes it possible to undo the widespread damage.
Body Composition
Muscle Loss
Individuals do not realize that muscle loss occurs throughout their lifetime. This is because muscles, like other tissues in the body, must go through cell turnover and protein synthesis. This means that the body is constantly breaking down protein in the muscles and rebuilding them.
Skeletal muscle can be developed with proper nutrition and includes consuming a proper amount of protein to provide the necessary amino acids and from physical activity. The reverse is also true, if an individual becomes less physically active and/or their diet no longer supports the development of increased muscle tissue, the body enters a catabolic/tissue-reducing state known as muscle atrophy.
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Woodfield, H Charles 3rd et al. �Craniocervical chiropractic procedures – a pr�cis of upper cervical chiropractic.��The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association�vol. 59,2 (2015): 173-92.
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