Automobile collisions, work, sports, and personal accidents can cause neck injuries that can affect other areas, leading to long-term health problems. Neck injuries involving soft tissue damage frequently persist after the incident. One of the injuries includes vocal cord damage caused by impact to the larynx. The larynx, or voicebox, is an organ that is behind the Adam’s apple. A neck injury impacting the larynx can affect the ability to speak and breathe and cause vocal cord paralysis. Treatment can involve surgery, voice therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic.
Vocal Cord Injury
The vocal cords are two flexible bands of muscle tissue at the entrance of the trachea. The vocal cords are normally in a relaxed open position to allow breathing. When talking, the bands combine and vibrate to make a sound. Surgery, viral infections, certain cancers, and neck trauma can cause vocal cord paralysis. In this condition, nerve damage blocks or inhibits impulses from transmitting to the voice box. The muscles, usually one of them, become paralyzed, preventing swallowing and ingesting saliva through the windpipe/trachea. In rare cases, both muscles are unable to move.
Trauma to the neck or chest can injure the voice box nerves.
Infections
Infections like Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes can cause inflammation and nerve damage.
Tumors
Tumors, cancerous and noncancerous, can grow inside or around the muscles, cartilage, and nerves.
Neurological
Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can lead to vocal cord paralysis.
Surgical Injury
Surgical procedure mistakes or complications on or near the neck or upper chest can result in damage to the voice box nerves.
Surgeries to the thyroid or parathyroid glands, esophagus, neck, and chest have an increased risk.
Stroke
A stroke chokes blood flow to the brain and can damage the region of the brain that transmits messages to the voice box.
Treatment
Treatment is determined by a doctor based on the individual medical condition and diagnostic tests. Treatment can involve:
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is recommended as the laryngeal muscles are strengthened through various exercises, improving breathing function. A speech therapist will begin working with the individual on exercises targeting the weakened vocal folds by enhancing airflow and blood circulation.
Physical Therapy and Chiropractic
Treatment involves performing gentle exercises that work on the vocal cords gradually and progressively but does not stress them. Chiropractors work with the physical therapist performing high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation targeted at the lower neck and upper thoracic area, the C3/T1 vertebrae. A treatment plan will also use massage, non-surgical decompression, instrument/tool-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, low laser or ultrasound, and at-home stretches and exercises.
Surgery
Surgery could be necessary for individuals experiencing no improvement despite doing the prescribed speech and physical therapy exercises. Different types of procedures are based on the degree and extent of the paralysis:
Injections – Collagen and fillers are injected into the vocal cords to reposition the affected muscles closer to the larynx.
Phonosurgery – The vocal cords are repositioned through restructuring.
Tracheotomy – If the vocal folds are closing, a surgeon may make an incision in the neck at the opening of the windpipe and insert a breathing tube. This bypasses the air blockage caused by the vocal folds and promotes proper air circulation.
Cervical Spine Instability
References
Chen, Ching-Chang, et al. “Long-term result of vocal cord paralysis after anterior cervical discectomy.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 23,3 (2014): 622-6. doi:10.1007/s00586-013-3084-y
Dankbaar JW, et al. Vocal cord paralysis: Anatomy, imaging, and pathology. Insights in Imaging. 2014; doi:10.1007/s13244-014-0364-y.
Fitzpatrick, P C, and R H Miller. “Vocal cord paralysis.” The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society: official organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society vol. 150,8 (1998): 340-3.
Kriskovich, M D et al. “Vocal fold paralysis after anterior cervical spine surgery: incidence, mechanism, and prevention of injury.” The Laryngoscope vol. 110,9 (2000): 1467-73. doi:10.1097/00005537-200009000-00011
Vocal fold paralysis. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/vocal-fold-paralysis. Accessed May 18, 2022.
Vocal fold paralysis. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Vocal-Fold-Paralysis. Accessed May 18, 2022.
Waddell, Roger K. “Chiropractic care for a patient with spasmodic dysphonia associated with cervical spine trauma.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 4,1 (2005): 19-24. doi:10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60108-6
Sports exercise medicine – SEM addresses and treats physical activity/sports-related injuries using chiropractic care, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, functional nutrition, and targeted rehabilitation exercises. Sports medicine aims to prevent injury and keep individuals safe when pursuing their training goals. It combines general medical education with sports science principles, exercise physiology, biomechanics, orthopedics, nutrition, and sports psychology.
Sports Exercise Medicine
Sports medicine specialists focus on medical, therapeutic, and functional aspects to rehabilitate and strengthen the body to improve physical performance. Conditions include:
A sports exercise medicine team can include medical and non-medical specialists. This includes:
Coaches
Athletic trainers
Personal trainers
Chiropractors
Physical therapists
Nutritionists
Physicians
Surgeons
Sports psychologists
Sports exercise medicine is not a medical specialty but means the health care providers have undergone training focused on the medical aspects of physical activities/sports, fitness, and exercise.
Doctors and Physicians
Sports medicine physicians are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating sports and exercise-related injuries and conditions. These physicians are certified in family medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, or orthopedics. They are qualified to treat:
Muscle, bone, joint, and nerve injuries.
Head injuries.
Chronic conditions.
Return-to-play decisions.
Injury prevention.
Nutrition and supplements.
Orthopedic surgeons focus on the surgical treatment, repair, and restoration of sports and physical activity injuries.
Psychologists
Sports psychology focuses on athletes’/sports enthusiasts’ mental and emotional states. Athletes go through various stresses that a sports psychologist can train to regulate anxiety and improve focus specifically on their sport. They use tools and techniques like psychotherapy, stress management, and goal-setting to help athletes maintain mental and emotional balance during competition or injury recovery. Professional sports teams employ psychologists to help prepare the team for competition or develop strategies to overcome mental or emotional challenges affecting performance.
Sports Science
Sports science is the focused study of physiology, anatomy, and psychology related to human movement and physical activity. Exercise science is primarily focused on clinical research, including:
Physiological responses to exercise.
Effectiveness of exercise techniques.
Impact of performance supplements.
Chiropractic Sports Physician
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, medication-free treatment alternative that can help individual athletes find relief from various musculoskeletal issues. A chiropractic sports physician has the tools and skills necessary to optimize the performance of an individual’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This specialized training allows sports chiropractors to provide therapies to heal injuries effectively, maintain strength and prevent injury. The benefits of applying chiropractic medicine include the following:
It is a non-invasive treatment.
Improves overall range of motion.
Reduces and alleviates discomfort symptoms.
Stretches and strengthens the body.
Assists in post-surgical repair.
Decreases recovery time.
Sport Rehabilitation
References
Brown, G J. “Sports medicine at work.” British journal of sports medicine vol. 33,1 (1999): 5.
Hsu, Joseph R et al. “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pain Management in Acute Musculoskeletal Injury.” Journal of orthopedic trauma vol. 33,5 (2019): e158-e182. doi:10.1097/BOT.0000000000001430
Kaufman, Matthew W et al. “The Impact of Supplements on Sports Performance for the Trained Athlete: A Critical Analysis.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 21,7 232-238. 1 Jul. 2022, doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000972
King, J B. “Sports medicine.” Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine vol. 79,8 (1986): 441-2. doi:10.1177/014107688607900803
Kreher, Jeffrey B, and Jennifer B Schwartz. “Overtraining syndrome: a practical guide.” Sports health vol. 4,2 (2012): 128-38. doi:10.1177/1941738111434406
McCrory, P. “What are sports and exercise medicine?.” British journal of sports medicine vol. 40,12 (2006): 955-7.
Spinal Stenosis Walking Issues:Stenosis means a narrowing. Spinal stenosis can happen in any spine region, but the neck and lower back are the most common locations. The spinal canal becomes narrower and can cause the nerves to become compressed, pinched, and irritated and can extend from the lumbar spine through the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. Individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis may have difficulty walking caused by sensations of discomfort like numbness, electrical shocks, and pain, requiring the need to lean forward to relieve pressure and symptoms. Additionally, symptoms are likely to worsen the longer the walk. Chiropractic treatment can treat spinal stenosis because it corrects and re-aligns the spine, thus reducing pressure on the spinal cord, joints, and nerve roots.
Spinal Stenosis Walking Issues
The spine is made up of interlocking vertebrae. The regions are cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral bones with a foramen opening. These openings form the protective tunnel/spinal canal surrounding the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a group of nerves that run through the tunnel. The narrowing suffocates the nerves supplying the lower extremities that can influence walking activity.
Symptoms
There may be no symptoms with early lumbar spinal stenosis. Most individuals develop symptoms gradually and may begin to notice them while walking or standing. These can include:
Lower back pressure sensations when standing upright or walking.
Leg numbness, tingling, weakness, burning, and/or cramping.
Muscle weakness.
Persistent pain in the back, hips, buttocks, or legs while walking.
Difficulty lifting the top part of the foot – known as drop foot.
Loss of sensation in the feet.
A weak foot that drops/slaps down when walking.
Loss of sexual ability.
In more serious cases, severe numbness, bladder problems, and inability to stand.
Individuals begin to lean forward when symptoms start, bringing relief by reducing the pressure on the nerves. However, constantly leaning forward leads to other posture and health problems.
Diagnosis
A doctor or chiropractor will ask questions about symptoms and medical history and perform a complete physical examination to diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis. During the physical examination, a healthcare provider will look for signs, such as loss of sensation, weakness, and abnormal reflexes.
Tests:
X-rays of the lumbar spine may show bone growths called spurs that push on spinal nerves and/or narrowing of the spinal canal.
Imaging tests – A CT or MRI scan can provide a detailed look at the spinal canal and nerve structures.
Other studies include – bone scans, myelogram, which is a CT scan that uses a color dye, and EMG, which is an electrical test of muscle activity.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic care combined with physical therapy is a tried-and-true treatment for spinal stenosis. A chiropractic treatment plan can include targeted and passive exercise programs. Targeted exercises involve strengthening the core and back muscles. Passive treatments include hot and cold therapy, massage, decompression, and electrical stimulation. The objective of chiropractic therapy is to:
Strengthen muscles in the core and legs
Correct posture and body mechanics.
Improve mobility.
Maintain ability to perform day-to-day activities.
Recommend stretches.
Educate on how to keep the spine and back muscles safe.
Train on using devices like a back brace, cane, or walker properly.
Advise about shoe inserts and splints.
Suggest work and home environment modifications, such as ergonomics and cushions.
Chiropractic Relief
References
Conway, Justin, et al. “Walking assessment in people with lumbar spinal stenosis: capacity, performance, and self-report measures.” The spine journal: official North American Spine Society journal vol. 11,9 (2011): 816-23. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2010.10.019
Lurie, Jon, and Christy Tomkins-Lane. “Management of lumbar spinal stenosis.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 352 h6234. 4 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1136/bmj.h6234
Macedo, Luciana Gazzi, et al. “Physical therapy interventions for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: a systematic review.” Physical therapy vol. 93,12 (2013): 1646-60. doi:10.2522/ptj.20120379
Tomkins-Lane, Christy C et al. “Predictors of walking performance and walking capacity in people with lumbar spinal stenosis, low back pain, and asymptomatic controls.” Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 93,4 (2012): 647-53. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2011.09.023
The nervous system is a network of roads that feed into highways that connect to an interstate system. The roads are the nerves that innervate the muscles and the extremities; the interstate is the spinal cord. When the system works optimally, the nerves consistently transmit signals/messages to and from the brain without any problems. The signals travel back and forth, and the traffic flows smoothly. When the activities of these nerves and cells get disrupted, the central nervous system fails to perform basic functions that can cause musculoskeletal issues, conditions, and CNS diseases. Keeping the nervous system strong can be done by adopting ways to maintain health and function.
The Nervous System
The system regulates and coordinates body activities and is made up of two major divisions, these include the following:
Central nervous system – consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system – consists of all other neural elements, including the peripheral and autonomic nerves.
The principal organs of the nervous system include:
Brain
Spinal cord
Eyes
Ears
Sensory taste organs
Sensory smell organs
Sensory receptors are located in the muscles, joints, skin, and other areas throughout the body.
A complex network of nerves, the nervous system reacts to internal and external stimuli through several physical actions to maintain vital bodily functions. These include:
The symptoms of a nervous system disorder may present like other medical conditions or problems. Always see a professional healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.
Keeping the Nervous System Strong
Nutrition To Transmit Signals
Nerves need minerals, proteins, and vitamins to send electrical impulses. Foods that contain these nutrients include:
Calcium — regulates the generated and transmitted electrical impulses. Milk, leafy greens and eggs are rich sources of calcium.
Potassium – bananas, oranges, pomegranates, and prunes, are good sources of potassium.
Dark chocolate contains tryptophan, an amino acid that produces and maintains neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B — Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 assist the nerves in sending impulses from the brain to the body.
B Vitamins Provide Nerve Protection
A myelin sheath covers the nerves for protection and provides insulation for transmitting. Worn-out or damaged myelin sheaths have been associated with illnesses like Alzheimer’s. Vitamin B12 helps repair damaged nerves and regenerate fibers. It is found in beef, poultry, eggs, and seafood.
Folate or vitamin B9 promotes Schwann cell proliferation, migration, and production of nerve growth factor. This vitamin is found in spinach, pomegranates, and beets.
Stretching and Breathing
Stress produces the hormone cortisol. Constant production of cortisol affects the nervous system, which can affect reflexes, concentration, and memory. Stretching the body and learning breathing exercises and relaxation techniques activates the part of the nervous system responsible for breathing and heart rate, decreasing cortisol levels.
Chiropractic Care and Functional Medicine
The spinal cord has multiple functions in restoring, rejuvenating, and keeping the nervous system strong. Chiropractic care has a highly responsive therapeutic effect on the nervous system because of its focus on the spine. Spinal decompression, traction, soft tissue manipulation, and other treatments help regulate and restore the function of the nervous system. Chiropractic benefits:
Reduces or eliminates pain.
Regulates respiration.
Lowers heart rate.
Improves the quality of sleep.
Increases energy.
Improves digestive function.
Improves cognition and clarity.
Improves balance and coordination.
Increases flexibility and mobility.
Reduces or eliminates headaches and migraines.
Hyperhomocysteinemia
References
Archibald, Lennox K., and Ronald G. Quisling. “Central Nervous System Infections.” Textbook of Neurointensive Care 427–517. 7 May. 2013, doi:10.1007/978-1-4471-5226-2_22
Bhagavati, Satyakam. “Autoimmune Disorders of the Nervous System: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Therapy.” Frontiers in neurology vol. 12 664664. 14 Apr. 2021, doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.664664
Gyer, Giles, et al. “Spinal manipulation therapy: Is it all about the brain? A current review of the neurophysiological effects of manipulation.” Journal of integrative medicine vol. 17,5 (2019): 328-337. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2019.05.004
Jessen, Kristján R et al. “Schwann Cells: Development and Role in Nerve Repair.” Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology vol. 7,7 a020487. 8 May. 2015, doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a020487
Powers, Scott K et al. “Disease-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Fatigue.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise vol. 48,11 (2016): 2307-2319. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000975
Wobble cushions are small round inflatable support pillows made of a flexible material that can be used to stand and sit on. The cushion creates instability, hence wobble, to engage the lower back, hips, and core muscles. They promote core stability, strengthen muscle tone, and improve balance and body posture. A flexible body helps in injury prevention. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we utilize innovative techniques and therapies to reduce stress, assist in healing musculoskeletal damage from injuries, disease, or conditions, and keep the spine and whole body healthy.
Wobble Cushions
A common reason for back aches and pains is sitting for long periods. Individuals unintentionally slouch or hunch over as they go through their day, causing strain to the back muscles, gluteal muscles, core muscles, hips, and spine. This causes the lower half of the body to weaken and causes the top muscles to take up the slack to support the torso and lower body.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms can be the acute type that is forceful and involuntary, and chronic sustained stiffness, tightness, cramping, and pain. Lower back discomfort and/or sciatica symptoms vary depending on the cause, location, and severity of the strain or injury. Signs could be dull, burning, or sharp at a single point or over a broad region that could spread into one or both legs. Types of low back discomfort:
Acute symptoms last less than three months. Most individuals with acute episodes will have at least one recurrence.
Recurrent means the acute symptoms return.
Chronic symptoms last longer than three months.
Cushion Benefits
Encouraging active sitting improves posture allowing individuals to sit and stay focused for longer as their body awareness improves, reducing hunching, slumping, slouching, and fidgeting. Other wobble cushion benefits include:
Decreased muscle stress and strain on the joints and ligaments, which improves proprioceptive sense or body awareness.
Increases blood circulation and oxygenation throughout the body.
Helps rehydrate the discs and circulate spinal fluid. Spinal discs do not have a direct blood supply; therefore, movement is required to pump and circulate healthy fluids.
Allows more flexibility in the spine, hips, and core muscles.
Improves overall posture.
The purpose of wobble cushions is not to provide comfort. They are supposed to be uncomfortable and unstable to make the individual sit up straight. The cushion can be placed on a chair or the floor to effectively practice balancing without putting pressure on the back, knees, or feet. They can also be used for practicing standing balance. Various factors to consider when looking for a cushion include:
Stability
Comfort
Resilience
Alignment
All play a role in determining the best option.
Discussing options with a doctor or chiropractor is recommended to ensure that the cushion meets your needs and preferences.
Spinal Hygiene
References
Alrwaily, Muhammad, et al. “Stabilization exercises combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation for patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.” Brazilian journal of physical therapy vol. 23,6 (2019): 506-515. doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.10.003
Haksever, Bunyamin et al. “The Dynamic Innovative Balance System Improves Balance Ability: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 16,4 1025-1032. 1 Aug. 2021, doi:10.26603/001c.25756
Honert, Eric C, and Karl E Zelik. “Foot and shoe responsible for the majority of soft tissue work in the early stance of walking.” Human movement science vol. 64 (2019): 191-202. doi:10.1016/j.humov.2019.01.008
Ostelo, Raymond Wjg. “Physiotherapy management of sciatica.” Journal of physiotherapy vol. 66,2 (2020): 83-88. doi:10.1016/j.jphys.2020.03.005
Shahvarpour, A et al. “Active-passive biodynamics of the human trunk when seated on a wobble chair.” Journal of biomechanics vol. 49,6 (2016): 939-945. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.01.042
Any form of physical sports activity puts the body at risk for injury. Chiropractic care can prevent injury for all athletes, weekend warriors, and fitness enthusiasts. Regular massaging, stretching, adjusting, and decompressing enhances strength and stability, maintaining the body’s readiness for physical activity. A chiropractor assists in sports injury prevention through analysis of the body’s musculoskeletal system addressing any abnormalities from the natural frame and adjusts the body back into proper alignment. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic provides various sports injury prevention therapies and treatment plans personalized to the athlete’s needs and requirements.
Sports Injury Prevention
Individuals involved in sports activities push themselves through rigorous training and play sessions to new levels. Pushing the body will cause musculoskeletal wear and tear despite meticulous care and training. Chiropractic addresses potential injuries by proactively correcting the problematic areas within the musculoskeletal system to improve body functionality. It ensures that all system structures, spine, joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves are working correctly and at their healthiest, most natural state.
Performance
When muscles are restricted from moving how they are designed to, other areas over-compensate and over-stretch to make the movement possible, increasing the risk of injury as they overwork. This is how the vicious cycle starts. Regular professional chiropractic:
Regularly assesses the alignment of the body.
Keeps the muscles, tendons, and ligaments loose.
Spots any imbalances and weaknesses.
Treats and strengthens the imbalances and deficiencies.
Advises on maintaining alignment.
Treatment Schedule
Consecutive treatments are recommended to allow the musculoskeletal system to adapt to regular treatments. This allows the therapists to get used to how the body looks, feels, and is aligned. The chiropractic team gets used to the body’s strengths and weaknesses and learns the areas that need attention during each treatment. Initial treatment could be every week or two, allowing the chiropractor to spot any discrepancies in movement patterns and giving the body a chance to acclimate to the therapy. Then regular treatment every four to five weeks depending on the sport, training, games, recovery schedule, etc., helps maintain a relaxed, balanced, and symmetrically aligned body.
Pre-Workouts
References
Hemenway, David, et al. “Injury prevention and control research and training in accredited schools of public health: a CDC/ASPH assessment.” Public health reports (Washington, D.C.: 1974) vol. 121,3 (2006): 349-51. doi:10.1177/003335490612100321
Nguyen, Jie C et al. “Sports and the Growing Musculoskeletal System: Sports Imaging Series.” Radiology vol. 284,1 (2017): 25-42. doi:10.1148/radiol.2017161175
Van Mechelen, W et al. “Incidence, severity, etiology and prevention of sports injuries. A review of concepts.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 14,2 (1992): 82-99. doi:10.2165/00007256-199214020-00002
Weerapong, Pornratshanee et al. “The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery, and injury prevention.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 35,3 (2005): 235-56. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004
Wojtys, Edward M. “Sports Injury Prevention.” Sports health vol. 9,2 (2017): 106-107. doi:10.1177/1941738117692555
Woods, Krista et al. “Warm-up and stretching in the prevention of muscular injury.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 37,12 (2007): 1089-99. doi:10.2165/00007256-200737120-00006
Postural dysfunction happens when unhealthy postures are practiced and maintained for prolonged periods. This can occur in any sitting, standing, or lying down position and is a major factor in musculoskeletal injuries. Injuries related to poor posture are normally caused by overuse that builds up over time. When the body starts to go out of alignment, the muscles must work harder to compensate, which further strains the body. This stress can lead to soft tissue injury and excess joint wear and tear. These injuries start as minor aches and pains in the short term. However, if left untreated, they can lead to chronic conditions. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can rehabilitate the body to optimal function and provide postural training.
Postural Dysfunction
Posture is how the skeleton and muscles hold the body in a healthy position while standing or sitting, affecting breathing, muscle growth, and mobility. Practicing healthy posture means:
The bones are properly aligned.
The muscles, joints, and ligaments function correctly.
The organs, like the stomach, kidneys, and GI tract, are in the right position and can work efficiently.
The nervous system can operate at its full potential.
This allows the body to have:
More energy.
More room for the lungs to expand.
Experience less stress.
Alleviate muscle fatigue.
Achieve physical fitness.
Imbalance Causes
Unhealthy body positioning causes imbalances in muscle strength that pull the body out of alignment. This leads to muscles becoming tight/shortened and others becoming weak/lengthened, and it can also cause internal organ problems. For example, individuals that slump excessively cause the abdomen to compress, crowding the stomach and intestines, which leads to digestive issues. Postural dysfunction can be caused by the following:
Stress and strain from day-to-day activities.
Job responsibilities that involve sitting/standing for long periods and/or repetitive tasks like bending, lifting, reaching, twisting, etc.
Unhealthy driving position.
Non-supportive footwear.
Joint stiffness usually of the neck, upper and lower back, and hips.
Sedentary habits.
Lack of physical activity and exercise.
Muscle tightness.
Muscle weakness.
Weakened core stability.
Inadequate or failed post-surgical recovery.
Effects
Decreased blood circulation resulting in fatigue.
Overuse Injuries.
Breathing difficulties.
Balance issues.
Knee pain.
Joint misalignment.
Increased strain on the spine.
Compression of discs and joints.
Neck pain.
Lower back pain.
Less space for nerves to move due to compression.
Nerve problems.
Piriformis syndrome.
Shoulder impingement.
Chiropractic Rehabilitation
Chiropractic treatment for postural dysfunction provides adjustments, massage and decompression therapy, targeted stretching and exercises, retraining movement patterns, and nutritional and health coaching. Personalized treatment plans can include the following:
Targeted stretches and exercises to maintain posture correction.
Fix Posture
References
Korakakis, Vasileios, et al. “Physiotherapist perceptions of optimal sitting and standing posture.” Musculoskeletal science & practice vol. 39 (2019): 24-31. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2018.11.004
Lee, Yongwoo, and Ki Bum Jung. “Effect of Physiotherapy to Correct Rounded Shoulder Posture in 30 Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea Using a Telerehabilitation Exercise Program to Improve Posture, Physical Function, and Reduced Pain, with Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction.” Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research vol. 28 e938926. 27 Dec. 2022, doi:10.12659/MSM.938926
Shih, Hsu-Sheng, et al. “Effects of Kinesio taping and exercise on forward head posture.” Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation vol. 30,4 (2017): 725-733. doi:10.3233/BMR-150346
Snodgrass, Suzanne J et al. “Relationship between Posture and Non-Contact Lower Limb Injury in Young Male Amateur Football Players: A Prospective Cohort Study.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,12 6424. 14 Jun. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18126424
Zhao, Mingming, et al. “Driver posture monitoring in highly automated vehicles using pressure measurement.” Traffic injury prevention vol. 22,4 (2021): 278-283. doi:10.1080/15389588.2021.1892087
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