Look how young children position their backs. There is a natural S curve, and their movements are effortless. As the body ages, too much sitting, slouching, and inactivity can cause muscle fatigue and tension leading to posture issues. Rounded shoulders describe a resting position that has shifted the shoulders out of the body’s natural alignment, which can worsen if left untreated. Chiropractic care can realign the shoulders, as well as the spine, and restore musculoskeletal health to optimum levels.
Rounded Shoulders
Rounded shoulders are an excessive thoracic kyphosis referring to an uneven forward rounding or curvature of the middle and upper back. Rounded shoulders shift out of proper alignment with the spine, causing posture-related problems like shoulder/neck/back discomfort, tightness, stiffness, and pain. Overall unhealthy posture contributes to the following:
The head constantly being in a forward or backward position
Headaches
Body aches and pains
Muscle fatigue
Chronic back soreness
Bent knees when standing or walking
Body movement dysfunction
Joint problems
Potbelly
Rounded shoulders
Body responses to rounded shoulders include:
Chronic musculoskeletal aches and pains
Breathing problems
Limited body function
Impaired mobility performance
Increased mental and musculoskeletal stress
Causes
Rounded shoulders are typically caused by unhealthy posture, but can also be caused by muscle imbalances from, for example, overfocusing on building chest strength but neglecting the core and upper back. Other causes include:
Standing and sitting for long periods
Stress
Lack of physical activity
Environmental factors
Too much exercise, sports, and physical activities
Musculoskeletal Imbalance
Postural imbalances anywhere in the body can cause rounded shoulders.
For example, when an individual tilts their head forward to look at their phone, the upper back has to round forward to hold the head. Constantly tilting can begin to generate an unhealthy muscle memory causing the neck and shoulder muscles to remain in a semi-flexed position that starts to become the norm.
Another example is when the arms are held out and in front for prolonged periods, like driving, typing, and cooking, the chest muscles get shortened. As time goes on, this causes the shoulder blades to move forward on the ribcage, making the upper back and shoulder area hunch awkwardly and unhealthily.
Stress
When the brain perceives a threat, the body physically prepares to take action through the fight or flight response. Common reactions include:
Jaw tensing
Tightening the abdominal muscles
Holding one’s breath
Rounding the shoulders
Stressors can include:
Job worries
Money issues
Relationship problems
Family responsibilities
All can cause changes in the body that result in rounded shoulders.
Environmental Factors
Respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and allergies can affect the body’s breathing and the ability of the diaphragm to contract and relax correctly.
Ribcage restrictions caused by chronic breathing problems can result in the thoracic/middle back tightening up, causing excessive shoulder rounding.
Exercise and Physical Activities
Exercise and physical activities can contribute to rounded shoulders because of the long periods of spinal flexion. These can include:
Bike riding, martial arts, and swimming.
Knitting requires the arms to be out in front.
Gardening requires kneeling and being hunched over.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic massage, and decompression therapy can unlock tight shoulder and chest muscles. A chiropractor uses gentle targeted adjustments to relieve pain, restore function, and retrain the muscles.
The doctor will look at the individual’s resting position while standing.
An individual with slumped shoulders can slouch, even when standing up straight.
Their hands will likely face behind them, with their thumbs pointed at each other.
Once the adjustments are made, a correct standing posture will make the hands face the body with the thumbs facing ahead.
Exercises will be recommended to strengthen the core and stretches to maintain the adjustments.
Posture Chiropractic
References
Fathollahnejad, Kiana, et al. “The effect of manual therapy and stabilizing exercises on forward head and rounded shoulder postures: a six-week intervention with a one-month follow-up study.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 20,1 86. 18 Feb. 2019, doi:10.1186/s12891-019-2438-y
Go, Seong-Uk, and Byoung-Hee Lee. “Effects of scapular stability exercise on shoulder stability and rehabilitative ultrasound images in office workers.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 28,11 (2016): 2999-3002. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.2999
Kwon, Jung Won, et al. “Changes in upper-extremity muscle activities due to head position in subjects with a forward head posture and rounded shoulders.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 27,6 (2015): 1739-42. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.1739
Lee, Do Youn, et al. “Changes in rounded shoulder and forward head posture according to exercise methods.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 29,10 (2017): 1824-1827. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1824
Park, Sang-In, et al. “Effects of shoulder stabilization exercise on pain and functional recovery of shoulder impingement syndrome patients.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 25,11 (2013): 1359-62. doi:10.1589/jpts.25.1359
Chiropractic care focuses on whole-body health, restoring optimal body function, helping injuries heal/rehabilitate, and maintaining musculoskeletal health. Yoga is one of the most popular forms of fitness because it is not overly physically demanding but still increases flexibility and muscle tone, helps with weight loss, improves cardiovascular and circulatory health, and enhances breathing and energy levels. Yoga provides benefits that directly relate to chiropractic, making the treatment more effective.
Yoga and Chiropractic
Yoga is an exercise focusing on mindfulness combined with deep stretches and focused breathing. Yoga focuses on balance, flexibility, and strength.
It helps to lower blood pressure and stress levels by releasing built-up tension.
Helps to activate the body’s natural healing process.
It stretches the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, keeping them loose and flexible, enhancing chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is multi-faceted,restoring the wellness of the neuromusculoskeletal system that involves the nerves, muscles, and bones. It works holistically with the body’s natural processes to restore balance and overall health.
Realigns the spine.
Returns the natural shape of the body’s structure.
Clears interference from the nervous system.
Rejuvenates the body.
Customized chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and traction treatment plans help shift spinal deformities back toward proper balance.
Strengthen Soft Tissues
Yoga and chiropractic work and strengthen all the:
Connective tissues
Muscles
Ligaments
Tendons
Increasing the strength of the joints throughout the body reduces stress and the risk of injury.
Promote Healing
Yoga and chiropractic:
Prepare the body for healing.
Stretch and elongate the body.
Release built-up tension and stress.
Activate the body for healing.
Prevent Injury
Yoga and chiropractic:
Maintain body alignment.
Increase balance.
Stretch and relieve tense muscles.
Ensure proper joint operation.
Make the body less susceptible to injury.
Educate Individuals About The Body
Chiropractors and yoga teachers can educate individuals on how the body works, maintaining muscle strength, teaching posture awareness, and nervous system function for a healthier life.
Yoga Body Flow
References
Biman, Saranga, et al. “Effects of yoga on stress, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and the quality of life among employees of the diamond industry: A new approach in employee wellness.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 70,2 (2021): 521-529. doi:10.3233/WOR-213589
da Costa, Fernanda Mazzoni, et al.”“Effects of an intervention program with health education and hatha yoga on the health of professionals with musculoskeletal symptoms”” Revista brasileira de medicina do trabalho : publicacao oficial da Associacao Nacional de Medicina do Trabalho-ANAMT vol. 18,2 114-124. 11 Dec. 2020, doi:10.47626/1679-4435-2020-492
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
Kolasinski, Sharon L et al.” 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee” Arthritis care & research vol. 72,2 (2020): 149-162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131
Urits, Ivan et al.” A Comprehensive Review of Alternative Therapies for the Management of Chronic Pain Patients: Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and Chiropractic Care” Advances in therapy vol. 38,1 (2021): 76-89. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01554-0
Sciatica is common and affects up to 40% of the general population. Different types include acute, chronic, alternating, and bilateral sciatica. The sciatic nerve comprises three specific nerve roots in the lower back. The three nerves originate in the L4 and L5 vertebrae and the sacrum, just below the vertebrae. The nerve then branches off and runs through the back of each thigh. Injury, compression, or irritation of these nerves can cause various symptoms, including numbness, tingling, electrical shooting pain, and muscle spasms in the low back, the leg, and the foot. Chiropractic care can realign the spine, relax the muscles, release compression and relieve sciatica.
Acute, Chronic, Alternating, and Bilateral Sciatica
Acute
Acute pain can be brought on by sudden irritation to the nerves that have become pinched, compressed, or a combination.
Causes a constant burning or shooting sensation through the low back, buttocks, down the leg, and possible hip discomfort.
It becomes worse when sitting.
It can cause immediate and short-term pain lasting for 1-2 weeks.
Chronic
Chronic sciatica can last for months or years on and off or continuously.
It can be caused or worsened by inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, injuries, infections, and spinal misalignment issues.
It can resolve but will come back without treatment or lifestyle and activity adjustments.
Bilateral
Sciatica typically takes place in one leg; it has been known to be bilateral and experienced in both legs.
This type of sciatica is rare but can occur from degenerative changes in the vertebrae and/or the discs at several spinal levels.
If there is pain in both legs, it is likely not a herniation but degenerative changes like spinal stenosis.
The symptoms can range from infrequent to irritating to severe and debilitating.
Weakness may be felt in the leg and foot, or a feeling of heaviness, making it difficult to lift the foot off the floor.
Alternating
Alternating sciatica affects both legs alternately. It is usually connected to bilateral sciatica that switches sides.
This type is rare and can result from degenerative problems in the sacroiliac joint, the joint connecting the spine to the hips, or sacroiliac arthritis.
Spinal Sources
Sciatica occurs when L4, L5, and/or S1 nerve roots are affected.
L4 Nerve Root
Pain in the hip, thigh, inner medial areas or the knee, and the calf.
Weakness in the thigh and hip muscles.
Reduced knee-jerk reflex.
Loss of sensation around the calf.
L5 Nerve Root
Pain in the buttock and the outer area of the thigh.
Weakness in the buttock and leg muscles.
Difficulty moving the ankle and lifting the big toe upward.
Loss of sensation between the big toe and the second toe.
S1 Nerve Root
Known as classic sciatica.
Pain in the buttock, back of the calf, and side of the foot.
Fatigue in the buttock and foot muscles.
Difficulty and discomfort raising the heel off the ground or walking on tiptoes.
Loss of sensation in the foot’s outer side, including the third, fourth, and fifth toes.
Chiropractic care can directly address the root cause of the problem, treat the cause, and alleviate the symptoms. Chiropractic manipulation is recommended by the American College of Physiciansas a first line of treatment for back pain before medication, muscle relaxants, injections, and surgery. Treatments to address sciatic nerve impingement:
Ice/Cold Therapy
Reduces inflammation and swelling.
Prepares the patient for massage and adjustments.
Therapeutic Tissue Massage
This therapy promotes muscle relaxation and lessens the muscle spasm/recoil response.
Ultrasound
Soothing heat created by sound waves penetrates the muscles, increases circulation, and relaxes the muscles to alleviate spasms, stiffness, and pain.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation/Tens Unit
A muscle stimulation machine applies electrical impulses to relax the muscles and untangle muscle knots.
Spinal Manipulation
This process realigns the spine to move properly and restores vertebral health.
Stretches and Exercises
This ensures treatment will last once treatment has or is coming to an end.
Spinal Decompression
Pulls and stretches the body to release any compression on the nerve roots and infuse circulation back into the discs.
The pressure is taken off the sciatic nerve, and routine adjustments will retrain the muscles to maintain their re-alignment. The duration of treatment will vary based on the root cause of sciatica. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient’s situation.
Severe and Complex Sciatica Syndromes
References
Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2022 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
Hernández C.P., Sanchez N., Navarro-Siguero A., Saldaña M.T. (2013) What is Sciatica and Radicular Pain?. In: Laroche F., Perrot S. (eds) Managing Sciatica and Radicular Pain in Primary Care Practice. Springer Healthcare, Tarporley. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-907673-56-6_1
Kumar, M. Epidemiology, pathophysiology and symptomatic treatment of sciatica: A review. nt. J. Pharm. Bio. Arch. 2011, 2.
Ngnitewe Massa R, Mesfin FB. Herniation, Disc. [Updated 2018 Oct 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441822/
Ombregt L. The dural concept. In: A System of Orthopaedic Medicine. Elsevier; 2013:447-472.e4. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-3145-8.00033-8
Witenko, Corey, et al. “Considerations for the appropriate use of skeletal muscle relaxants for the management of acute low-back pain.” P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management vol. 39,6 (2014): 427-35.
Wright R, Inbody SB. Radiculopathy and Degenerative Spine Disease. In: Neurology Secrets. Elsevier; 2010:121-130. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-05712-7.00007-6
When the body is correctly aligned, the shoulders are the same height, and face forward. Uneven shoulders are when one shoulder begins to raise higher than the other. It usually starts with a slight difference but can turn into a more severe imbalance causing discomfort, tightness, and pain in the neck, shoulders, hips, and back. Chiropractic treatment can bring the body back into balance and alignment through various techniques and therapy modalities.
Misaligned Uneven Shoulders
Several factors can lead to uneven shoulders. Misalignments can be caused by:
Often the shoulder on the dominant side tends to be slightly lower.
Constantly using one hand or side for everything.
Carrying a heavy bag on the dominant shoulder.
Structural issues or muscular skeletal imbalances in other areas of the body.
For example, if the ankle or hip gets injured, it can cause an individual to bring their body out of alignment to adjust to how they position themselves and move. Other common causes include:
Overuse of the shoulders
Tight upper back muscles
Unhealthy posture
Uneven hips
Pinched nerve
Weak muscles
Flat feet
Sedentary lifestyle
Varying leg length
Osteoporosis
Scoliosis
Shoulder injuries
Incorrect sleeping position or sleeping on one side
Sports like tennis, golf, and baseball have an increased risk of causing misaligned, uneven shoulders and posture imbalances.
Symptoms
Uneven shoulders can result in discomfort, tightness, and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Continued tightness and pulling in the higher shoulder.
A chiropractic massage and functional medicine team will bring the shoulders back into normal alignment.
Therapeutic myofascial release massage will release tension, relax the muscles, and increase flexibility.
Chiropractic adjustments
Spinal decompression therapy
Stretches and muscle-building exercises to balance the shoulders.
Lifestyle adjustment instructions for switching shoulders when carrying bags, using armrests, using the phone, using a mouse, and using ergonomic chairs.
Posture training includes learning to stay aware of one’s posture throughout the day when standing or sitting and completing regular activities.
Learning to use the non-dominant arm to balance the workload.
Incorporating relaxation, meditation, and breathing techniques to relieve stress, tension, and tightness.
Shoulder Pain Treatment
References
Burbank, Kelton M et al. “Chronic shoulder pain: part I. Evaluation and diagnosis.” American family physician vol. 77,4 (2008): 453-60.
Foroozan Mahmoodi et al. The effect of corrective exercises on the pain and degree of uneven shoulder deformity https://rsr.basu.ac.ir/article_625_en.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Stress management. mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368
Mitchell, Caroline, et al. “Shoulder pain: diagnosis and management in primary care.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 331,7525 (2005): 1124-8. doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7525.1124
Pu Chu, Eric Chun, and Kevin Hsu Kai Huang. “Bridging the gap between observation and brace treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.” Journal of family medicine and primary care vol. 6,2 (2017): 447-449. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_52_17
Spinal nerves send motor, sensory, and autonomic signals between the central nervous system and the body and are part of the peripheral nervous system. They are essential for carrying information that controls body movements and sensations to the brain. When a nerve gets injured, compressed, or damaged, it can cause discomfort, increased sensitivity, numbness, muscle weakness, and pain.
Damaged Nerve Roots
Nerve root pain is often caused by other underlying conditions that have caused compression or damage to the nerve root. Causes of nerve root pain can include:
Spinal nerves impacted by injuries or infection can lose their ability to control the body areas, lose their functional capacity, lose sensation, and die.
Spinal Imaging
Nerve damage can be diagnosed on a neurological exam and correlated with MRI and X-ray imaging. Conditions that MRI can identify include herniated discs, spinal cord compression or fracture, arthritic development, tumors, or cysts pressing on a nerve.
MRI images are obtained with a magnetic field and radio waves.
MRI shows spine images from the side/sagittal view and cross-sectional/axial views.
This allows the chiropractic doctor to see the vertebrae and discs and identify abnormalities.
The spinal cord is a gray area in the middle surrounded by the spinal fluid, which appears white.
Little white channels on either side of the spinal cord are where the nerve roots branch off.
X-rays can show the alignment of the bones along the spine and determine any narrowing or damage to the discs.
It is important to be evaluated and diagnosed for signs and symptoms of nerve injury as soon as possible, as nerve damage accelerates and worsens.
Function Restoration
Sometimes, the symptoms improve by themselves and do not require treatment. Nonetheless, physicians begin with conservative, non-surgical approaches to treat nerve root pain. Chiropractic and physical massage therapy involves specific movements, stretches, and exercises to keep the affected muscles and joints active,prevent stiffness and help restore function and feeling. Treatment can include:
Therapeutic massage
Manual adjustment/resistance treatment
Trigger point therapy
Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy
Decompression
Traction
Joint stretching
Electrical stimulation
Ultrasound
Specialized exercise
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory diet
Nerve Chiropractor
References
Liu, Yan, and Huan Wang. “Peripheral nerve injury-induced changes in the spinal cord and strategies to counteract/enhance the changes to promote nerve regeneration.” Neural regeneration research vol. 15,2 (2020): 189-198. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.265540
Menorca, Ron M G, et al. “Nerve physiology: mechanisms of injury and recovery.” Hand clinics vol. 29,3 (2013): 317-30. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2013.04.002
Shehab, Safa Al-Deen Saudi. “Fifth lumbar spinal nerve injury causes neurochemical changes in corresponding and adjacent spinal segments: a possible mechanism underlying neuropathic pain.” Journal of chemical neuroanatomy vol. 55 (2014): 38-50. doi:10.1016/j.jchemneu.2013.12.002
Stoll, G, and H W Müller. “Nerve injury, axonal degeneration, and neural regeneration: basic insights.” Brain pathology (Zurich, Switzerland) vol. 9,2 (1999): 313-25. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3639.1999.tb00229.x
Ye, Xuan, et al. “Nerve fascicle transfer using a part of the C-7 nerve for spinal accessory nerve injury.” Journal of neurosurgery. Spine vol. 28,5 (2018): 555-561. doi:10.3171/2017.8.SPINE17582
Individuals that have experienced a muscle strain, pull, spasm, etc., that has healed can begin to behave overly cautious, avoiding putting full weight on the area or using full motion out of fear of re-injuring it. This can and does strain other body areas because of the imbalance and awkward positioning. It also leads to anxiety, emotional distress, and decreased self-confidence in everyday movement. Adjustments, massage, and decompression therapy can maintain musculoskeletal health, and a chiropractor can help retrain individuals on healthy posture and confident movement.
Muscle Guarding
Muscles can be held in a position of readiness to act, like the stress response of fight or flight. When this happens, the muscles are partially contracted in preparation for action and is a form of muscle-guarding. But once the fight or flight passes, the muscles relax into their normal position. With injury muscle guarding, the fears and stresses after recovering from an injury can cause the injured and non-injured muscles to stay in the guarded/semi-contracted position. The longer the muscle guarding continues, fatigue begins to set in, decreasing function, restricting mobility, and making the body more vulnerable to damage and injury.
The Brain
The discomfort, pain, or just the thought reinforces the need to guard the area. The brain will find a way to move without causing pain and create compensating but unhealthy movement patterns that strain the other areas of the body. The body adapts to not using the formerly injured muscles and now relies on the other muscles to perform the functions in a non-relaxed state that can become normal, causing stiffness, soreness, tenderness, tendon tension, and pain.
An example is a hip strain, pull or spasm that has been treated and has healed, but the individual is fearful of another injury or going through the painful experience again and begins walking by shifting all their weight to the other side and steps with a limp or some abnormal motion that strains and/or injures the rest of the body.
Chiropractic Treatment and Retraining
Individuals experiencing muscle guarding can find help through chiropractic to retrain their muscles to return to their normal position and regain confidence in their movements. The body will be rebalanced by releasing and relaxing the tight muscles. Then therapeutic repetitive movements, specialized exercises, stretches, and relaxation techniques will help the individual relearn to use the muscles without fear.
Protective Muscle Guarding
References
Hanlon, Shawn et al. “Examining Ankle-Joint Laxity Using 2 Knee Positions and With Simulated Muscle Guarding.” Journal of athletic training vol. 51,2 (2016): 111-7. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-51.3.06
Olugbade, Temitayo et al. “The relationship between guarding, pain, and emotion.” Pain reports vol. 4,4 e770. 22 Jul. 2019, doi:10.1097/PR9.0000000000000770
Prkachin, Kenneth M et al. “Pain behavior and the development of pain-related disability: the importance of guarding.” The Clinical journal of pain vol. 23,3 (2007): 270-7. doi:10.1097/AJP.0b013e3180308d28
Sports exercise headaches are exertion headaches that involve pain during or immediately after sports, exercise, or some physical activity. They come on quickly but can last a few minutes, hours, or days. Activities associated with exercise headaches include running, weightlifting, tennis, swimming, and rowing. Chiropractic, massage, decompression, and traction therapies can realign the body and relax the muscles allowing for optimal circulation and certain strategies to help prevent future episodes. Usually, there is no underlying disease or disorder, but it is recommended to talk to a healthcare provider to make sure.
Sports Exercise Headaches
When individuals exert their bodies intensely, they need added blood and oxygen, particularly with activities that involve tightening/tensing the abdominal muscles or increasing chest pressure. Doctors and scientists believe an exertional headache occurs when intense physical activity causes the veins and arteries to expand to circulate more blood. The expansion and increased blood circulation generate pressure in the skull that can cause pain.
Alternate Triggers
Exercising is not the only cause; other physical activities that can trigger an exertion headache include:
Sneezing
Coughing
Straining to use the bathroom
Sexual intercourse
Lifting or moving a heavy object
Symptoms
Symptoms of a sports exercise headache include:
Neck stiffness or pain
Pain on one or both sides of the head
Pulsating pain discomfort
Throbbing pain discomfort
Shoulder tightness, discomfort, and/or pain
Sometimes individuals report the headache can feel like a migraine that could include:
Vision problems like blind spots
Nausea
Vomiting
Light sensitivity
Most exercise headaches last five to 48 hours and can continue for three to six months.
Diagnosis
An underlying disease or disorder does not cause most exertional headaches. However, individuals experiencing severe or frequent headaches should consult their doctor or a healthcare provider. Tests will be ordered to rule out possible causes that include:
MRI will take computer-generated images of the brain.
A spinal tap/lumbar puncture takes a sample of fluid from the spine for testing.
If there is no underlying cause found, the medical provider can diagnose exertion headaches if there have been at least two headaches that:
Were caused by exercise or physical activity.
Started during or after the physical activity.
Lasted less than 48 hours.
Chiropractic Treatment
According to the American Chiropractic Association, spinal adjustments are an effective headache treatment option. This includes migraines, tension headaches, or sports exercise headaches. Using the targeted approaches, chiropractic restores the body’s natural alignment to improve function and alleviate stress on the nervous system. This allows the body to operate at optimal levels reducing muscle stress and muscle tension.
DOC Decompression Table
References
American Migraine Foundation. Secondary Headaches. (https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/secondary-headaches/) Accessed 11/17/2021.
Evans, Randolph W. “Sports and Headaches.” Headache vol. 58,3 (2018): 426-437. doi:10.1111/head.13263
International Headache Society. HIS Classification ICHD-3. (https://ichd-3.org/other-primary-headache-disorders/4-2-primary-exercise-headache/) Accessed 11/17/2021.
McCrory, P. “Headaches and exercise.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 30,3 (2000): 221-9. doi:10.2165/00007256-200030030-00006
National Headache Foundation. Exertional Headaches. (https://headaches.org/2007/10/25/exertional-headaches/) Accessed 11/17/2021.
Ramadan, Nabih M. “Sports-related headache.” Current pain and headache reports vol. 8,4 (2004): 301-5. doi:10.1007/s11916-004-0012-1
Trotta K, Hyde J. Exercise-induced headaches: prevention, management, and treatment. (https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/exerciseinduced-headaches-prevention-management-and-treatment) U.S. Pharm. 2017;42(1):33-36. Accessed 11/17/2021.
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