Anatomy Of The Neck Region
One of the most flexible regions of the spine is the neck (cervical) region, which consists of vertebrae, seven shock-absorbing discs, muscles, and vertebral ligaments to hold them in place. The uppermost cervical disc connects the top of the spinal column to the base of the skull. The spinal cord, which sends nerve impulses to every part of the body, runs through a canal in the the cervical vertebrae and continues all the way down the spine. The cervical nerves spread down into the arms; because of this, arm pain is sometimes traceable to a problem in the neck.
One of the most common causes of neck pain, and sometimes headaches, is poor posture. It's easy to get into bad posture habits without even realizing it-even an activity as "innocent" as reading in bed can ultimately lead to pain, headaches, and more serious problems.
The basic rule is simple: keep your neck in a "neutral" position whenever possible. In other words, don't bend or hunch your neck forward for long periods. Also, try not to sit in one position for a long time. If you must sit for an extended period, make sure your posture is good: Keep your head in a neutral position, make sure your back is supported, keep your knees slightly lower than your hips, and rest your arms if possible.
Reading in bed can cause neck strain- especially if you're propped up on several pillows, bending your neck forward, and trying to hold your arms out in order to support the book. If you do read in bed, make it easy on your neck: Consider purchasing one of the products specifically designed for this purpose, such as a wedge pillow to prop up the book or a portable "mini desk." Finally, remember not to stay in any single position too long- our bodies are designed to move.
Writers Bio
Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.
Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.
Call Steve Jones at
(619) 280 0554
San Diego Chiropractic
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