Avoiding Neck Stress
Other bad habits to avoid include:
• "Shopper's tilt"-carrying items on one shoulder for a long period; and
• Carrying items that are too heavy.
"Shopper's tilt" can be avoided by using a back pack-style bag to more evenly distribute the weight you're carrying. (Be sure to wear the back pack correctly, with both arms through the shoulder loops, or the benefit will be lost.) A variation on "shopper's tilt"-"traveler's droop"- is a familiar experience to anyone who has ever tried to lug a heavy suitcase across an
airline terminal.
Again, a back pack can be helpful, or consider purchasing a compact "rolling suitcase" with wheels and a retractable handle. Believe it or not, simply talking on the phone can create neck problems. Some people are in the habit of cradling the telephone receiver between the shoulder
and the neck. Not only does this put stress on the neck, but over a long period it can cause the cervical discs to place pressure on the nerves. If you spend a great deal of time on the phone, you might try one of the products designed to make it a more comfortable experience-neck cradles, speaker phones, or a "hands-free" headset.
The TMJ- temporomandibular joint- is the joint at which the jaw is hinged to the skull. Painful TMJ problems occur in people who overuse or abuse this joint through teeth grinding, constant clenching and unclenching of the jaw, or excessive gum chewing. Sometimes people are born with a misalignment of the jaw that can bring on similar symptoms.
Because the neck and the TMJ are so closely connected, the TMJ can cause neck pain-and vice versa. In some cases a dentist may need to create an oral retainer to allow the joint to rest and let healing begin. After that, a physical therapist can help minimize the pain in the jaw or neck through a custom-designed exercise program.
True migraine headaches are most likely the result of problems affecting the blood vessels in the head, or of an allergic reaction. However, many other types of headaches can mimic migraines and are often misdiagnosed. Some of these originate in the neck or jaw, such as the TMJ disorders mentioned above.
If you don't have all the symptoms of migraines- nausea, problems with vision, and pain-get a second opinion, particularly if the pain is triggered by motion of the neck. If you don't have a true migraine, a physical therapist can help diagnose the actual source of the pain. Once an evaluation is made, your physical therapist will help you create a comfortable and appropriate home and work environment and will design a program of rest (if needed) and exercise. If the source of your headache is in the TMJ (jaw) area, your physical therapist may consult with your dentist who may create a special oral retainer in order to discourage "bad habits" such as teeth grinding.
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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