Upper Cross Syndrome

Written By PERFECTLY ALIGNED CHIROPRACTIC

Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) occurs when muscles in the neck, shoulders, and chest become malformed, often arising from continuous poor posture. Forward folding shoulders and a bent-forward neck are indicative of bad posture.

The most affected muscles are the upper trapezius and the levator scapula. These shoulder and neck muscles become strained & overactive, which causes neighboring, opposing (or antagonistic) muscles to become weak & underused. Also, the major and minor pectoralis muscles in the chest become tight and short. See the image below.

The following is a sample of activities that can lead to repeated poor posture:

  • reading

  • watching TV

  • biking

  • driving

  • using a laptop, computer, or smartphone

Symptoms can include:

  • fatigue

  • headaches

  • jaw pain

  • lower back pain

  • tightness & pain in the chest

  • weak in front of neck

  • pain, tingling & numbness in upper arms

  • pain & restricted movement in ribs, upper back, neck & shoulders

  • discomfort while sitting to read, watch TV, work on computer, drive, etc.

Upper Cross Syndrome can be treated with soft-tissue therapy, including ART, and various massage therapy techniques. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign joints that became misaligned, which increases range of motion in the affected areas. Adjustments can also stretch and relax the shortened muscles.

Dr. Scott Nissenbaum, DC, ART and Darlene Estrada, LMT at Perfectly Aligned Chiropractic are here to help.

PERFECTLY ALIGNED CHIROPRACTIC https://perfectlyalignedchiropractic.com/
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