Got Neck and Upper Back Pain? You Might Have Upper Cross Syndrome

Your job or hobbies could increase your risk of developing upper cross syndrome (UCS), a postural imbalance that affects people of all ages. Fortunately, chiropractic care can improve your posture and your symptoms.

What Is Upper Cross Syndrome?

Upper cross syndrome, also called "upper crossed syndrome," affects muscle balance in the upper body, including the chest, neck, and back. Some muscles become too tight, and others too weak. The syndrome gets its name from the "X" shape the muscles form when you look at them from the side. People with UCS have hunched backs, rounded shoulders, and heads held farther forward than normal.

What Causes UCS?

Poor posture is the top cause of UCS, according to WebMD. You may be more likely to develop UCS if any of these risk factors apply to you:

• You use a computer or laptop for work or gaming
• You spend long periods on your phone or other digital devices
• You're a professional driver, or you regularly drive long distances
• Your job or hobby requires looking downward (sewing, hairstyling, etc).
• You participate in a sport, like swimming or weightlifting, that requires extensive use of the muscles in the shoulders, neck, and upper back
• You sleep on your stomach

Do You Have Upper Cross Syndrome?

If you have UCS, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

• Frequent Neck Pain
• Upper and Mid-Back Pain
• Tight Neck and Upper Back Muscles
• Decreased Range of Motion Due to Tight Muscles
• Headaches, Particularly at the Base of the Skull
• Dizziness
• Numbness or Tingling in the Arms
• Discomfort When Sitting for Long Periods

Without treatment, UCS can lead to:

• Joint Damage
• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (A condition that causes numbness and tingling in the arms by pressing on the nerves and blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib)
• Reduced Lung Capacity Due to Reduced Movement of the Ribs

How Chiropractic Care Can Help You

Chiropractors treat many conditions that affect the muscles and joints, including UCS. During your first visit to Clairpointe Family Chiropractic, our doctor will take a look at your posture and evaluate your muscle strength and range of motion. Based on the results of the examination, your treatment plan may include some of these therapies:

• Adjustments. Adjustments, also called spinal manipulation, realign the vertebrae. These small bones make up the spine and can become misaligned due to poor posture. Chiropractors use quick movements and controlled force to restore the normal alignment of your spine. Treatments ease pain, improve mobility, and reduce pressure on nerves.
• Soft Tissue Therapy. Your treatment plan may include massage, soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, or other soft tissue therapies. These therapies loosen and stretch tight muscles and tissues and eliminate painful knots. In a research study published in the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, researchers noted that soft tissue mobilization and stretching were more effective in relieving neck pain than routine physical therapy. Clairpointe Family Chiropractic has excellent resources for quality licensed massage therapists. 
• Posture Improvement. Improving your posture is a must if you have UCS. Chiropractic treatments restore muscle balance, making it easier to maintain good posture. Our chiropractors can offer tips to help you maintain good posture throughout the day.
• Exercises. During your visits, you'll also learn a few exercises designed to strengthen weak muscles while stretching and loosening tight muscles and tissues. Performing these exercises daily, sleeping on your back, and holding your cell phone higher may improve your symptoms.

Are you experiencing pain and stiffness due to upper cross syndrome? Clairpointe Family Chiropractic can help relieve your symptoms and help you avoid long-term health consequences. Call us to schedule your appointment at (313) 886-8030 or request an appointment online at www.clairpointe.com. 

Sources:

WebMD: What Is Upper Crossed Syndrome?, 9/18/2023

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-upper-crossed-syndrome

NCBI: Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association: Comparative Effectiveness of Routine Physical Therapy With and Without Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Neck Pain Due to Upper Crossed Syndrome, 10/2021

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34974559/

NCBI: Healthcare: Treatment of Upper Crossed Syndrome: A Narrative Systematic Review, 8/17/2023

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10454745/

Illinois Chiropractic Society: Upper Crossed Syndrome

https://ilchiro.org/upper-crossed-syndrome/