What Is Upper Cross Syndrome?
Upper cross Syndrome BY Dr. Victoria Wirtz with DynamicDocs
Upper Cross/Upper Crossed Syndrome (Forward Posture)
Upper Cross Syndrome is often caused by poor posture over an extended period which causes rounded shoulders and forward head. Today, we are all spending much of our time behind a computer and texting on our smart phones. This is why Upper Cross Syndrome is one of the most common things Dr. Victoria sees and treats in her practice.
Symptoms
In Upper Cross Syndrome, certain muscles become too tight, and others become weak. The imbalanced muscles associated with Upper Cross Syndrome puts stress on the surrounding muscles, tendons, bones, and joints, causing compensations to occur. Most people experience the following symptoms:
· Headaches
· Neck pain or strain in the back of the neck
· Chest pain and tightness
· Pain in the upper back, especially the shoulders
· Difficulty sitting, reading, watching television, or driving for long periods of time
· Restricted range of motion in the neck or shoulders
· Numbness, tingling, and pain in the upper arms
Treatment
As with most musculoskeletal conditions, the best way to combat UCS is through preventative stretches and creating mobility into the tissue where it needs it most. Another part of treatment involves the strengthening of the weakened posterior muscles.
Because of chronic poor posture, people with Upper Cross Syndrome generally have numerous problems in the upper back and neck. It is very important to get treated by a musculoskeletal specialist, such as DynamicDocs, to address the specific problems in the body.
To increase the flexibility of the muscles and joints and ensure full range of motion, there are muscular adhesions and trigger points that must be removed. Manual treatment should be followed by specific strengthening and stretching exercises to prevent future injury and to further restore strength and function.
How DynamicDocs can help if you are experiencing Upper Cross Syndrome
If you’re experiencing pain and limited range of motion associated with Upper Cross Syndrome, don’t wait to get treated. This is a condition that only gets worse over time. DynamicDocs can quickly and safely resolve the source of this pain, while giving you the tools and knowledge you need to stay pain free.