Some Common Biomechanics issues that are treatable:
Anterior Head Carriage (Picture):
This is a condition where someone’s head is forward relative to their neck, upper back and shoulders. If the head goes forward then the structures that are holding up the head have to change in relationship. You often see this when someone starts to develop a small hump at the top of the upper back (just below the neck). For every inch that the head is forward, it feels like there is about an added 10 pounds of pressure on the neck and upper back. This is where torque is working against you. By itself thiscan cause neck pain, upper back pain and shoulder pain because it puts stress on the individual parts of the spine and shoulders because of the changes in structure. The changes increase the pressure on the joints which can speed up the degenerative processes speeding up arthritis. Some people have pain that radiates from this condition as well. Some people get Headaches from this situation. Some people will get radiating numbness, tingling or pain down one or both arms and can be as far as the hands. This situation is usually very treatable. This is an example of a cause of a condition. If the downward problems (symptoms) are treated without addressing the underlying cause then the symptoms will just keep coming back.
Military Neck (Picture):
This is when the neck is straight. There is supposed to be a curve in the neck to accommodate the weight of the head. Think of some of the ancient structures that are still standing, many if not most of them have arches to strengthen the structures (one of the most famous is the Colosseum in Italy - Picture). The curvature allows for more weight by giving a mechanical advantage. When the neck straightens then that mechanical advantage is lost. It then feels like the head is heavier and the structure and muscles have to work harder to hold up the head. This by itself can cause neck pain, upper back pain and shoulder pain because it puts stress on the individual parts of the spine and shoulders because of the changes in structure. The changes increase the pressure on the joints which can speed up the degenerative processes speeding up arthritis. Some people have pain that radiates from this condition as well. Some people get Headaches from this situation. Some people will get radiating numbness, tingling or pain down one or both arms and can be as far as the hands. This situation is usually very treatable. This is an example of a cause of a condition. If the downward problems (symptoms) are treated without addressing the underlying cause then the symptoms will just keep coming back.
Loss of Lumbar Curvature (or Lordosis) (picture):
The curve in the lumbar (lower back) is meant to decrease the weight felt by the spine and muscles by gaining mechanical advantage with a curve. For example, structures with curvatures or arches tend to be stronger. Ancient Roman structures that are still standing mostly have arches (a good example is Pont du Gard - Picture). If someone has a loss of this arch or straightening of the lumbar lordosis then they feel a heavier load because of the loss of advantage. The heavier load leads to speeding up the degenerative processes of the joints. Additionally, when there is a heavier load then the muscles have to activate to a larger degree to hold the weight. Eventually, the muscles will spasm and give out. This leads to low back pain. Often people put their hands behind their backs to alleviate the pain. The symptoms of this condition are relatively easy to treat but it will continuously return unless the underlying biomechanical issue is treated.
3D Spine Simulator
All of the functions related to the amazing human body are controlled and coordinated by the extensive neural network. Interference or stresses in any part of the nerve system may result in health problems in a variety of areas throughout our bodies. Take a moment and explore which areas of the body are influenced by the different areas of your spine. You will be amazed at how the spine and nerve system are interrelated and connected to every aspect of our expression of health and wellness.
