By Michele S Jang, PT
Do you have neck pain? I have noticed an interesting phenomenon in almost 100% of clients who come in for neck problem regardless of the level of involvement. The common denominator is scar tissue and significant restriction in the upper two thoracic vertebrae. To a lesser degree, the lowest of the cervical vertebrae is also involved, C7.
Regardless of what area of pain you are experiencing in your neck, I recommend you have this level of the spine mobilized. Mobilization is the realignment of structures via the application of directional forces on a structure to promote greater mobility. Proper alignment of structures such as vertebrae, nerves, muscles and ligaments are critical to restore proper function and reduction of pain.
If you are experiencing paresthesia, numbness or tingling in the middle, ring and pinky fingers; mobilization to this region is especially essential. Such tingling to these fingers directly correlates with nerve irritation at this level of the spine.
How does this area of the lower neck and upper thoracic spine become restricted? Strain can occur naturally over time from poor posturing where your head is held in front of your shoulders rather than on top of them. The weight of our head sitting forward over our shoulders and the subsequent rounding of our shoulders will cause the C7, T1, T2 region to take the brunt of trying to keep your head from falling more forward. Trauma from a whiplash injury may also strain this level of the spine.
If you continue to experience neck pain despite previous treatment, it may be that the thoracic region was not evaluated and treated. Again, tension and tightness at the neck’s base, can translate to pain and problems further up the neck. So, you see; getting to the root of your neck pain may actually involve treating your upper back.
Treating and mobilizing this area yourself is difficult. At Spirit Winds Physical Therapy we have techniques to help break down the scar tissue and increase vertebral mobility. More importantly, we recommend stretches to open up the tissues in the front of the body and exercises to strengthen the back and scapular muscles.
Exercises help keep the spine mobile, achieve greater spinal extension and thus better posture. In addition, we provide education on how to get through your day with ideal body mechanics.
Michele S Jang, PT is a physical therapist who likes to look outside the box. She has been a physical therapist for over 21 years and has extensive training in manual therapy or the use of hands to help rehabilitate the body. Michele has been an instructor both in the United States and abroad. She offers Free Consults on Tuesday afternoons. Michele also has a team of therapists at Spirit Winds who offer an array of expertise on exercise, fall prevention, foot and shoe assessments, body mechanics and proper breathing technique to increase awareness and healing. Michele can be reached at 805 543-5100 or [email protected].
