Скачать или смотреть Why Looking Downward Can Give You Neck Pain!

Hello! I'm Doctor Brian Prieto from Yorba Linda, California. Welcome to our video series, "Questions That Patients Ask Us."

Today's topic is neck and upper back pain caused by forward head posture. We often see patients with complaints in the lower neck and upper back. Why is this an issue? When our head is too far forward, whether we're sitting at a desk or looking down at our electronics, the neck and upper back muscles become tense as they work to counterbalance the head. In a neutral position, with the head centered over the shoulders, these muscles don't have to work as hard. However, when the head is flexed forward for extended periods, the muscles strain more, leading to neck and upper back pain, often accompanied by headaches.

A recent study by New York spine surgeon Kenneth Hansraj assessed the effects of forward head posture on the cervical spine. His findings, published in Surgical Technology International in November 2014, concluded that the weight on the spine increases dramatically when the head is tilted forward. This added stress can lead to early wear, tear, degeneration, and even surgeries. Dr. Hansraj emphasized the importance of maintaining a neutral spine while using technology to mitigate these effects.

He explained that our heads weigh approximately 10 to 12 pounds, similar to a bowling ball. Imagine holding a bowling ball balanced over your arm. You can hold it for a while as long as it's balanced. But if you tilt it to one side, your arm quickly tires and cramps. Similarly, sustained forward head posture can cause your neck and upper back to fatigue and develop symptoms over time.

The key is to keep your head in a neutral position as much as possible when using electronics or working on a computer. Take breaks to prevent tension buildup in your neck and upper back muscles.

Thank you for watching, and until next time, take care!

Dr. Brian Prieto
Prieto Chiropractic & Spinal Decompression Center
17660 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, California
www.prietochiropractic.com
714-577-0200

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