Another blog post from Ann Arbor chiropractor, Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.: Proper Neck Posture

The seven vertebrae that make up the human neck should produce a forward (“anterior”) curve of the neck portion of the spine. This curve should have a certain degree of curvature; that is, not too much or too little. Proper movement and the health of the neck depends on the neck vertebrae – also called the cervical vertebrae – producing the correct amount of forward curve. Improper cervical spine curvature is often seen in people with forward head posture: that is, their ears are not above their shoulders, but rather in front of their shoulders.

Frequently, I see people in my Ann Arbor chiropractic office who have incorrect neck posture. Often the neck curvature is straightened or reversed (a backward or “posterior” curve). People with incorrect neck curvature often complain of, among other things, neck pain and stiffness as well as chronic headaches. In addition, those with long-term incorrect neck curvature will often develop degeneration of the neck, such as degeneration of the neck vertebrae and degeneration of the disc material between the vertebrae, often leading to pain and ill health.

So, if find you have a straightened or reversed neck curve, how do you reintroduce the correct curvature?

First, visit your chiropractor’s office, to get x-rays and a neck exam to help understand your neck’s health and to see the amount of curvature misalignment. The chiropractor will then set up a plan to help restore the proper neck curvature as well as restore the neck vertebraes’ health.

Second, work on your posture. Your ears should be above your shoulders. Check throughout the day that you are maintaining proper posture. Actually, you should be aware of your full body posture – from head to toe – as improper posture in one part of the body can affect the posture in other parts of the body.

Third, don’t use a thick pillow when sleeping, as it can force your neck posture too far forward if sleeping on your back or too far backward if sleeping on your stomach.

Fourth, proper work ergonomics. Your computer monitor should be placed such that you don’t have to lower your head or bend your neck forward to see the screen. When sitting you should have a straight back and your buttocks should be placed against the back of your chair. When using the keyboard your elbows should be resting at a right angle and your forearms should be supported.

Fifth, there are numerous exercises you can do to improve or keep proper neck posture. Some of the many good sites on the internet that can demonstrate exercises and stretches to help with neck posture include https://www.ansellchiropractic.com.au/spinal-exercises/cervical-curve-exercises/, https://m.wikihow.com/Realign-Your-Neck.

If you have any questions about this blog post, chiropractic, back pain, neck pain, or headaches I can be reached at my Ann Arbor chiropractic office at [email protected].