Google Map Us
22 2nd Ave W Suite 1400, Kalispell, MT 59901
Schedule An Appointment
Call to Make Appointment
Call to make an Appointment
(406) 314-6314
By Dr. Borgardt Chiropractic , , , , , , , , ,

Text Neck | Upper Crossed Syndrome | Weekly Wakeup

Text Neck; Why it's important? Who cares if you look down when you walk or talk or don't look people in the eye - Right?

More importantly, it is called 'Upper crossed syndrome' and as most of my patients know, I have a thing for talking about very weird things like embryology, physiology, and anthropology. So, i'll keep this one short, the symptoms of upper crossed syndrome can include shoulder pain, upper back pain, neck pain, rounded shoulders and a hunched posture, and headaches.

If you have a desk job, go to school, and/or spend lots of time in front of the computer or TV every day, then the answer is statistically YES you might have this thing called 'Text Neck'. In fact, the two most common problems I’ve encountered in my practice are low back pain and headaches, both of these items can be caused by text neck / Upper Crossed Syndrome. It is essential to be aware of compensation patterns within this system as it can often lead to injuries.

Do you have good posture?

A couple of things to consider:

  • Does your chin protrude forward in the mirror if you look at yourself in pictures?
  • Do you have a problem looking up?
  • Do you have headaches at the end of the day and notice that you spend more than 1 hour a day on your phone?
  • Have you ever looked at your phone usage and realized you spend way too much time on it?

Can you fix it without chiropractic care?

You might want to consider the basics, proper exercise and stretching. One of the best combination workout regiments is the downward facing dog. It works on all the things you want it too and its very easy. If you have tight hamstrings we will talk about that later, however just getting to work on this part of the spine, includes the shoulder muscles especially the posterior and serratus muscles within the shoulder complex that are very important for the health of your shoulders and your neck.

If you try to modify this posture to add a little tension in the spine in a positive direction you may want to consider tucking your chin in and lifting your head almost 'retracting' your spine back and up. In this posture you will feel the tension set by hours of your text neck behavior and honestly it's a great workout!

Can chiropractic care help?

100%. Just look at the studies listed below:

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates that a single cervical manipulation is capable of producing immediate and short-term benefits for

2016 Jun;39(5):319-329. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.03.003. Epub 2016 May 12.

 

CONCLUSION:

Sensorimotor function and multisensory integration associated with fall risk and the physical component of quality of life improved in older adults receiving chiropractic care compared with control.

2016 May;39(4):267-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.02.003. Epub 2016 Apr 2

 

CONCLUSION:

In this study, the physical examination findings between preadolescents with neck pain and/or headaches and those who were symptom free differed significantly in one of the parameters measured. Cervical joint dysfunction was a significant finding among those preadolescents complaining of neck pain and/or headache as compared to those who did not.

2009 Oct;32(8):625-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.025.

Lake Louise Photo
By Dr. Borgardt Exercises, Uncategorized , , , ,

5 Ways to Beat the Cold Weather Blues | Weekly Wakeup

I am a cold weather person, my wife however, isn't. So over the years I have put together some items that has helped her, and should help you through the tough months of winter. Yes, they do work, I promise. I have shortened the details of this list for your reading. However, if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask me. You might get a 16 hour lecture, but you will be informed!!!

 

Finding Sunshine

Look, I know this seems obvious and quite ridiculous considering it will be grey for a couple of months. Oddly there are things you can do to consume light, one of them being hiking in the wilderness. Every storm we have there is often a bright spot, the clouds disappear and there is usually some light to be had. Seriously go outside, hike, walk, climb and find more of it. Setting on your couch and you will not get the benefits of photon phase energy from the sun that chemically shifts vitamin D into making you happy!

Read Here if you don't believe me.

 

Limiting Excessive Holiday Cheer

Look, I know, this is common sense. But seriously, just know that the combination of not being active and then drinking too much will get you sick and depressed. In the winter months this can take a toll on the immune system no matter how much you think it warms you up, it does not.

 

Comfort Foods Made Healthier

I know I am opinionated, but this one should be an alarm bell for those of you that 'diet'. There is no such relationship between a foods' calorie and how your body consumes that said food as fuel. I am serious; It is the worst, saddest, marketing joke ever played on humans. Now, you see why I hide and try to not be as 'social' as other people. I get very, sad and frustrated with people that don't use logic. So here is some logic. A calorie is: "The energy needed to increase the temperature of a given mass of water by 1 °C depends on the atmospheric pressure and the starting temperature".

That has nothing to do with how your body enzymatically processes your food - ever. The only relationship it will have is social hysteria. Just don't eat crap food and a lot of it. If you have a metabolic issue, then you should address it. Under no circumstances you should use calories as some emotional marker for your success, or your weight for that matter. It will get you into a psychological tailspin that will create more depression in the winter months. Agreed eating less 'calories' will allow to loose weight, however that is not the way to do it and you know it.

Now, that being said, do the simple stuff. Eat good meats, vegetables, cook them in crock pots ovens. Make sure to eat the fat. Consider soups for leftovers from the previous days meals. Consider drinking way more water and taking some base minerals to boot. I will get off that horse before it becomes a treatise.

 

Wake Up, Exercise & Cold Showers.

Waking up and exercising and following it up with cold showers. Yes, I said it, no joke. Both in combination, have been proven to produce 'brown fat' which literally burns itself. Yes, fat that burns itself, so do it. Calories, what a joke.

You can even loose weight in winter doing this. Imagine a world where you lose weight by eating fatty tasty things but you just have to take a warm shower followed by a cold shower and work out for 30 min. Well, it is real, and it is the one you're living.

Read more here if your curious.

 

Limit Social Media & Get Out There

Just stop it, get out and enjoy yourself. Find the sunshine. Share your love for being happy with others that don't know how to break out of the cycle.