Poor Posture Can Be A Pain In The Neck

by Dr. Brett L. Lukert, DC

I am always amused when I hear the comment, “I’ve had neck pain for years, but that is just normal for me.” For starters, pain is never normal. Something is causing the pain, and until it is addressed, it will continue to produce pain. In some cases, injury (such as whiplash) is to blame, but in most cases neck pain is caused by the cumulative effects of poor posture, improper ergonomics at work, stomach sleeping, and lack of proper exercise. All of these lifestyle-related factors cause misalignments in the spine, which will most likely cause neck pain if left untreated.

A normal cervical spine should ideally have a slight curve to it called a lordosis. This lordosis in the neck helps distribute the weight of the head equally on the facet joints of the spine and the muscles of the neck. When we lose this lordosis due to poor posture and repetitive stress, we no longer have the proper support and shock absorption that we need. This is what causes a “repetitive stress injury” in the neck, and is what produces pain. Left untreated, this excessive wear and tear causes accelerated degenerative changes in the neck. These changes eventually lead to irreversible conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. Consequently, it is important to focus on preventive measures before correction and restoration are no longer options.

An easy test to evaluate your posture is called the “wall test” in which you stand with your back against the wall. If your posture is good, your head, shoulders, and back will all rest comfortably against the wall. Chances are, this will feel very unnatural, especially with the head. If this is the case, you are not alone. An estimated 80% of the population have postural imbalances, which is one reason why 45 million Americans have associated neck pain.

The good news is that most cases of neck pain are very treatable. Spinal misalignments can be corrected with chiropractic adjustments, cervical lordosis can be restored and maintained with traction, and correct posture can be attained with proper exercises and postural conditioning. The bad news is that it doesn’t happen on its own.

Don’t let postural problems be a pain in your neck. Take the appropriate measures to be healthy, live healthy, and stay healthy!