Posture and Cervical Spine in New Jersey

When Posture and Cervical Spine Turn Into a Problem

Your cervical spine, comprised of the seven vertebrae that support your head, naturally forms a gentle forward curve called the lordotic curve. When posture falters and the head drifts forward, that curve changes in unhealthy ways:

• The lower cervical spine hyperflexes, flattening the normal curve.
• The upper cervical spine hyperextends, bending backward more than normal.

This unnatural, forward head and cervical spine posture places additional stress on the intervertebral discs, vertebrae, and facet joints, which may accelerate spinal degeneration. Additionally, as the bottom of the cervical spine hyperflexes forward and the top of the cervical spine hyperextends in the opposite direction, the spinal canal lengthens along the neck, increasing stretching and tension on the spinal cord and nearby nerve roots.

Common Degenerative Changes Linked to Poor Posture

As the body naturally ages, it is normal for some degenerative changes in the spine to occur. Long-term forward head posture, however, may increase the risk for accelerated degenerative spinal changes, such as:

• Wearing down of facet joints. The small facet joints located at the back of each spinal level permit limited motion between adjacent vertebrae. When these joints are subjected to greater loads and repeated trauma, the protective cartilage that facilitates smooth motion between the bones can wear down. This is called cervical osteoarthritis.
• Bone grinding against bone. As the discs and/or facet joints degenerate, the vertebrae are more likely to rub directly against each other, leading to bony overgrowths called bone spurs (osteophytes). Bone spurs can further irritate nearby structures, such as nerves, ligaments, muscles, and others.

Treatment Options Available in New Jersey

Cervical Collar and/or Cervical Pillow

A cervical pillow helps keep your cervical spine in proper alignment. Cervical pillows are designed to provide the right amount of neck curvature during sleep. They help reduce pressure on the nerves in your neck, helping you sleep better.

Complementary Therapies in New Jersey

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture practitioners work to restore a healthy flow of your “qi” — your body’s energy force. Some people find relief after a single acupuncture treatment, while others require a few sessions to feel less neck pain.
• Herbal Remedies: Topical herbal remedies such as capsaicin cream can temporarily reduce pain when applied to the skin. Devil’s claw and/or white willow bark are both commonly used to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Yoga and Pilates: These exercises can increase your core strength, improve balance and posture, and reduce stress — all fantastic ways to help you prevent and/or relieve neck pain. If your pain is caused by tense muscles or weak core muscles, yoga and pilates can be beneficial.

Physical Therapy in New Jersey

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of neck pain treatment. It involves a tailored exercise program that strengthens and stretches the neck, reducing pain and stiffness. Research consistently shows that physical therapy is often more effective for neck pain than surgery or pain medication. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises and treatments you can do at home, empowering you to return to your normal activities and lifestyle.

Getting a Healthy Posture and Cervical Spine in New Jersey

If you’ve been dealing with persistent problems around your posture and cervical spine for more than a few days, or if it’s interfering with your daily activities, it’s worth having a conversation with our team of healthcare professionals.

Schedule a visit for a Healthy posture and Cervical Spine treatment in New Jersey today by calling or booking a visit online at Genesis Orthopedic and Spine.