Long-Term Effects of Tech Neck

Anterior Head Syndrome, also known as Forward Head Posture (FHP) and “tech neck,” is a condition
where the head leans forward, sitting in front of the body’s midline instead of in line with it. 

If left uncorrected, Anterior Head Syndrome can have significant effects on your overall health. These include: 

• Chronic Pain in Neck, Shoulders, and Upper Back
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Respiratory Issues (restricted chest expansion, making it harder to take full breaths)

Read more about Anterior Head Syndrome in our latest article.

Living Near Ann Arbor and Having Tech Neck Pain?

An Ann Arbor chiropractor can help with neck pain and tech neck! By adjusting spine and reducing the strain caused by forward head posture, Dr. Gessert can help alleviate pain and improve spinal function. To make an appointment or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Causes and Symptoms of Tech Neck

Anterior Head Syndrome, also known as Forward Head Posture (FHP) and “tech neck,” is a condition where the head leans forward, sitting in front of the body’s midline instead of in line with it.

Causes

• Tech Dependence (Tech Neck): Using electronics like smartphones and laptops encourages a downward head tilt, reinforcing poor posture habits over time. This is referred to as both “tech neck” and “text neck.”
• Weak Neck and Upper Back Muscles: Unbalanced muscles in the neck and upper back can cause the head to lean forward. Weakness in these muscles may result from lack of exercise or poor posture.
• Injury: Injuries such as whiplash or head trauma can cause your muscles to try to compensate for the injury by leaning the head forward for stability.
• Occupational Factors: People working in environments that require sitting for long periods of time, such as desk jobs, can develop poor postural habits.

Symptoms

• Neck Pain/Tension 
• Shoulder/Upper Back Pain
• Headaches
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
• Neurological Symptoms (numbness/tingling in the arms or hands, dizziness, or balance issues)
• Postural Imbalance (rounded shoulders or hunched upper back)

Read more about Anterior Head Syndrome in our latest article.

Living Near Ann Arbor and Having Tech Neck Pain?

An Ann Arbor chiropractor can help with neck pain and tech neck! By adjusting spine and reducing the strain caused by forward head posture, Dr. Gessert can help alleviate pain and improve spinal function. To make an appointment or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

What are the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?

In our last blog, we discussed the characteristics of DDD. Now, here is a list of the symptoms that emerge from it:

• Chronic Pain: Prolonged pain in the lower back, neck, or buttocks is common. Pain may worsen with activities like bending, lifting, or twisting.

• Radiating Pain: Pain that radiates down the arms (cervical spine) or legs (lumbar spine), known as radiculopathy, if nerves are compressed.

• Numbness and Tingling: These sensations might occur in the extremities if nerve compression is involved.

• Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness can develop in severe DDD cases, affecting mobility and strength in the arms or legs.

• Pain Relief with Movement: Interestingly, pain may decrease with certain movements, like walking or changing positions, as these activities relieve pressure on the affected discs.

Looking in Ann Arbor for Help with Back Pain?

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. For help with back pain in Ann Arbor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

Characteristics of Degenerative Disc Disease

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition where the discs in your spine start to break down. This process is a natural part of aging, but it can also be accelerated by things like injury, repeated stress, or genetics.

The following are characteristics of DDD:

• Disc Dehydration: As we age, our spinal discs lose water content, which makes them thinner and less flexible. This reduces their ability to absorb shocks.

• Disc Herniation: The disc’s outer layer may weaken, leading to bulging or herniation, where the inner gel-like core pushes out. Get more detail in our bulging disc/disc herniation article.

• Bone Spurs: As discs deteriorate, the body may produce bone spurs (osteophytes) to stabilize the spine, which can cause pain if they press on nerves.

Looking in Ann Arbor for Help with Back Pain?

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. For help with back pain in Ann Arbor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

How Bulging and Herniated Discs Affect Your Spine

How do bulging discs and disc herniations affect your spine?

Both bulging and herniated discs can cause pain, but the severity and location can differ. Bulging discs might cause a dull ache, while herniated discs can produce sharp, radiating pain. Herniated discs are also more likely to cause weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the herniation.

While bulging and herniated discs affect the spine, they represent different stages of disc degeneration. Bulging discs are generally less serious, and symptoms may not even be present. Herniated discs, on the other hand, can cause significant pain and nerve issues. If you experience back pain that radiates down your leg or arm, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Get Help for Bulging Discs in Ann Arbor

Chiropractic care can go a long way towards helping you recover from spinal issues. Pivotal Chiropractic can help provide treatment for disc herniations and bulging discs in Ann Arbor. To reach out with questions or schedule an appointment, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

The Difference Between Bulging Discs and Disc Herniations

What’s the difference between bulging and herniated discs?

Like any complex system, your spine prone to wear and tear. Two common conditions that can affect the discs in your spine are disc bulges and disc herniations. These terms may sound similar, but they are very different conditions.

The Discs: Our Spinal Cushions

Between each vertebra sits a disc. These discs act as shock absorbers, providing cushioning and flexibility to the spine. Each disc has a tough outer shell and a soft, jelly-like center.

Bulging Disc: When the Tire Loses Air

Imagine a car tire. A bulging disc is like a tire that's lost some air. The disc retains its shape, but the outer layer weakens and bulges outward. This bulging can press on nearby nerves, causing pain. Bulging discs often go unnoticed, especially if they don't affect your nerves.

Herniated Disc: When the Filling Spills Out

A herniated disc is more severe than a bulge. Here, the outer layer tears or ruptures, allowing the soft center to protrude outward. This leakage can put significant pressure on spinal nerves, which can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates along the path of the affected nerve.

Get Help for Bulging Discs in Ann Arbor

Chiropractic care can go a long way towards helping you recover from spinal issues. Pivotal Chiropractic can help provide treatment for disc herniations and bulging discs in Ann Arbor. To reach out with questions or schedule an appointment, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Health Benefits of Cold Showers

Have you noticed that your skin or hair feel dry after a hot shower?

As it turns out, cold showers are actually much better for the body than hot showers. Here are three ways that cold showers can improve your physical health: 

Healthy Skin and Hair

Hot water strips moisture from your skin and hair almost instantly. To avoid moisture loss, turn down the temperature when you jump in the shower—your hair and skin will look and feel a lot better in the long run.

Increased Testosterone for Men

Prolonged exposure to cold water has been shown to increase testosterone production in men, enhancing overall strength and energy.

Better Circulation

Good cardiovascular health depends on getting enough blood pumping through your veins. Alternating between hot and cold water in the shower is an easy way to boost circulation. Cold water causes your blood to move towards your organs to conserve heat, and warm water brings it to the surface of your skin.

Improve Your Wellbeing with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

There’s much more to cardiovascular health than taking a cold shower! Regular visits to a chiropractor can help support a healthy lifestyle and recovery from injury by protecting your joints, spinal discs and nerves. If you are looking for a holistic Ann Arbor chiropractor, call Pivotal Chiropractic at (734) 221-0362 or schedule a complimentary consultation!