Structure Dictates Function (Anterior Head Syndrome Continued)

One of the foundational principles of chiropractic care is that structure influences function.

Think of a bridge. If the supports of the bridge begin to shift out of position, the bridge may still stand, but it won't distribute forces as efficiently. Over time, excess stress develops in areas that were never designed to handle it.

The human body works the same way.

The neck must support a head that weighs approximately 10 to 12 pounds. A healthy cervical curve helps distribute that load across the joints, muscles, discs, and ligaments of the neck. When that curve is lost or reversed, the body's mechanics change. The muscles may be forced to work harder, joints may experience abnormal stress, and movement patterns can become less efficient.

This is why many people with altered cervical curves experience symptoms such as:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Frequent headaches
• Reduced range of motion
• Muscle tension in the shoulders and upper back
• Fatigue during prolonged sitting or computer work
• Discomfort during physical activity

While not everyone with a reversed cervical curve experiences symptoms, structural changes can alter how forces move through the spine and surrounding tissues.

Performance Starts with Proper Alignment

Whether you're an athlete, a busy professional, or simply someone who wants to stay active, your body's performance depends on efficient movement.

When the spine maintains healthy alignment, muscles can work more effectively, joints can move more freely, and the body can better handle the stresses of daily life. Conversely, abnormal spinal mechanics can contribute to compensations throughout the entire kinetic chain.

A reversed cervical curve doesn't just affect the neck. Because the spine functions as a connected system, changes in one area can influence posture and movement elsewhere in the body. The result may be increased stress on the shoulders, upper back, and even the lower spine.

Read more in our latest article.

Live Near Ann Arbor and Struggling with Neck Pain?

If you've been diagnosed with Anterior Head Syndrome or have been struggling with chronic neck discomfort, headaches, or postural challenges, a comprehensive chiropractic evaluation can help determine whether structural changes in your neck may be contributing to the problem. Dr. Gessert can help treat a myriad of issues related to neck pain in Ann Arbor, so if you’re unsure whether or not a chiropractor could help, give us a call at 734-221-0362 or submit a contact form here!

What is Anterior Head Syndrome?

Anterior Head Syndrome occurs when the normal C-shaped curve of the neck straightens significantly
or bends in the opposite direction. In some cases, this condition develops gradually over time. In others, it may result from trauma, repetitive stress, poor posture, or chronic mechanical strain on the neck.

Modern lifestyles often contribute to this problem. Hours spent looking down at phones, working on computers, and maintaining forward-head posture can place abnormal stress on the structures of the cervical spine. Over time, these stresses may contribute to changes in spinal alignment.

Can Anterior Head Syndrome Be Improved?

Every patient is unique, and the severity, cause, and duration of AHS all influence the potential for improvement.

Research has explored structural rehabilitation approaches aimed at improving cervical alignment and forward-head posture through combinations of corrective exercises and chiropractic care. While outcomes vary from patient to patient, the goal is often to address the underlying structural issue rather than simply managing symptoms.

A thorough examination, including posture assessment and appropriate imaging when indicated, can help determine the extent of the problem and guide a personalized care plan.

Read more in our latest article.

Live Near Ann Arbor and Struggling with Neck Pain?

If you've been diagnosed with Anterior Head Syndrome or have been struggling with chronic neck discomfort, headaches, or postural challenges, a comprehensive chiropractic evaluation can help determine whether structural changes in your neck may be contributing to the problem. Dr. Gessert can help treat a myriad of issues related to neck pain in Ann Arbor, so if you’re unsure whether or not a chiropractor could help, give us a call at 734-221-0362 or submit a contact form here!

5 Benefits of Cold Showers

In our last blog, we introduced the idea of cold showers for health. Here, we’ll dive into the benefits.

Here are 5 potential benefits of cold showers:

Increased Energy and Alertness

Cold water can create an invigorating effect on the body. The sudden temperature change often increases heart rate and encourages deeper breathing, helping many people feel more awake and energized.

For some, a cool shower in the morning can provide a natural boost without relying solely on caffeine.

Support for Muscle Recovery

Athletes have long used ice baths and cold therapy to help manage soreness after intense workouts. Cold water may help reduce temporary inflammation and muscle fatigue following exercise.

While a cold shower may not fully replace a professional recovery routine, it can be a convenient addition to an active lifestyle.

Healthier Skin and Hair

Very hot water can strip natural oils from your skin and hair, leaving them feeling dry or irritated. Cooler water may help preserve moisture and reduce that overly dry feeling after a shower.

Many people also find that cooler rinses help hair appear smoother and shinier over time.

Improved Circulation

Alternating between warm and cool temperatures can stimulate circulation as your body works to regulate temperature. Healthy circulation plays an important role in delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Mental Resilience and Mood Support

Cold showers can feel challenging at first, but many people report feeling refreshed and mentally clear afterward. Some research suggests cold exposure may stimulate the nervous system and trigger the release of mood-supporting chemicals in the body.

While cold showers are not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, they may help some people feel more focused and refreshed.

Learn more in our latest article.

Struggling with Chronic Neck Pain, Back Pain, or Joint Pain?

Specific structural chiropractic care focuses on improving alignment and supporting proper function of the spine and nervous system. By helping reduce stress on joints, muscles, and nerves, chiropractic care may help support mobility, recovery, and overall wellbeing.

If you live near Ann Arbor and you’re struggling with chronic neck pain, back pain, or joint pain, Dr. Gessert can help! To schedule a no-pressure consultation, call 734-221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Intro to Cold Showers for Health

Do you feel sluggish in the morning? 

Cold plunges and ice baths have become increasingly popular among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and people focused on recovery and wellbeing. While full cold plunges aren’t for everyone, there’s an easier way to experience many of the same benefits right at home: a cold shower.

Even a brief exposure to cooler water may help support circulation, energy levels, recovery, and mental clarity. The best part? You don’t need expensive equipment or a tub full of ice to get started!

How to Try a Cold Shower

If you’re new to cold exposure, there’s no need to jump straight into freezing water. Start with your normal warm shower, then gradually lower the temperature over the last 30–60 seconds. As your body adapts, you can slowly increase the amount of time spent under cooler water.

The goal isn’t discomfort—it’s consistency and moderation.

A Healthy Habit That You Can Do Consistently

One of the biggest advantages of cold showers is their accessibility. They don’t require a gym membership, expensive equipment, or a major time commitment. Small healthy habits practiced consistently often have the biggest long-term impact.

Cold showers can be one piece of a healthy routine, but overall wellness depends on many factors—including movement, recovery, sleep, posture, and spinal health.

Learn more in our latest article.

Struggling with Chronic Neck Pain, Back Pain, or Joint Pain?

Specific structural chiropractic care focuses on improving alignment and supporting proper function of the spine and nervous system. By helping reduce stress on joints, muscles, and nerves, chiropractic care may help support mobility, recovery, and overall wellbeing.

If you live near Ann Arbor and you’re struggling with chronic neck pain, back pain, or joint pain, Dr. Gessert can help! To schedule a no-pressure consultation, call 734-221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Symptoms of Torticollis

What does torticollis feel like? 

While experiences vary, common symptoms include:

• Head tilted to one side
• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Muscle spasms and stiffness
• Headaches linked to neck tension
• Uneven shoulders or posture issues
• If left untreated, torticollis may become chronic or interfere with daily life.

Learn more in our latest article.

How Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help with Torticollis

Specific structural chiropractic care is different from general chiropractic adjustments. Rather than focusing only on short-term pain relief, it targets spinal misalignments that may contribute to torticollis.

If you or your child struggles with torticollis, a consultation with your Ann Arbor chiropractor can be the first step toward relief and prevention of future episodes.

Contact Dr. Gessert’s office at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form. 

What Causes Torticollis?

Have you ever woken up with your neck “stuck” to one side? 

This condition, called torticollis, can affect people of all ages. Some common causes include:

• Muscle strain from sleep or sudden movement
• Spinal misalignments in the upper cervical spine
• Congenital muscle tightness in infants
• Degenerative changes like arthritis

In some cases, torticollis resolves quickly, but recurring episodes may point to a deeper spinal issue.

Learn more in our latest article.

How Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help with Torticollis

Specific structural chiropractic care is different from general chiropractic adjustments. Rather than focusing only on short-term pain relief, it targets spinal misalignments that may contribute to torticollis.

If you or your child struggles with torticollis, a consultation with your Ann Arbor chiropractor can be the first step toward relief and prevention of future episodes.

Contact Dr. Gessert’s office at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form.

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.

Find Relief from Neck Pain Due to Whiplash

Have you or someone you know been in a serious car accident?

The average driver will be in a car crash once every 18 years, and though the risk of death is low, the odds are high that one of these accidents will result in whiplash or other bodily injury.

Even a minor fender bender can result in whiplash, and symptoms can linger, making day-to-day life difficult.

How can you find relief?

First, it’s important to know how whiplash happens and what the symptoms are. According to Mayo Clinic:

• Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, cracking like a whip.
• Whiplash is commonly caused by car accidents, but could also result from sports accidents and other types of traumas such as a fall.
• Most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks by following a treatment plan that includes pain medication and exercise, but some people have chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications.

Read the full article about relief from neck pain due to whiplash on our website!

Get Relief for Neck Pain Today!

The sooner neck pain is treated, the better. Don’t wait to get relief – contact Dr. Gessert today! You don’t have to live your life in pain. We can help you get back to the activities you love.

Contact Dr. Gessert for a complimentary consultation today to see if chiropractic care is the right solution for your neck pain

Pain Relief After a Car Accident

If you’re suffering from an auto accident, you might be surprised to learn that chiropractic care can provide a drug-free way to relieve your pain. For instance, if you have back pain or neck pain after being involved in a car accident, this could mean you have a spinal or whiplash injury.

According to the Insurance Research Council, “nearly one third of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic.” According to a 2012 study on the Epidemiology of Whiplash, “manual therapy (i.e., cervical mobilization and or manipulation), together with exercise appear to be the most effective noninvasive treatments for patients with acute whiplash related neck pain.” 

The reason so many people choose to use chiropractic during their recovery process is because of its unique advantages in treating soft tissue injuries such ligament sprains and muscle strains of the spine.

Read more on our website! 

If you’re suffering from an auto accident injury–regardless of whether it was a “fender bender” or a major crash–don’t wait to deal with your pain. Prompt chiropractic care will help support your body’s natural healing process and help you avoid a lifetime of chronic pain or other health problems. To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

Chiropractic Care Helps with Post-Car Accident Injuries

Did you know the average driver will be in a car crash once every 18 years?
 

Did you also know that even a minor fender bender can result in an injury, which can cause problems?
 

If you have neck pain or back pain after being involved in a car accident, you could have a spinal injury or whiplash. If you don’t get the right type of care, those injuries could have serious, negative impacts on your health.
 

Specific structural chiropractic care doesn’t just treat the symptoms of your pain, but the underlying injury or injuries causing you pain. Painkillers offer immediate relief, but not long-term pain relief, which could last years if you don’t treat your car accident-related injuries properly.
 

According to the Insurance Research Council, “nearly one third of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic.”  
 

Visit our website to read more about neck pain relief!
 

Choose a Chiropractor Who Puts You First!

 

We understand that healthcare choices are critical decisions and that you have many different options in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. If you have back pain, neck pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, it’s time to see a chiropractor. To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

Get Headache Relief from Pivotal Chiropractic

If you’re tired of managing headache pain and want to find long-lasting relief, specific corrective care may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

When you visit Dr. Gessert, he’ll provide a complimentary consultation to talk about your pain and what the course of treatment might be for you. 

Every person in our practice is treated for their specific needs and symptoms. If you feel like you’ve tried everything to get rid of constant headaches but you haven’t tried chiropractic care, now is the time. 

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Gessert today to finally feel relief from tension and migraine headaches.

Click here to read more about getting headache relief today!

What's Causing Your Frequent Headaches?

Do you suffer from frequent headaches?

Do you find yourself keeping spare pain relievers with you so you’ll always have relief?

Headaches are very common with so many of us, and some people feel that a headache is a normal part of their day. 

Could neck pain and neck tension be an underlying cause of your frequent headaches?

Even though headaches may be very common, they are not normal. To better understand how to treat the causes of your headaches, you need to first understand the most common types: tension or migraine.

Read more on our website!

Is Your Back Pain Actually a Neck-Related Problem?

With most of us working from home, it’s common for many newer folks who come to my practice to mention they are experiencing upper back pain.

The upper back is the area from the base of the neck (top of the shoulders) down between the shoulder blades. It’s a sensitive area, and when it flares up, a person may experience anything from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing, burning pain that’s made worse with breathing. Pain in this area of the spine can be so intense that some people have trouble working and even normal activities of daily living.

What if I told you that upper back pain may not actually be an upper back problem? Here’s what I mean: the upper back may be the pain generator, but it most likely isn’t the CAUSE of the pain. It has to do with the biomechanics of the spine and how the upper back supports the neck and head above it.

Read more on our website!

Should You Crack Your Own Neck?

We’ve all done it – rolled our neck from side to side until we hear that satisfying crack or pop.

Did you know that cracking your own neck could actually be making your neck tension or neck pain worse?

If you’re not supposed to crack your own neck to relieve tension, what can you do? First, you should see a specific structural chiropractor to make sure there’s not a serious injury.

Even if it’s not serious, regular adjustments can relieve tension and pain.

Second, recognize that tension in the neck is a result of tight or weak muscles, which in turn are a result of abnormal structure. Either way: a visit to the chiropractor is necessary.

Visit our website to read about some other reasons you could be experiencing neck tension and how to get relief!

To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

Get Relief from Constant Neck Pain and Tension

Do you suffer from constant neck pain?

Are you tempted to crack your neck to get a tiny bit of relief from neck pain and tension? Cracking your own neck is never a good idea.

Not only could you cause yourself more pain, but the tension you’re experiencing could be the sign of a bigger problem.

Read more about neck pain do’s and don’ts on our website! 

If you can’t get to the chiropractor in the next few days or week, there are some small steps you can take to find temporary relief from neck pain.

Remember: these are just treating the symptoms of your condition, not the cause. A visit to the chiropractor will take care of the root causes, and hopefully get rid of your pain or tension for good.

In the meantime:

• Use good posture 
• Take frequent breaks 
• Adjust your desk, chair, and computer 
• Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder 
• Sleep in a good position 
• Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Andrew! 

To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

Whiplash What You Must Know

Statistically, there is a strong likelihood that you or someone you know will be involved in a car accident.  The average driver will be in a car crash once every 18 years translating into 4 accidents over the course of a lifetime.  Though the risk of death is very low, the odds are that one of these accidents will result in bodily injury (whiplash) and/ or property damage, is high.  Even a minor fender bender can result in an injury, which can cause problems.  If you’ve ever been in one you know what I’m talking about.  Typically the first course of action is treating your pain with painkillers and rest.  Once you feel better, you may think that you’re in the clear, but what if your symptoms linger?  Or in some cases if you have no symptoms, can a car crash come back to hurt you later in life?      

Learn More

  

My Visit To Google Ann Arbor

I’m sure you’ve heard the statistic that people fear public speaking more than they do death. This is not the case for me; in fact, I’m kind of an odd ball in that I really enjoy public speaking. I jump at the opportunity to share valuable health related information with groups and organizations — information that I feel may benefit all of us. Topics that I’ve presented have ranged from “Eat Fat Lose Fat”, “Bullet Proofing Your Body”, “Sugar… America’s Addiction”, to “What Exercises are best for Beauty and Appearance.”

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Is it Safe to Crack My Own Neck?

It pains me as a Specific Correction Chiropractor in Ann Arbor when I’m out and about maybe at a local coffee shop in and I happen to catch someone cranking on their own neck. You’ve probably seen these people or you might be one yourself. These folks might grab their head, violently twisting their neck from side to side all in the name of a good crack! I get these people, I completely understand.  However, what most people fail to realize or understand is that this is a vicious cycle caused by chronic tension that never goes away.
Learn More