If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition or experienced multiple episodes of pain, you may feel like there is no solution that can truly relieve your pain. Your quality of life may be affected, as well as your physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Just know that where there is a will, there is often a way!
While Upper Cross Syndrome may sound dire, with proper life adjustments and care, recovery is only a few steps away. Continue reading to learn what steps you can take to help improve your condition, and how Airrosti can help.
What is Upper Cross Syndrome?
Upper Cross Syndrome is a muscular imbalance condition that occurs when tightened pectoral and trapezius muscles must compensate for weakened neck flexor and rhomboid muscles. Upper Cross Syndrome is often accompanied by poor, hunched posture, as well as rounded shoulders and a forward head.
Common symptoms of Upper Cross Syndrome include:
- Shoulder, neck, and upper back pain
- Tightness in the above-mentioned areas
- Tension headaches
- Restricted range of motion in the affected areas
- Difficulty sitting for prolonged periods of time
Treatment Options to Help Improve Upper Cross Syndrome
Despite possible anxieties or fear over your condition, rest assured that Upper Cross Syndrome can be treated. Below are three options that can help relieve possible symptoms, as well as build strength and improve the affected areas.
1. Exercise and Stretching
As Upper Cross Syndrome is the result of both weak and tight muscles, it is important to correct both of those issues. Stretching will help elongate and relieve tension in tightened muscles, while performing exercises that target your back muscles and neck can help strengthen these areas, as well as improve mobility and functionality.
*Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling, or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
2. Make Changes to Your Lifestyle
As Upper Cross Syndrome is mainly caused by poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle, making small changes to your daily routine is a simple option to help relieve your pain.
Instead of hunching over your phone, which can lead to rounded shoulders and neck pain, try keeping your phone at eye level. Additionally, if you frequently work at a desk, consider switching to a standing desk or using a laptop riser so your devices are eye level, which can remove strain from your back.
Lastly, take routine breaks to stretch! Hours of working at your desk can lead to tension, poor posture, and strain across your body, but especially on your upper back muscles and neck. Remember to get up, take a quick walk around your building or neighborhood, or even get a quick stretch session in.
3. Manual Therapy
With every condition or pain, you should always discuss treatment options with your primary care provider. Likely, they may recommend you seek manual therapy. In the case of many musculoskeletal conditions, manual therapy can be a very helpful treatment option. Manual therapy in a hands-on treatment option that is often performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, etc. who use various techniques, such as myofascial release and stretching, to promote improved function and mobility within the body.
Manual therapy is non-invasive, and works to reduce tension, stiffness, as well as relieve any pain or discomfort. Typically, people who receive manual therapy treatments by a healthcare professional are also given exercise routine to follow, as well as changes to make to their lifestyle, to help ensure a successful recovery.
Airrosti: One Stop Shop for All Your Recovery Needs
Rest assured that Upper Cross Syndrome and its symptoms can be treated. However, if left unseen, Upper Cross Syndrome has the potential to lead to chronic neck, shoulder or upper back pain, as well as further postural changes and muscular imbalances.
If you are considering treatment options for Upper Cross Syndrome, schedule an appointment with an Airrosti Provider today! Our Providers will thoroughly assess your condition and treat your pain right at the source through manual therapy. In addition, you will have a treatment plan created specifically for you and be provided resources and tools to continue your recovery at home.
For more information, call us at (800) 404-6050.
Read our Medical Disclaimer here.
