Neuromuscular Therapy from Emerson Theraputic Massage

What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

One of the most difficult postural distortions I treat, is the forward head posture. For every inch the head projects forward 8-12lbs of weight bearing is added to the musculature of the neck. Keeping in mind it is not the purpose of the neck muscles to perform this function. Weight bearing is the function of the cervical bones and intervertebral discs. The primary function of the neck muscles is movement and stabilization of the head.

If left untreated, as we age the creation of bone spurs occurs as the body attempts to prevent further projection of the head and damage to the cervical spine. As the muscles in the neck tighten to support the head, painful trigger points form that cause headache, restricted movement, referral pain into the neck and shoulders, lack of circulation, dizziness, sinus pain, breathing and speech disturbances. The cervical vertebral discs will begin to degenerate.
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Things start to get very serious when the forward head posture is accompanied with a reverse cervical curve.  In most forward head postures there is too much cervical curve. This is treatable and can be corrected. Where people find themselves in trouble is when this curve reverses from a lordotic curve to a kyphotic curve. The curve is now concave on the front of the spine instead of the back. A spinal stenosis can develop or narrowing of the spinal canal. This is difficult to correct and may lead to a surgical intervention.

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