There are many causes of pain, this page will explore some of the common causes.  This information is in no way intended for the diagnosis of pain syndromes.  Please contact your primary care provider or a qualified provider for specifis diagnosis.

One common imbalance bodyworkers often see is a condition discovered by Vladamir Janda known as 'Upper Crossed Syndrome'.  In this condition a client will present with a forward head posture, rounded shoulders, backs of hands facing forward, and pain at the base of the skull and between the 'shoulder blades'.  Limited range of motion in the arms and referred pain into the arms, hands and fingers are also commonly present.

With a forward head posture it is not uncommon for the little facet joints in the neck to become 'locked' in place, this can cause great pain and limit range of motion.  Another symptom is pain at the base of the skull, this is commonly a result of the suboccipital muscles having to stay in constant contraction to keep the skull cocked and eyes up so we can see where we are going.

 You are on a computer right now; where is your head on your neck?  And your neck on your shoulders?  For every inch forward your eyes are of your breast bone, gravity provides 10 pounds of downward pull.  At 3 inches forward this would mean the average 13-16 pound head would weigh 43-46 pounds!  Ouch.

Try this exercise.  Extend your head forward on your neck, into an exagerated forward head posture, jut your chin out, either in sitting or standing position. Now, with your hands at your side, palms facing in, raise your hands to their limit out to your side, note your movement. Return hands to side, now, move your straight arms out in front of your body and up, attempt movement over head, again note your range of motion.

Secondly, pull your head back into proper alignment as much as you can with out pain, tuck your chin a bit toward your neck.  Repeat the sequence of movements in this position.  You will likley accomplish greater range of motion with a 'head back' posture.

This simple practice, adaptae from the work of Erik Dalton's Myoskeletel Alignment Techniques, should encourage most of us to maintain proper alignment of the head/neck/shoulder complex. As we age forward head posture can get the best of us if we ignore it.  I for one want to be able to grab a can from the top shelf for as long as possible.

More To Come...........