Upper Cross Versus Lower Cross Syndrome
Do you find yourself hunched over a computer majority of the day? If not, do you find yourself hunched over while sending texts and reading emails on your phone? Due to the sedentary nature of life today, we put our bodies through constant tension which causes contracture or tightening of our muscles in our hips. This continuous tension causes our gluteal muscles to be weak and elongated. This is knows as lower cross syndrome. Similarly, sitting at a desk with the head forward leads to contractures of the neck muscle and back muscles. This is known as upper cross syndrome. A series of further contractures and inhibitions result in a cascade of reactionary muscle imbalances that lead to poor posture and pain.
What are the consequences?
Below are some of the common health problems that can arise from chronic Upper and Lower Cross syndromes:
· Trigger Points and fibromyalgia
· Ache or burning in the shoulders
· Pins and needles, or other referred symptoms into the arms and hands
· Rotator cuff strains and other shoulder problems
· Breathing disturbances including Asthma
· Emotional and psychological conditions such as depression
· Migraines and tension headaches
· Digestive disturbances, bowel problems, kidney and menstrual dysfunction due to circulation failures
· Allergies and weak immune function, such as Candida infections etc.
What can be done about it?
It is important to stretch all your muscles for the purpose of stimulating good sensory and circulatory flow, which is why our exercise section has activities that will work both extremes.
Upper Cross Syndrome 
· Stretch the pectoral muscles
· Stretch the upper back muscles
· Strengthen the middle back
· Strengthen the rear shoulder muscles
Lower Cross Syndrome 
· Strengthen the gluteal muscles
· 
Strengthen the abdominal muscles
· Strengthen the hamstrings
· Stretch the hip flexor muscles
· Stretch the quadriceps muscles (front of the thigh
· Stretch the calf muscles
· Stretch the low back muscles
How can seeing a Chiropractor Help?
Spinal manipulation is to correct structural alignment and improve your body’s physical function. Dr. Michael Grossman is certified in Active release technique, Rock taping and Graston. These soft tissue techniques help release tension as well as regain normal muscle function. Along with the spinal manipulation and soft tissue work, you can improve your muscles strength and flexibility by exercising and stretching. Below are links to various stretches that help strengthen the lower and upper back muscles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUgTv9ovctE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcWNRBHq9Ic
Give us a call at (408) 248-8700 to speak to a CHIROPRACTOR at our Santa Clara office and we’ll be happy to help!
