Neck pain a more common complaint that chiorpractors treat at the Broadgate Spine Clinic compared to the rest UK where lower back pain is more common. Logic would appear to dictate that this is due to the number of hours that workers are sitting at their desks, followed by most leisure activities that often involve the sitting posture during leisure time at home.

The neck has two primary responsibilities. It must support the neck itself as well as the head – 3-4 kilograms. It must also provide us with a wide reaching range of movement. The neck can bend forwards and backwards as well as turning to each side to a remarkable degree.

It is probably obvious to readers that the soft forward slope of the image on the right is preferable. The curve distributes the weight of the head and neck along the gentle slope and this structure actually increases the strength of the neck itself – very similar to a bridge.

Some people – usually taller individuals – lack an adequate slope. This results in a poor weight distribution and may well contribute to early degeneration of the lower segments of the cervical spine. Additionally, increased weight bearing is transferred to the muscles that maintain erect posture and this results in achiness and tenderness of the musculature.

What can be done?

There are no treatments that have been proven that are able to alter or normalise incorrect postures – this is after all, how we were designed at birth.

The most logical way to address postural abnormalities such as that described above involves three steps.

1. Manual therapy with a chiropractor to maintain proper movement.
2. Corrective exercises with a physio to strengthen the appropriate muscle groups.
3. Ergonomic advice.

These services are all provided at the Broadgate Centre in a cohesive manner.