That pain in the neck could be adhesion buildup

Editor's note: Dr. Logan Scharf is an associate at Thrive Spine and Sport, a chiropractic and soft tissue clinic in Cedar Rapids focusing on sport and overuse injuries. Scharf is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and certified by Integrative Diagnosis for the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue injuries.

Neck pain is a common ailment that will affect 50 to 70 percent of the population at some point in their lifetime.

Neck pain is commonly caused by repetitive strain and overuse. Think sitting at a desk, looking at our phones, etc. Finding the correct cause of your neck and upper back pain are oftentimes misdiagnosed and mistreated.

Here's why.

At the base of your skull lie six tiny muscles. These muscles are known as the suboccipitals. These muscles are frequently beat up from our modern-day lifestyle. As a result, these small muscles will develop adhesion and become restricted. When these muscles have adhesion, they shorten and will extend the head.

Of course, no one walks around with their head tilted up (see illustration) because your body is really good at compensating. Because of the neck wanting to be in extension, the body will compensate by carrying the head more forward (see illustration). This places a ton of extra stress and strain in the upper back and neck.

Every inch forward, doubles the weight of the head.

This is why your upper back hurts and always is 'tight.'

Most providers, unfortunately, don't understand this. Treatments like adjustments, taping, stretching and exercise may help in the short term, but do nothing to resolve the original issue.

Adhesion acts like glue on the muscles. It is the most common cause of restricted motion and pain in the body. Unfortunately, it is one of the most misdiagnosed conditions.

Neck and upper back pain are frequently caused by adhesion found in the muscles at the base of your skull. Proper treatment reduces the adhesion within those muscles, and in turn allows the neck to function properly, taking stress away from the lower neck and upper back and restoring healthier posture.

• For more information, email Scharf at dr.logan@thrivespineandsport.com or visit www.thrivespineandsport.com