Jeanne Kennedy Crosby, D.C.: What's Your Problem?

Proper spine alignment in the neck, or cervical spine, is contingent on several factors. Of great importance is balance between the muscles of the neck. You have your “front of the neck” muscles (scalenes, sternocleidomastoids) and your “back of the neck muscles” (upper traps, levator scapulae) and you have your right side and your left side. If any of these is stained or weak, other muscles will tighten, spasm and hurt. Cervical vertebrae, and even the discs between these vertebrae, will be pulled into misalignment. This is the situation with whiplash. It is essential to correct the muscle imbalance as well as adjust and re-set the spine and the discs for the best results. The neck also has a significant relationship with the low back, the TMJ, the feet, the clavicle and shoulder, and the overall proper function of the nervous system.