Necklash
The upper trapezius muscles are mainly responsible for holding the head up and even. There is normally a curve in the neck. When these muscles are weakened or injured this curve will have a tendency to flatten out. A whiplash type of movement to the body will cause the cervical's to be pushed forward. The neck supports the weight of the head, which can weight as much as 16lbs. Because of gravity, these muscles are under constant stress.
When these muscles weaken, one side of the neck can become pulled causing the cervical area to loose it's curve, which allows the chin to jut forward and drop down, resulting in the head tilting to either side depending on which muscle has weakened.
Eyesight is affected immediately, because the optical nerve is pinched where it exits the spine at the first cervical.
The neck serves as a connecting channel from the brain to the rest of the body. when the curve in the neck is lost, the cerebrospinal Fluid flow is interrupted, affecting the whole body.
Necklash is a very common type of injury due to the lifestyle of our culture. Speed does no skill it is the sudden stop that causes the damage.
Some of the main causes of necklash are:
Whiplash type of injury from an automobile accident. A very common birthing injury, especially when instruments are used, contact sports, being pushed from behind while standing. Holding head in one position for long periods of time. Example: night driving or viewing at a computer monitor. Looking up (star gazing) or looking down while reading. sleeping on too large or too many pillows.
Associated Conditions
Kidney problems, Migraine or cluster headaches, Sore shoulders, Dowagers hump, Stiff or "military" neck. Head tilted or tipped to either side. Head falling forward, Loss of balance, feeling dizzy, sudden poor eyesight. Nearsightedness. Poor night vision, wearing eyeglasses, especially children. Impaired hearing, ringing in ears, Ears appear uneven. Plugged eustachian tubes, ear infections, adrenal gland problems. flat feet, difficult birth, expression of fear or terror, lack of trust.
Correction
lay on a firm surface
use neck roll or a rolled up towel that is about 3.5 inches for a short neck use a 2.5 to 3 and adjust as needed for a longer neck.
place roll under the neck leaving about 0.5 inch space between the back of the head and the surface. The space is important to allow the head to be able to drop down during the correction.
Lay on the neck roll for five minutes, keep the head straight. It is important to not overextend the 5 minute timer period because over correction can cause stress to the optical nerve. This adjustment can be done hourly until the weak muscles strengthen enough to hold the neck straight and in place.
when correction is completed roll onto your side and push yourself upright.
Lay on your stomach and perform respiration assistance.
while sitting the neck may be massaged to strengthen the muscles to help lock in the correction. Regular self massage is recommended.
When necklash is a recurring condition, check the Universal Cranial plate to see if it has rotated and stuck.
