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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Upper Crossed Syndrome
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Upper Crossed Syndrome
by Cindy, May 03, 2006 12:00AM
I am a non practicing dentist, & have had chronic muscle imbalance/pain issues in my chest, upper back & shoulders which has an official diagnosis of Upper Crossed Syndrome. Basically it is a shortening and tightening of the flexor musles, ie upper trap, lat dorsi, pecs,lev scapula/psoas and a weakening/lengthening of the extensors and serratus anterior, along with the muscles that support the spine logitudinally. All tests normal incl MRI emgs CT scans etc.
QUESTION: I've been told that due to the weakening in my back (I have pain in the cervical/thoracic junction down to about t5), I've also lost turgor/strength in the spinal ligaments in these areas. They are stretched probably from posture as a dentist and I can feel this as being able easily "crack" or "adjust" these vertebrae with mild sideways stretching, which comes w short term pain relief in my back as well as around the ribcage. If I correct posture, and do the appropriate exercises in strengthening my mid back and loosening the flexors, will the ligaments heal and tighten? What if they are torn? Is there a way to surgically repair them without fusing the vertebrae? Or are torn ligaments unlikely without a specific traumatic incident? Is there any merit to prolotherapy? (prolotherapy involves the injection into the ligamentous tissue of inflammation causing solutuions (containing dextrose) with the theory that the inflammation recruits fibroblasts and regrowth of tissue)). thanx for your insight!
QUESTION: I've been told that due to the weakening in my back (I have pain in the cervical/thoracic junction down to about t5), I've also lost turgor/strength in the spinal ligaments in these areas. They are stretched probably from posture as a dentist and I can feel this as being able easily "crack" or "adjust" these vertebrae with mild sideways stretching, which comes w short term pain relief in my back as well as around the ribcage. If I correct posture, and do the appropriate exercises in strengthening my mid back and loosening the flexors, will the ligaments heal and tighten? What if they are torn? Is there a way to surgically repair them without fusing the vertebrae? Or are torn ligaments unlikely without a specific traumatic incident? Is there any merit to prolotherapy? (prolotherapy involves the injection into the ligamentous tissue of inflammation causing solutuions (containing dextrose) with the theory that the inflammation recruits fibroblasts and regrowth of tissue)). thanx for your insight!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, May 08, 2006 12:00AM
I have never heard of upper crossed syndrome - you learn something new every day!
In general, conservative treatment (ie not surgery) is reccomended for ligament/soft tissue strain or damage. With the right combination of MULTI-DISCIPLINARY therapies to this type of problem, there should be significant resolution. THis involves the right type of PT and posture training, occupational therpay, analgesics, muscle relaxants, and psychtherapy for chronic pain /adaption issues. Any one of these alone is unlikely to succeed. Surgery is a significant trauam in and of itself and should be avoided unless really needed. Prolotherapy is unproven scientiffically, and should be used with knowledge of this, and prudent caution, and awareness of risks and benefit.
Good luck.
In general, conservative treatment (ie not surgery) is reccomended for ligament/soft tissue strain or damage. With the right combination of MULTI-DISCIPLINARY therapies to this type of problem, there should be significant resolution. THis involves the right type of PT and posture training, occupational therpay, analgesics, muscle relaxants, and psychtherapy for chronic pain /adaption issues. Any one of these alone is unlikely to succeed. Surgery is a significant trauam in and of itself and should be avoided unless really needed. Prolotherapy is unproven scientiffically, and should be used with knowledge of this, and prudent caution, and awareness of risks and benefit.
Good luck.
You make the whole issue so complex ,i believe the shape of your spinal column related to congenital or heridatory factors , but your job could only evoke the pain . I believe wrong /aggressive exercise/training could creat pain and more tightness .
If i were you i would not take the risk of injection , just ask The MD if he/she in your position will he/she has thus injection ??
I think every deformity could be categorised according severity degrees .I like to add every time you keep erect thus could fatigue the mucsles thus which you are currently complaining .
I have not completed reading your post to reach the surgical approach or i did not take it much attentively .
Regards
Emad
www.somasimple.com/forums/
physiotherapist
Sorry that you have not practised as dentist for the last years becausae of pain .
I advise you to search for The Feldenkrais Method speicalist or physiotherapist studied that method or Alexander Technique specialist ,there may be physiotherapist practise using those techniques .
Or you may address it by yourself http://www.posturepage.com/bookshop/feldenkrais/
Good Luck
Emad
I have the exact same problem as you,ligamentous damage, even in the same areas[T3-T6]. All of my scans are normal, doctors diagnosed by deductive reasoning[also repetitive stress]. I can't tell you how many treatments I have had to get rid of this pain. I have tried many sessions of prolotherapy,absolutely useless. I have also tried chiropractic, lidocaine injections, facet injections and lots of pt.I do know there is a non-fusion stabilization called Dynesys system. The only problem is, I don't know if they will place it in the areas that we have trouble, and doctors don't seem to take this problem seriously, especially if they can't see it.I wish there were better diagnostic scans for spinal ligament problems.
Well, lots of luck to you.
I am a violinist, and I believe I got this problem from playing 6 hours a day for years[since I was 2]. I think the ligaments on the right side of my spine were stretched from constantly twisting to the left, because it always locks out of place to the left. A physical therapist mentioned to me that I might have this syndrome.
I did check out the website you mentioned, and it looks very interesting- I will give it a try. Thanks a lot for the advice-much appreciated!