Neck Pain Due to Muscle Weakness & Atrophy
Weak Neck Muscles, Poor Posture & Neck Pain in Porter Ranch and Northridge, CA Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch, CA Your head is supported throughout the day by a coordinated group of neck, shoulder, and upper-back muscles. When these muscles become weak, deconditioned, or lose endurance, maintaining comfortable posture and movement may become more difficult. Muscle weakness can occur with inactivity, aging, prolonged immobilization, injury, neurological problems, or certain muscle disorders. Importantly, neck pain does not automatically mean that the neck muscles are atrophied. Research suggests that changes in cervical muscle size, strength, fatigue, and activation vary between individuals with neck pain. How Weak Neck Muscles May Affect You When neck and upper-back muscles cannot adequately support normal movement for prolonged periods, you may notice:
The Weakness–Pain Cycle A common functional pattern may look like: Pain or Injury → Less Movement → Muscle Weakness → Reduced Endurance → Altered Movement → More Discomfort For some patients, breaking this cycle requires gradually restoring movement, strength, endurance, and posture rather than simply treating the painful area. Research reviewed in a systematic study of cervical extensor exercise suggests that strengthening these muscles may help reduce neck pain and disability, although researchers note that the ideal exercise program varies between patients. You can also read about neck exercises for neck and upper-back pain. Why Posture Matters Poor posture and prolonged sitting can place additional demands on the muscles supporting the head and neck. If the head remains forward for long periods while working on a computer or looking at a phone, some muscles may become overworked while others may become relatively weak or poorly conditioned. Read more about exercise and forward-head posture. Our Approach to Neck Pain & Muscle Weakness At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we do not assume every case of neck pain has the same cause. An evaluation may consider:
The goal is not simply to make a muscle stronger. It is to help restore a healthier combination of: Mobility + Strength + Endurance + Coordination + Posture Explore more educational articles on the Soft Touch Chiropractic blog. When Muscle Weakness Needs Medical Evaluation Progressive or unexplained weakness should not simply be assumed to be a posture problem. Seek appropriate medical evaluation if neck weakness is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty holding the head upright, progressive arm or hand weakness, numbness, tingling, coordination problems, difficulty walking, or other neurological changes. Medline Plus notes that some cervical conditions can cause weakness, numbness, tingling, or other neurological symptoms that require proper evaluation. Neck Pain Treatment in Porter Ranch & Northridge If neck pain, poor posture, muscle weakness, or reduced neck mobility is affecting your work, sleep, exercise, or everyday activities, a proper examination can help determine what may be contributing. Soft Touch Chiropractic Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC 11145 Tampa Ave., Suite 14A Northridge, CA 91326 Call: 818-831-0100 Ready to Strengthen and Restore Your Neck? Call today to schedule an evaluation and learn which combination of gentle chiropractic care, mobility work, and therapeutic exercise may be appropriate for you. Better movement. Better strength. Better function. 
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rel=”author”>Masoud Shamaeizadeh
