Pay special attention to the spaces between the vertebrae – the disc spaces (dark) – as they become shorter in height. Notice how the spinal bones lose their smooth uniform shape around the edges to form more spurring and roughened sharp edges. Also, you’ll notice how the natural curve in the neck disappears and creates a more flattened and straightened appearance.

This video is demonstrating the changes that take place in the cervical spine (neck). These same types of changes occur in the mid-back and lower back as well. One thing to note is the fact that since the neck region is an area where the tissues of the spinal cord have ‘anchor points’ of connection with the bones of the spine, this is a critical area. These types of degenerative changes are very common with injuries that don’t heal, prolonged neck stiffness that isn’t addressed, chronic neck pain and upper back tension that are not cared for and more.

These changes can FEEL like less range of motion, a stiff or painful neck, headaches, tingling or numbness in the arms, hands or fingers – mimicking carpal tunnel syndrome. It could also present as upper back pain, a ‘hump’ in the upper back and a head carried forward on the shoulders posture.

What you’re seeing is simply the result of the types of physical, mental, emotional and biochemical stresses that we talk about in the office manifesting themselves as these long-term, degenerative changes to the spine. Understand, it isn’t postural problems that CAUSE these changes, it is a combination of the stressors just discussed.

Your posture is simply a REFLECTION of – or RESULT of – long-term stress and tension in the body. So, how do you help prevent this? Chiropractic care, of course, is our preferred approach! Specifically, a gentle and effective approach called Network Spinal Analysis.

What this care does is assist your body in unwinding the tension that builds within the tissues and muscles surrounding your spine that would lead to such degenerative changes. This gentle touch is something we touch upon in the article you can link to there. For the purposes of this article, understand that this video demonstrates how the spine changes shape due to these subtle, yet ‘real’ stressors of life.

Dr. Michael Funicello is a Gilbert chiropractor and has been serving the communities of the Southeast valley since 1998. He continues to help people of all backgrounds and health conditions find relief from their pain and regain their life again. If you’d like to find out how we can help you, contact us today!

What other types of situations may cause stiff neck?

A giraffe can't blame their long neck on their neck stiffness, they have the same number of vertebrae in their neck as you and I do.

Besides the reasons noted above, there are more insidious causes of muscle tension, muscle spasms or more focal trigger points as they’re called.  You can learn more about those specific things by linking to the articles we’ve written about those topics.

However, it is important to discuss one of the primary ways that your neck can feel stiff, tight, tense and otherwise limit your ability to turn it in the normal directions.  The most common issue I find is spinal tension caused by a nervous system that is very ‘wound up’ for lack of a better term.

photo credit

You see, your body is adapting as best it can to the various forms of stress that you encounter in your life.  These can come from a variety of sources; dietary, physical accidents or sports injuries, and emotional or mental realms.  When these stressors are not ‘digested’ appropriately by your body because it simply doesn’t have the means to deal with them, the ensuing result will be tension that your muscles and tissues ‘store’ until it’s safe to experience.

As an athlete, even on a more casual basis, you will see how this tension will inhibit performance.  If you are an elite athlete, times will decrease, reaction speed will suffer and your mental game will be challenged.  The casual or weekend warrior type of athlete will find that they are much more prone to injury.

The tension that your body is holding will inhibit how well you are able to respond to the world around you not only in your chosen sport but also in your daily life.

Of course, since you’re probably looking for ways of improving your golf swing or having more focus on the putting green, these things are of critical importance.  Do you think that you (or your child athlete) would have an advantage if you could be more receptive and responsive to the subtle cues from your body?  Of course you would!

This tension will also affect your ranges of motion.  So, not only will your neck feel stiff, but it will limit how well you can turn your head, too.  This is a bad thing no matter what, but it is especially limiting if you play sports where a fully flexible and responsive body is key.

“…a few months ago, I was experiencing tremendous neck and shoulder pain due to stress and tension.  Not wanting to accept the miserable state I was in, I sought out advice from my general doctor.  After X-rays, muscle relaxers and physical therapy, my body continued to hurt.  I was extremely frustrated!  There had to be a better, non-medicated way of healing.

Since beginning Network Care (3months ago)…no pain meds!  No physical therapy!  No more pain and discomfort!  My entire being has been transformed into positive energy .  Through prayer and the precious knowledge of Dr. Mike, I now have peace.  My body knows how to deal with stress and tension in a proper manner naturally.  Network care has been life changing!  The past three months have allowed me the opportunity to experience my “wonderful self” again.”

What I enjoy most and what I would like someone to know about Network Care at Infinite Healing Arts Center is…

“You will be enlightened; mentally, physically, and spiritually!  Dr. Mike creates an environment that uplifts the human spirit.  Thank you for giving me the tools to live in harmony with myself.  You exude an abundance of happiness!”

~Jennifer W., Gilbert

If you’ve been injured in an accident and you’re looking for a chiropractor in Gilbert to help you, then consider Infinite Healing Arts Center. We’ve been providing gentle chiropractic care to people injured in accidents of varying levels of severity since 1998. Listen to one story here…

My reason for beginning Network Care was…

“My reason for beginning Network Care was due to a car accident 5 years ago; I have had continuous pain in my neck and back and nerve damage in my right arm.  I was diagnosed with bulging C5-6 and C6-7 disk and herniated disk, as well as nerve damage.  I have had pain blocks done for 3 years with it only being a temporary fix.”

Since beginning Network Care (about 1 month ago), I’ve noticed these changes in my symptoms, my body and my life…

“Since I started with Dr. Mike I have noticed that I’m no longer a walking blob of pain!  I’m off all of my pain medication as well as muscle relaxers.  My life is more exciting.  I’m able to get up in the morning without feeling pain and go all day without taking a nap due to all of the medication.  I’m more relaxed and not as irritable “I’m actually pleasant to be around again”.  I have a positive outlook on life.  Since the accident it was taken away from me for 5 years it’s good to have it back!

I can actually tell what my body is feeling and what my posture should be doing and how I should feel.  It’s a GREAT feeling to be able to have control over my mind and body!”

What I enjoy most and what I would like someone to know about Network Care at Infinite Healing Arts Center is…

“I look forward to going to Dr. Mike every week!  If it wasn’t for him I would still be on all of the pain medicine and still going through life wondering if I was ever going to feel good again.  I’m a living testimony that Network Care at Infinite Healing Arts Center can change your life!

Thank you Dr. Mike!”

~Chandra C., Gilbert

“I was traveling over a long weekend and my neck, shoulders, and back locked up.  My doctor called in prescriptions for a muscle relaxer and an anti-inflammatory – I took the medication for four days, but nothing changed.  When I returned home I came in for Network Care.  During the treatment I felt a strong vibration going back and forth across my lower back and the tingling a the top of my head.  After lying on my back, I could feel the energy rushing up and down my spine.  Dr. Mike then had me sit up and straddle the table – a great feeling rushed through my entire body – I felt euphoric!  The pain I had been feeling over the past five days was completely gone and then I had a vision.  The vision was an answer to prayer.  I had been praying for several weeks, asking God for a clear answer about a situation in my life, after the vision, the direction was clear”

~Diana H., Gilbert

Here’s what I’m noticing since receiving Network Care…

“I am able to feel tension start, when I do I’m able to breathe fully and tension decreases.  I have some of my clarity back.  I see and react to situations better.  My pain level has decreases.”

Other people have noticed these things about me since receiving Network Care…

“They noticed I am able to deal with life’s up and down better.  That my pain that I have dealt with for so long is getting better everyday.  I am more positive about stressful situations.”

I tell other people to try Network Care at Infinite Healing Arts Center because…

“It could help them to deal better with stress, tension and aches and pains from our past experiences.”

~Sandy B., Mesa

Here’s what I’m noticing since receiving Network Care…

“My chronic neck tension is melting away, and I’m comfortable all week.”

Other people have noticed these things about me since receiving Network Care…

“My son says I read to him more because I have more voice!  (or is it that he’s calmer and has a longer attention span??)”

I tell other people to try Network Care at Infinite Healing Arts Center because…

“It’s gentle, painless, and it works!  It teaches my body to adjust itself and be aligned comfortably.”

~G.N., Mesa

Some medicines work great for this but not for that. In any case, as a Gilbert chiropractor, my philosophy is to help you find relief from your headache pain. And, not only that, but we’d like to do this by helping your body to develop its own ability to unwind the tension that is so very often at the root of the issue you’re experiencing.

“Network Spinal Analysis is beautiful work that apparently works on many levels.  A friend recommended I try it when I told her of my headaches, stiffness, and pain in left shoulder and neck, and depression.  Soon after beginning entrainments – maybe the second or third week – the stiffness and pain lessened.  Headaches were less frequent.  And I always came away from a session feeling mellow and at ease.  With my first progress consultation I was impressed with the changes in body posture, confirmed by before and after pictures.  The after photos showed generally more presence or energy.  Shoulders were less round and tailbone less tucked.

Now 2 months later I no longer have the neck pain or the headaches.  I have a growing awareness of tension as they happen:  I catch myself with a tight jaw and clenching when there is repressed anger.  I am often aware of how I walk with my head thrust forward and shoulders raised when I am “thinking up a storm”.  I notice this, pause to take a breath and feel at ease walking upright.

I notice a change in relationships.  Being more at ease myself, I am less defensive with others.  And suddenly (it seems) I am not afraid to share true feelings with my husband and to express my desires and wishes even if they go against his.

I like my body now and more often honor and listen to it.”

~G.G., Tucson

All this to say that the symptoms of carpal tunnel can be mimicked in a variety of ways, too. Part of being a chiropractor in Gilbert or any other area, for that matter, is helping patients to get their lives back – regardless of your belief about the underlying factors leading to the problem. However, one thing is remarkably clear – chiropractic care helps people suffering with symptoms of carpal tunnel. If you or someone you know is suffering with this, contact us today and see if we can help you. Now, here is a story from an actual patient of ours…

What had you been diagnosed with and/or how were you feeling before you began care?

“I was told by my doctor that I had “carpal tunnel” in my wrists and to wear these braces and take with aspirin and wear them at night.  Not only were they uncomfortable to sleep with, but they never helped me.  I was having numbness in my fingers also.  My neck and shoulders seemed to always “ache” because I’d been holding stress there for years.  The doctor told me that surgery on my wrists would be the only answer.”

What was your first impression with our office and the care you received?

“Honestly, I’ve been totally “scared” of chiropractors since I was 19 -  I was in a car accident and was told to go to one and he made me hurt lots worse than I was.  But Dr. Mike’s voice on the phone was very calming and reassuring and I felt better once i met him and he explained the whole process before he ever touched me.  The office is very quiet and he plays really relaxing music that calms your soul.”

How are you currently feeling and what do you think has contributed to this new quality of life you are feeling?

“I no longer feel I have “carpal tunnel”  – my fingers are no longer numb.  I feel really healthy and I can somewhat help myself in stressful situations to become more really aware that I’m “becoming stressed” and Dr. Mike has been helping me work on that.  I feel that I’m a “new woman” without surgery and I feel that if I’d never met Dr. Mike, I’d have probably still had the carpal tunnel, because I don’t like surgery of any kind.”

What would you tell others regarding how you feel or your experience at our office?

“Whenever I see someone with those braces on I tell them about Dr. Mike.  I give out his cards to people he may be able to help.  He does a computer test on your spine that doesn’t even hurt one bit and it tells him where your “problems” are.  He works “one on one” with you and explains it all and is always there to answer any questions you may have.  You never feel like he’s rushing to get you out of his office either, because he TRULY CARES.  I think everyone needs Dr. Mike!”

~Gina W., Mesa

What did you used to feel like?

“Hell.  I always felt like a fleet of trucks had run over me.  For months all I wanted to do was lay in bed or sit in my chair.  I was unable to stand for a long period of time so we ate out a lot as cooking was a big chore.”

How do you feel now?

“Much better.  I can get out of bed and chairs without pain.  It used to hurt so bad to turn over in bed.  My back and shoulders was always in pain.  Now I can go for walks, shopping without a lot of discomfort.  If I over-do it – I know my limits – I hurt the next day so I try to do as I should.  I’m a long way from being in the health I know I can be but I’m a lot better than I was 2 years ago. “

~Irene P., Gilbert