Spinal Care of the Neck Fourth Cervical Nerve Impacts Neck and Shoulder Pain, Posture and Respiration

Chiropractor in Chapel Hill, NC

Dr. Oskardmay provides gentle and effective care to the spine to improve health in many ways. Nerves arising from between the bony vertebrae comprising the spine suffer when the backbone is not aligned correctly. Additionally, surrounding muscles and ligaments show signs of imbalance- painful tightness and unstable weakness. Using skillful palpation and other diagnostic techniques, Dr. Oskardmay locates areas of subluxation and provides a hands-on treatment that feels good and sustains good health in many ways. One of the critical regions she treats is in the mid-neck. Patients exhibiting pain and tenderness in this region frequently suffer from misalignment to the spinal vertebrae in this region, which creates pain and impairs cervical spinal nerve four discussed below.

Cervical spinal nerve four is part of the peripheral nerve, which controls the diaphragm. This nerve is called the phrenic nerve. The membrane is a large muscle that bisects the upper body from the lower body. The diaphragm muscle attaches below the rib twelve and is the muscle that controls respiration. Major arteries and nerves and the esophagus pass through the diaphragm. Irritation of the nerve controlling the diaphragm can affect breathing, digestion, blood flow, and nerve transmission. Dr. Oskardmay uses palpation and other techniques to assess the diaphragm region, and she will provide therapy as needed, to improve muscle tone to the diaphragm.

Spinal Care of the Neck Fourth Cervical Nerve Impacts Neck and Shoulder Pain, Posture and Respiration

Cervical spinal nerve four contributes fibers to the levator scapulae muscle, a muscle that elevates the shoulder and connects the neck to the shoulder.  The fourth cervical spinal nerve affects neck and shoulder movement; problems in this nerve cause neck and shoulder problems such as shoulder pain and bursitis. Following careful evaluation, Dr. Oskardmay uses the chiropractic adjustment to, and neck restores shoulder balanced motion and strength.

The fourth cervical spinal nerve innervates neck muscles on the front of the cervical spine, engaged in neck flexion. The anterior and middle scalene muscles, the longus colli muscle, and the longus cap8tus muscles receive input from the fourth cervical spinal nerve and help us to incline the head. Anterior head posture is a result of taut cervical muscles. Consequently, anterior neck positioning contributes to spinal problems such as cervical osteoarthritis and headaches and shoulder impingement. Dr. Oskardmay will evaluate and treat these conditions.

Breathing suffers when there is irritation to the mid-cervical region. The fourth cervical spinal nerve innervates the scalene muscles, which attach onto the first rib and assist in breathing. Shallow breathing and lack of full respiration is the result of irritation of cervical spinal nerve four when muscles such as the scalene suffer. Following an adjustment at Acupractic, patients frequently realize improved inhalation and exhalation.

Chiropractic care at Acupractic Natural Healing Center with a chiropractor in Chapel Hill, NC, can help in many ways. If you suffer neck or shoulder pain, gentle, effective relief is available.

Serving the communities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Hillsborough, and the rest of the NC Triangle

205 Providence Rd. Chapel Hill NC 27514 | Phone: (919) 929-1400

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