Dear Readers,
Today, I want to share insights about a common condition I see frequently at our clinic here at 49 Marylebone High Street in London—pain located around the C7 vertebra, often caused by forward head posture. This issue, increasingly prevalent in our modern society, requires our attention, understanding, and a dedicated approach to recovery. Our team, with their expertise and dedication, is here to guide you through this journey.
The C7 vertebra, located at the base of the cervical spine, serves as a crucial anchor point between the head, neck, and upper thoracic region. With our increasingly technology-driven lives, where prolonged screen time is commonplace, many individuals develop a forward head posture that places excessive stress on this region.
The head, weighing approximately 5-6 kilograms, becomes exponentially heavier when tilted forward, putting significant pressure on the cervical spine, particularly the C7 area, and the muscles of the neck and upper back.
To better understand this, let’s revisit the evolutionary journey of our spine. Over millions of years, our ancestors evolved to walk upright, and the cervical spine adapted to support a balanced head position. The deep spinal muscles, including the erector spinae, multifidus, and semispinalis, developed to stabilize and maintain the head's posture, facilitating essential functions such as scanning the environment, communicating, and foraging. These muscles allowed our species to remain upright, accessible, and adaptive to our environment.
Fast forward to our current digital age, where forward head posture has become a prevalent problem. The deep cervical muscles, which are designed to function optimally when the head is aligned above the shoulders, now find themselves overworked, strained, and fatigued. This unnatural alignment compresses the suboccipital muscles and overstretches the cervical stabilizers, contributing to neck pain, tension headaches, and a reduction in mobility. The impact is far-reaching—poor posture, chronic neck discomfort, and increased muscle imbalances have become the new standard.
The JANMI Method, a unique and comprehensive solution, offers a restorative and preventative approach to C7 pain and forward head posture. This method, developed from a deep commitment to movement and connection with nature, is a blend of sports massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. It aims to address the root causes of musculoskeletal pain, setting it apart from traditional treatments.
Sports Massage is integral in this approach, providing relief by promoting circulation, breaking down adhesions, and relaxing the major muscles of the neck and back. This allows for increased flexibility and reduced tension in overworked muscles.
Trigger Point Therapy targets those specific, hyper-irritable spots within the muscles—often found in the levator scapulae, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid (SCM)—which contribute to pain radiating into the base of the skull, shoulders, and along the spine. By precisely locating and releasing these points, we are able to diminish the source of referred pain and discomfort effectively.
Myofascial Release Therapy focuses on the fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds and permeates muscles—often becoming restricted due to poor posture and chronic tension. By employing gentle, sustained pressure techniques, we work to release these restrictions, thereby improving neck mobility and alleviating the burden on the cervical spine.
Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) is a crucial element I sometimes incorporate. Through muscle testing, I can assess the strength and balance of cervical stabilizers to identify specific weaknesses and dysfunctions. This allows me to tailor each treatment to the individual, addressing the exact areas that need support and rehabilitation.
In addition to manual therapy, targeted exercises play a vital role in maintaining the results. Exercises such as chin tucks, gentle neck rotations, and lateral neck bends work to activate and stretch the deep cervical flexors and suboccipital muscles. These exercises help retrain the neuromuscular system, restore alignment, and reduce strain on the cervical region but please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or concerns.
My professional journey is also a personal one. I dedicate one hour a day, six days a week to expanding my knowledge in advanced musculoskeletal therapy, so I can offer the best care possible. This commitment reflects my passion for human health, movement, and functional well-being. Every new study, technique, or patient encounter feeds into my understanding of what it means to live free from pain, and how I can bring that relief to others.
At our Marylebone clinic, our goal is to work with you to restore the natural function of your cervical spine, alleviate pain, and improve your overall posture. By addressing not only the symptoms but also the root cause of your discomfort, we strive to help you stand tall once again, free from the restrictions of tension and imbalance. If you’re experiencing neck pain, forward head posture, or discomfort around the C7 region, we invite you to take the first step towards relief and rejuvenation with the JANMI Method.
Please feel free to share your experiences or reach out for a consultation—I am here to help, to listen, and to guide you on your journey toward better health and movement.
Warm regards,
Paulius, Founder of the JANMI Method
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