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THE
STRUCTURE
In
the cervical spine there are 7 vertebrae, forming a natural
forward curve. The vertebral bodies are joined by the
inter-vertebral discs which have a tough outer rim of cartilage
and a jelly-like centre.
The
discs act as shock absorbers. The spinal nerves exit from
the spinal cord through openings (foramina) between the vertebrae,
and supply the skin and muscles of the shoulders, arms and hands.
THE
CAUSES OF BODY STRESS
MECHANICAL
CAUSES
Jarring
or jerking the neck as in a fall or a whiplash in a car accident;
working or reading with the head tilted downwards for lengthy periods; twisting the neck as in reversing a car.
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL
CAUSES
Emotions
like intense anger, anxiety or shock, which cause a person to
hunch the shoulders and tighten the neck muscles. A state of
ongoing depression will also bring about postural distortions.
In
addition, the physical discomfort resulting from the body stress
will reinforce the negative emotions and lead to a vicious circle.
CHEMICAL
CAUSES
Exposure
to harmful chemicals may severely irritate the nervous system and
cause the neck muscles to tighten, e.g. chemicals which we inhale,
such as car fumes and insecticides; substances which we absorb
through the skin, such as cleaning materials and certain
cosmetics. Some people react adversely to certain foods and
to preservatives and colourants. Very often an infection, such as
the flu or cold virus, will result in neck stress.
THE
EFFECTS OF BODY STRESS
The
body stress stored in the neck structures may cause pain and
stiffness and an inability to fully turn the head. As the
lower neck supplies the nerves to the arms, there may be pain or
numbness in the shoulder, arm or hand. Muscles may be
weakened, resulting in difficulty in grasping objects. The
tension in the neck may cause headaches or pain in the face or
jaw. There may be sensations of dizziness or nausea.
The pressure may irritate nerve pathways which connect with the
eyes, nose and mouth and this could adversely affect vision and
the senses of smell and taste. Another effect may be a
burning, dry mouth or excess saliva. Body stress in the neck
area may also have an impact on nerve connections to internal
organs, such as the heart, lungs and digestive system, undermining
normal function.
CASES
A
woman of 28 had been experiencing almost constant headaches for 6
months, as well as a stiff and painful neck. She had 2
sessions of BSR. After each one, the pain withdrew but returned
within a day. Detailed questioning revealed that she had
started using a new skin cream about 6 months before. She
stopped using it, and after one further session of BSR her neck
stabilised and the headaches ceased.
A
man of 42 complained of numbness in his arms, pins and needles in
his fingers, and weakness of the hands. Body stress was
released in his neck over 3 sessions. He reported that full
sensation and strength had returned to his arms a week later.
A
woman in her thirties had suffered from frequent attacks of
asthma since a neck whiplash in a car accident, four months
previously. After three sessions of BSR full movement was
restored to her neck and all symptoms of asthma had ceased.
ADVICE
TO MINIMISE STRESS TO THE NECK
Never
sleep on your stomach, as lying with the neck twisted may be harmful.
If
you sleep on your back use a soft pillow which you can mould to
support the hollow of your neck. Do not use a thick pillow
which would tilt the chin downwards.
If
you sleep on your side, double the pillow over to ensure that your
head remains level and does not tilt towards your shoulder.
Do
not do neck exercises. They are not necessary and may stress
the neck muscles.
Each
morning and evening and at any time when you may have stressed
your neck. (e.g. working with your head tilted down) take a
few moments to check your neck for sensitive spots and ease them
in the way your BSR practitioner has shown you.
Beware
of a backwash at the hairdresser - insist on having a rolled-up
towel between your neck and the edge of the basin.
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