Research Corner - Q&A Upper Crossed Syndrome and Beyond by Paul Chek | Date Released : 21 Mar 2003 0 comments Print Close Question: HELP! I'm having a few on-going symptoms that I initially assumed were part of upper cross syndrome but am now wondering if something more is happening. My head pulls laterally to the right, and there is a great deal of tightness above and behind my right collarbone. It is painful to depress my right scapula, though I can retract without too much trouble. Shoulder abduction with a flexed elbow is also uncomfortable (my upper trap tends to spasm, and there is a distinct pulling behind my right arm - almost deep to my tricep), though shoulder flexion seems OK. Internal rotation is restricted (as in a throwing motion). Even typing this has caused tightness above and behind my right collarbone, so I keep thinking that elbow flexion must be related since, again, shoulder flexion with a straight arm seems to be OK. I've been told by both a chiropractor and a PT that my first rib is elevated and that my right humerus seems to pull forward of the joint, though they offered no particular explanation as to the root cause. Treating the symptoms seems to always be short lived and though I've tried to do the stretches for SCM, levator, upper trap., the results are also short lived. I've been trying to strengthen my rhomboids and mid/lower traps, but it almost feels as though I can't get my right shoulder and scapula in the right position to properly execute the movement. I'm a fairly flexible person and even SMR on the foam roller is not particularly uncomfortable in any location. I'm willing to do whatever I need to at this point, either by way of corrective exercise or perhaps seeing a practitioner with a better eye for this kind of problem. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Answer: This could be a number of things. You will need to get help assessing this condition. A skilled physical therapist should be capable of performing the assessments, particularly if they have O.C.S. behind their name, which is an American Physical Therapy Association signifier for "Orthopedic Certified Specialist." Look for the following: Nerve root tension signs in the brachial plexus Long thoracic nerve palsy Labral tear Rotator Cuff tear (all tests should be performed) Anterior capsular laxity of the shoulder Dorsal scapular and/or suprascapular nerve palsy The trigeminal and spinal accessory nerves should be cleared Mechanical dysfunction at C0/1 and C1/2 Include alar ligament integrity test to rule out upper cervical instability (do you have any spasm or unusual symptoms in the face, head or neck? Examples would be spasm when swallowing or biting the tongue). Your symptoms present such an overlay that there could be many problems at once. The symptoms also lend themselves to frank internal derangement of the shoulder causing compensatory stress in the craniocervical unit, which is common when people keep using a shoulder with an undiagnosed derangement. If you live near any Level 3 or 4 CHEK practitioners, they should be able to assist you. Back to top About the author: Paul Chek Internationally acclaimed speaker, consultant and Holistic Health Practitioner Paul Chek, draws upon over twenty-eight years of experience in corrective exercise, high performance conditioning and integrative lifestyle management. Author of six books, over 60 DVDs and numerous correspondence courses and seminars, he has also developed four advanced training programs for professional development in the health and fitness industry. Paul is the founder of the C.H.E.K Institute, based in San Diego, CA which specializes in Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology (www.chekinstitute.com). He is also the creator of the P~P~S Success Mastery Program (www.ppssuccess.com). 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