Your Hands’ Source of Strength
Hand Strength From The Neck?
A recent study of national level judo athletes found that the application of chiropractic adjustments to the neck immediately increased grip strength. It is crucial that your neck does not exhibit areas of dysfunction or it may limit your hand function. It’s a fact that the muscles of your hands are controlled by nerve impulses from your brain’s motor cortex. These impulses travel from the brain through the neck to reach the hand. Within the neck, the spinal cord and nerve roots connect with the nerves of the arm, forming the pathway between the brain and your hands.
Where Else Can These Nerves Get Pinched?
As the nerves travel from the neck through the arm, there are several places where they can become pinched. This impingement is often part of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, a condition caused by other muscles or bones in the upper rib cage region. This means evaluation and treatment of the muscles around the neck is quite important when considering the function of the hands.
Prolonged hours of working at a desk can lead to a forward head position that can contribute to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. It’s important to avoid this by being as tall as possible, keeping the head back within your center of gravity. This will help to prevent the imbalances that lead to this syndrome. Also, frequent stretching of the neck, shoulders, and chest is invaluable. Try spending 5-10 seconds gently pulling the neck to each side, to the front and back, and turning the neck from side to side. This is particularly valuable in the morning because muscles and joints are naturally stiffer then. If, during stretching, you notice pain or tension in the front or sides of the neck or in the upper corner of the chest, especially when associated with tingling in the arm or hand, you may be at risk for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Expert advice and treatment could be helpful for you.