SJ Acupuncture :: since 2009

12/11/2025

08/11/2025

08/11/2025

Nerve injuries and conditions

Wrist drop
Preacher's hand
Ulnar palsy
Median & ulnar palsy

23/10/2025

According to a recent study, forward head position and blood flow to the brain are clinically observable by taking the carotid pulses and can lead to debilitating symptoms within the brain.
The carotid pulses are weaker when the head is in a forward position; however, the carotid pulses are stronger when the head is over the spine.

When the head is forward over the spine, the brain may not receive sufficient blood flow and oxygen due to compression of the carotid arteries. If this compression is severe enough, it can result in cerebral ischemia (CNS dysfunction). Clinically, we see disturbed sleeping patterns, increased anxiety, and mental N sluggishness.

The March 2000 Mayo Clinic reported that prolonged FHP also leads to myospasm, disc herniations, arthritis, and pinched nerves.

Dr. Alf Breig, a Swedish neurosurgeon and Nobel Prize recipient, describes how the loss of a normal cervical lordotic curve creates dysfunction and disease.

Through cadaver studies, Dr. Breig demonstrated that neck flexion could stretch the spinal cord 5-7 cm causing tensioning of the meninges (covering of the brain and spinal cord) and elicit measurable pressure on brainstem nuclei (nerve control centers) which control all basic life functions. (Breig, Alf.)

Adverse Mechanical Tension in the Central Nervous System: An Analysis of Cause and Effect. 1978. Almqvuist & Wiksell International, Stockholm, Sweden. Pg. 177.)

How do you fix it?
You can’t consciously hold your head back all day that’s fighting your own brain.
Fix the sensory input from your feet and restore correct tongue posture. They work together to stabilize your head. Once both are aligned, forward head posture corrects itself naturally.
All studies cited available in the full article - link in bio ☝️

05/10/2025

Understanding Cervical Nerve Root Pain (C4-C8)

When a nerve root in the cervical spine (neck region) becomes compressed or irritated, it can lead to a condition known as cervical radiculopathy. This often occurs due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes in the spine.

Each nerve root corresponds to specific muscles, joints, and skin areas. When affected, it can cause pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness that radiates along predictable patterns, known as dermatomes:

◆ C4 Nerve Root - Affects shoulder strength, particularly trapezius and rhomboids.

C5 Nerve Root - Causes pain/weakness in shoulder and arm (deltoid, biceps, brachioradialis).

C6 Nerve Root - Impacts shoulder, arm, and wrist (including supinator and wrist extensors).

C7 Nerve Root - Pain radiates from neck to middle finger, affecting triceps and forearm extensors.

C8 Nerve Root - Weakness and pain in hands/fingers, often impairing grip strength.

Identifying the specific nerve root involved helps clinicians design targeted treatment plans, which may include:

Physical therapy & posture correction

Anti-inflammatory medications

Nerve mobilization exercises