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Have you ever thought that a neck hides your health code? In the eyes of traditional Chinese medicine, the neck is the "center of the human body"; In modern medicine, it is better known as the "bridge of life". Curiously, doctors have found a striking correlation between the state of the neck and the longevity of a person. Some even joked, "Just look at your neck to know how long you can live." "It sounds a bit mysterious, but there's a science behind it. What exactly is the secret of the neck? Let's find out.
Stiff neck: a minor problem, or a "life alarm"?
Many people think that a sore neck is just a minor problem caused by sitting for a long time. But studies have found that neck stiffness can be a precursor to health problems throughout the body. The neck connects the brain to the body and is an important channel for blood, nerves, and lymph. Once there is a long-term strain here, the blood supply will be blocked, the oxygen supply to the brain will be insufficient, and it may even induce a stroke or heart attack.
A 50-year-old male patient was not concerned about long-term cervical stiffness, and later found that the carotid artery was severely blocked during a physical examination. The doctor explained that the flexibility of the neck is a direct reflection of the health of the blood vessels. If your neck is stiff and your movement is restricted, it may be a "warning sign" from your body.
Neck skin: wrinkles and pigmentation, revealing the life code?
The skin is a "barometer" of good health, and the skin of the neck is particularly special. If the skin on the neck is dry, rough, or even noticeably pigmented, it is likely to indicate diabetes or abnormal liver metabolism. A study by the Mayo Clinic in the United States noted that the appearance of a black-brown "velvety patch" on the back of the neck may be a sign of insulin resistance.
Interestingly, people with premature neck skin shrinkage tend to have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Bone health is closely related to longevity, and the skin condition of the neck can indirectly reflect the change in bone density. Doctor's advice: the care of the skin of the neck is not only for aesthetics, but also for health.
Will you "look up"? The relationship between neck range of motion and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health
Many people look down at their phones all day, but rarely realize that their necks are getting stiffer. Try to do a simple action: look up at the sky. If your chin can't easily reach your chest, you may be wary of degeneration of the cervical spine.
Studies have shown that the flexibility of the cervical spine is closely related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. People with limited neck movement may have problems supplying blood to the carotid arteries, which can not only lead to memory loss, but may also increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
So, how to protect the cervical spine? Doing a 5-minute stretch every day is a simple and effective way to do it. People with flexible necks tend to appear younger than their peers.
The truth about a double chin: fat accumulation or metabolic disorders?
Many people think that a double chin is just a sign of fatness, but the truth is much more than that. The appearance of a double chin may be related to hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is located on the front side of the neck and is an important organ that regulates metabolism. If thyroid hormone secretion is insufficient, metabolism in the body slows down and fat accumulates, especially in the neck area.
In addition, a double chin may also indicate poor lymphatic circulation. The neck is an area densely populated with lymph nodes, and lymphatic fluid is responsible for removing toxins from the body. If lymphatic circulation is blocked, toxin buildup can cause swelling of the neck and jaw.
Doctor's advice: Regular lymphatic massage to promote the discharge of toxins, not only can improve the double chin, but also improve immunity.
Blood vessels in the neck: a visible "health bomb"
Have you ever noticed that some people will have "green tendons exposed" on their necks? The "abnormally conspicuous" nature of these blood vessels may be a sign of high blood pressure. Studies by the American Heart Association have found that blood vessels in the neck are dilated or beat abnormally, often indicating that the heart is overloaded. In particular, the veins are abnormally distended, which may be related to right-sided heart insufficiency.
In addition, a noticeable pulsating sensation in the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck may indicate an increased risk of arteriosclerosis. Doctor's reminder: Annual carotid ultrasound can detect potential problems early.
How to make your neck "live"?
Since the neck is so important, how do you make it "stay young"? The experts summarized three suggestions:
- Doing daily neck relaxation exercises, such as "cat stretches" or "head rotations", can relieve muscle tension.
- Keep your neck warm: The cold causes the blood vessels in your neck to constrict, increasing blood pressure fluctuations.
- Quit the habit of bowing your head: raise your head every 30 minutes to avoid overstrain of the cervical spine.
Protecting the neck is not only for "looking good", but also for "living longer".
Ending Lead: Would you like to do something for your neck?
The neck is the "bridge of life" of the body, which silently undertakes important tasks but is often overlooked. Now that you know these lifespan-related "neck characteristics", are you willing to take 5 minutes a day to take care of your neck? Maybe these 5 minutes can win you a few more years of healthy time.
bibliography
Mayo Clinic Health Guide, Chinese Edition, Science Press, 2020 Edition.
The Handbook of Cervical Spine Health Knowledge issued by the National Health Commission of China.
Popular science articles on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health on the official website of the American Heart Association.