Neck Pain

Neck pain is always on the top of the list for my patients with Vertical Heterophoria. In fact, most of my patients go to the chiropractor for weekly adjustments or the massage therapist. The relief after these treatments  is always temporary. This is because of the constant head tilt. Someone with VH will tilt their head to try to align the retinal images. This happens subconsciously. It is one of the mechanisms our brain uses so as not to have double vision. Double vision is just not functional.  The constant head tilt puts strain on the neck and upper back muscles, plus throws the spine out of alignment. Once we align the eyes, the head tilt resolves.  The treatments for the neck and back pain now can work since the neck muscles are not in a constant state of contraction.  Once again, we see that the symptoms of Vertical Heterophoria are more than meets the eye!