Neck Pain: A Bowling Ball on Your Shoulders
May 26th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Tip! More recently some TENs machines are now available with an electrical probe which can be used to stimulate acupuncture points to bring pain relief. While almost all TENs machines have cautions about placing the electrode pads on the head and neck these �accu TENs� machines will permit users to stimulate the accu points or channels elsewhere on the body to bring relief to head or neck pain.
Many people that enter our facilities have at some time or currently are experiencing neck pain and or headaches. Today’s sedentary lifestyle, computers, phones, travel all force the head and shoulders forward of the bodies center of gravity. The average weight of the head is 10-12 pounds, for each inch that the head leans forward double the weight of the head, thats right, 20-24 pounds. Thats a lot of extra strain that the posterior stabilizers of the neck and back must deal with. As many have learned from being posturally assessed by a Precision Fitness trainer this can account for the headaches and shoulder stress that many of us feel.
Add to the equation car accidents, falls, and sporting injuries and there can be some major damage to the muscles of the neck. One thing that many people do not take into account is that many of the shoulder blade muscles have direct attachments into the cervical and upper thoracic spine. If these muscles are weak, the shoulders slump further and the cycle of poor posture and weak shoulder muscles continues.
Tip! The Internet is flooded with neck-support pillows in various shapes, sizes and materials. Many of these pillows claim to promote better sleep, relieve neck pain and prevent episodes of stiff neck and frozen shoulder.
For every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction. As the body rounds forward the anterior musculature becomes very tight and overactive. This means the chest, frontal neck and upper abdominal muscles get very tight and will not relax. As a result the shoulder blade muscles we discussed get weak and lengthen from the unrelenting pull of the frontal muscles. We must stretch the frontal muscles and strengthen the posterior muscles to have any chance of success. This means no chest presses, bicep curls or crunches for the first few weeks of exercise. Often the Trigger Points that develop need to be addressed through soft tissue techniques to shut down some of the overactive muscles and painful movement patterns that can develop. So your mom was correct, sit up and do not slouch.
When exercising try to never shrug your shoulders, keep your head up and chin slightly retracted/tucked. Perform pulling exercises more than you push and as always never be afraid to seek the advice of an exercise professional.
Tip! I saw the same osteopath for many things afterwards, as anyone with severe breathing difficulties would know all too well. Somehow, getting help for my back and neck pain was the start of my journey of self-help and complementary or alternative therapy.
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Bryan Fass, BA, ATCL, CSCS, NREMT-P Bryan Fass holds a bachelors in sports medicine, is a Certified / Licensed Athletic Trainer, Nationally Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Nationally Registered Paramedic. Bryan is also a highly skilled soft tissue and Myofascial Release therapist, And has over 10 years of experience in clinical and fitness settings. Specialties in Spine and postural re-education. Bryan is available for speaking and consulting on numerous topics. Precision Fitness is an advanced personal fitness, corrective exercise, post-rehabilitation, and sports performance facility with locations in Cornelius and Mooresville. |
Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief - 5 More Ways
May 22nd, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Tip! It might surprise you to know that those of us who have regular or recurring neck pain likely have an underlying condition, most likely a spinal condition. The reason the spinal source of the problem is often overlooked is because our front line doctors are not normally trained in its diagnosis and treatment.
It is very important to be aware of how we move, use and take care our bodies. Following are a few ideas that will help you increase your awareness to what you are doing with your body that can create pain.
Reach for Objects in Your Physical Comfort Zone
Frequently I notice people reaching out of their comfort zone. Your comfort zone is the area you can retrieve an item without moving or extending any part of your body. It is the area located in front of and directly to the side of your body.
If you are going to retrieve an item from behind your body, get out of your chair or swivel your chair around. Never reach for something while extending your arms behind your body.
Notice where you have placed often used items such as your telephone, reference books, pens, binders, etc. Are they on your desk or on the credenza behind you? Do you find yourself shifting your body or slightly lifting yourself from your chair to reach these items?
Tip! As a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of neck pain. After a thorough neurological examination, I determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly.
Is your phone causing you to twist your body left or right when dialing numbers? Can you move everything closer towards you? Are you getting the picture?
Stop and think about what would be easier for you throughout the day. Be adventurous! Simple adjustments to your desk will create less angst during the day and you will feel much more productive and a lot more freedom! Not to mention much more comfortable!
Professional and Self Massage
Neck and shoulder tension can be relieved with massage. Since the body works together as a whole treat yourself to a professional full body massage from time to time. In this fast paced computer age massage is more of a necessity than a luxury.
Add a few drops of essential oil to a small bottle of sesame oil and then apply to the area you are going to massage. It will make it much easier to massage your muscles. Self massage is easy to do with many of the massage tools on the market.
Neck Stretches
Simple and gentle neck stretches to the left and right will help to ease built up tension and get the oxygen moving again. If your neck feels tight, massage it first and then gently stretch. Stretching works better when the muscles are warm. Do not stretch in a cold drafty room if you have tight muscles.
Rest Your Arms Down by Your Side
Do nothing for about 10 -15 seconds every 10 -15 minutes. Let your shoulders recover several times per hour for seconds rather than a few times a day for several minutes. It will be easier for your shoulders to recover from the intense computer work they have been doing.
Tip! More recently some TENs machines are now available with an electrical probe which can be used to stimulate acupuncture points to bring pain relief. While almost all TENs machines have cautions about placing the electrode pads on the head and neck these �accu TENs� machines will permit users to stimulate the accu points or channels elsewhere on the body to bring relief to head or neck pain.
Stand Up
Every hour take a break and rest your body. Intense computer work takes it toll on the body. Take a walk. Drink some water. Do a few shoulder shrugs to release tension and interrupt your office neighbors. Who knows? Maybe they need a rest break too!
Copyright 2006 Wendy Young
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Wendy Young, a Certified Ergonomic Expert and founder of http://www.ergopro.com has helped thousands of people reduce pain from their computer work since 1991. She offers a free newsletter on increasing comfort and reducing pain in the workplace at http://www.ergonomics-safety.com. * Reprint instructions: � ErgoPro Inc. 5116 Bissonnet, Suite 342 Bellaire, TX 77401 |
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Is Your Doctor Overlooking the Cause of Your Neck Pain
May 14th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Tip! Treatment relies on the reduction of the disc bulge by changing the mechanics of the spine and reducing the tension in the connective tissue with Connective Tissue Manipulation and Manual Lymph Drainage. Correct posture is very important to improve the neck pain and prevent recurrence.
What is neck pain? Where does it come from?
It might surprise you to know that those of us who have regular or recurring neck pain likely have an underlying condition, most likely a spinal condition. The reason the spinal source of the problem is often overlooked is because our front line doctors are not normally trained in its diagnosis and treatment.
The problem is that many front line health care practitioners do not know how to properly diagnose or treat this condition. In fact, the subluxation complex, which simply means a spinal bone or vertebrae has fallen out of alignment, is almost always overlooked when a patient is first examined by their physician for neck pain.
The subluxation complex is more likely to be properly diagnosed and effectively treated in your chiropractor’s office than in any other health care practitioners office, leading to mistreatment and unsuccessful treatment where simple chiropractic work would have resolved the situation.
The simple truth is that a full spinal exam by a practicing chiropractor should begin in the early years, but many adults shy away from taking spinal health seriously. By the time regular symptoms exist, it is likely that the subluxation complex or associated similar spinal condition has set in.
A full spinal exam including x- rays is essential to promoting and maintaining good spinal health and preventing arthritis. Ignoring spinal problems or limiting your care to only the mainstream medical world often turns out to be a pathway to continuing spinal decay and continuing degeneration of the condition itself.
Tip! It might surprise you to know that those of us who have regular or recurring neck pain likely have an underlying condition, most likely a spinal condition. The reason the spinal source of the problem is often overlooked is because our front line doctors are not normally trained in its diagnosis and treatment.
For the full picture on the origins of neck pain and how a healthy spine can accelerate your energy and guarantee your longevity, you can visit various web sites on the Internet that cater to answering these questions. Open up a whole new level of knowledge on your body and exactly how it works. You will find access to incredible information that will revolutionize the way you think about your health and your life.
About the Author:
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Dr. Bryan Brodeur is the owner of the health web site VitalityHouse, and author of the health and fitness e-book Vitalism. |
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