elliottPT_Neck Pain and Stress

HEALTH & WELLNESS The Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body

IS NECK PAIN CAUSED BY YOUR STRESS? SPRING INTO YOUR BEST LIFE

www.elliottphysicaltherapy.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS The Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body

INSIDE: • How Physical Therapy Can Help • Chocolate Mug Cake • Keeping You Safe

THE TENSION IN YOUR LIFE MIGHT BE THE REASON FOR YOUR NECK PAIN

Stress-induced neck pain isn’t rare. It also isn’t psychological. Many experts think stress-induced neck pain is caused by physical factors — low, but constant, trapezius muscle activity. If your neck pain starts at the base of your shoulders, traveling upward, it may be stress related. Causes of Stress-Related Neck Pain While stress alone can trigger neck pain, a few factors can make it worse. Office environments tend to create neck pain problems — as they confine people to chairs, bad posture and little mobility. Driving often, too, can make your chances of stress-related neck pain higher. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests contacting a professional if you’re experiencing neck pain. Even if it’s caused by stress, untreated neck pain might later reveal muscle spasms, arthritis, bulging discs or even narrowed spinal nerve openings.

Does your neck hurt? You might be suffering from stress-related pain — also called a tension headache. During anxiety, muscles tense up. As muscle tension tightens, the back, shoulders and neck are affected. The more pressure they cause, the more discomfort you

get. Let’s take a closer look at stress-related neck pain. Is My Neck Pain Caused by Stress?

Pain worsened by keeping your head in one place — like when you’re driving, or using a computer — is neck pain. While neck pain has a slew of symptoms, its major symptoms, reported by Mayo Clinic, are: • Muscle tightness and spasms • Headaches • Decreased ability to move the head

HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP

Neck pain, fortunately, can be alleviated with physical therapy. Because neck pain is often caused by activity, different activity can cure it. Sometimes, this “activity” means “no activity.” Before you contact a professional, try reducing your neck movements. Sometimes, simply letting your neck muscles relax is enough. If you don’t see relief within two days, we can do a free injury consult and see what’s needed. Our physical therapists can target your pain’s source by examining your symptoms. Then, they can offer exercises that stretch, flex and relax your neck muscles. In time, your neck will become more resilient — giving you the comfort you deserve. Where aftercare treatment is considered, custom-tailored neck exercises will assure your neck stays loose, limber and healthy.

If you’re dealing with neck pain, you’re not alone. Call our office today, and schedule an assessment. Even if your neck pain is caused by stress, it still needs attention. We’ll work side by side with your goals, creating the proactive, effective programs you need to achieve mobility once more. Sources https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-relieve-neck-pain-caused-stress https://www.everydayhealth. com/neck-pain/neck-pain-reduce-stress.aspx https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0027055/ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000802.htmhttps://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ most-neck-pain-improves-with-self-care-time/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/ symptoms-causes/syc-20375581

EXERC I SE ESSENT I AL S

RELIEVES NECK PAIN

LEVATOR SCAPULAE STRETCH Sit in a chair with the hand on the side of the neck to be stretched beneath you. (Alternatively, you can grab under the chair.) Use your free hand to gently pull your nose down toward your armpit so as to give your neck an extra stretch. Hold for 5-10 seconds before relaxing the muscle for another 5-10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times.

Exercises copyright of

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

YOU CAN BE FREE OF YOUR HIP AND KNEE PAIN! CALL TODAY

FROM OUR K I TCHEN TO YOURS CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

KEEPING YOU SAFE! Elliot Physical Therapy is committed to the health and wellbeing of you and your family. In the wake of the recent spread of COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, we are taking every precaution. Before and after every session, we are asking our clients and staff to wash or sanitize their hands. Additionally, we have increased the number of times per day that we sanitize our equipment and facility. This allows us to continue to see patients with increased pain or limited function without physician referrals and to help people stay out of the ER, doctors offices, and urgent care. To do your part to prevent the spread of this contagious disease, we ask parents that if you or your family are demonstrating symptoms of coronavirus— coughing, sneezing or fever—please stay home. Additionally, if you or your family has been exposed to someone who has a confirmed case of the virus, please notify us immediately, so we can take the necessary steps. Your cooperation in this tough time is what makes us able to continue to provide valuable services to you and your family. We appreciate your ongoing support. WE’RE TAKING PRECAUTIONARY STEPS

This is simple recipe that will result in a small cake for you (or to share with a friend) within 5 to 10 minutes because you make it in the microwave. A fun activity for kids and adults alike. INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

OUR EMPLOYEES ARE WASHING HANDS REGULARLY

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE WITH YOUR HANDS

SNEEZE & COUGH INTO TISSUES & DISPOSE QUICKLY

DISPOSE OF USED TISSUES QUICKLY

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder • 3 tablespoon granulated sugar • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. milk • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil • 2 tablespoon chocolate chips INSTRUCTIONS

USE GLOVES WHEN NECESSARY

AVOID HUGS OR SHAKING HANDS

DO NOT TOUCH MUCOUS WITH FINGERS

KEEP DISTANCE FROM THOSE INFECTED

UNSURE IF TELEHEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY IS FOR YOU? FREE TELEHEALTH CONSULTATION Schedule your FREE telehealth consultation with a physical therapist by calling us and mentioning this coupon!

Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add milk and oil. Pour into your mug (10 oz or larger). Make sure to leave head space for cake to rise. Drop in chocolate chips. Set mug on a paper towel in the microwave (to catch batter if it overflows). Microwave 70 to 90 seconds on high until cake is cooked through. Carefully remove from microwave. Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, fudge topping, powdered sugar, shaved chocolate, sprinkles, berries, (or nothing at all), and enjoy!

WE CAN HELP YOU:

• Move without pain • Bend and move freely

• Balance confidently and securely • Sit for long periods comfortably • Walk for long distances • Live an active & healthy life

Call us or visit www.elliottphysicaltherapy.com