Schlosser_Neck Pain and Stress

Schlosser_Neck Pain and Stress

The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

IS STRESS CAUSING YOUR NECK PAIN?

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, themore 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 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, itmay 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, canmake 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.

HowPhysical Therapy Can HelpMy Neck Pain 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 weeks, contact a professional. 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 de-serve. Where after-care treatment is considered, custom-tailored neck exercises will assure your neck stays loose, limber and healthy. If you’re dealingwith 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

Call 814-783-0051 (Saegertown), 814-337-9535 (Ald

ANDREW J. SCHLOSSER, PT, DPT STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Andy has worked as a Doctor of Physical Therapy for the past 3 years. He received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University. He later obtained his degree as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Andy grew up in Conneaut Lake, and now lives in Meadville with his wife, Ally, and their two sons Liam and Kellan.

BENEFITS OF SPRING CLEANING Allergy Symptom Reduction. A thorough cleaning can greatly reduce the amount of dust in your home, which is helpful since about 20million Americans are allergic to dust mites, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Cleanliness Produces Happiness. Maybe you don’t enjoy the process of cleaning, but the end result will leave you smiling. A 2010 study at the University of California, Los Angeles even found that having a clean home can improve your mood and reduce your risk of depression. Declutter andDo a GoodDeed by Donating. An essential part of a successful spring cleaning is getting rid of old items that are no longer used or worn. Apply the rule of thumb that if you haven’t made use of something in a year, it’s time for it to go. Fill bags and boxes of things, then donate them to a local charity so they can still be beneficial to someone else. Giving to others is an act that is associated with greater self-esteem, lower stress levels, and overall happiness. Saxbe, DE and Repetti, R. “No place like home: home tours correlate with daily patterns of mood and cortisol.” Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. January 2010. Accessed 4 April 2017. https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19934011.

lden) or 814-476-3070 (McKean) visit our website at schlossertherapys

HEALTHY RECIPE CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN & AVOCADO SALSA

INGREDIENTS • 1.5 lb. boneless chicken breast • 1/4 cup lime juice • 2 tbsp olive oil

FOR AVOCADO SALSA: • 4 avocados, diced • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, diced • 3 tbsp lime juice • 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes • 1 garlic clove, minced • Chia seeds

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro • 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS Add 1/4 cup of lime juice, olive oil, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp of salt to a small bowl. Whisk until mixed. Add chicken and marinade to a large ziplock bag. Let chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. Preheat grill

to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place chicken on grill and grill each side for 4-6 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink. Remove and let sit. For avocado salsa: add avocado, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic clove, and salt to a small bowl. Gently toss to mix. Top the cilantro lime chicken with the avocado salsa and serve.

SCAPULAR RETRACTION Stand tall, shoulders relaxed. Pull shoulder blades back and down. Don’t hunch your shoulders. This is a good stretch to relax your shoulders. Hold for 15 seconds repeat 3 times. EXERCISE ESSENTIALS Try this movement if you are experiencing shoulder pain.

www.simpleset.net

services.com to schedule your consultation today!

WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING!

“All the personnel that I had contact with were all very caring and professional!” - A.C. “They are wonderful people.” - N.K.

Visit schlossertherapyservices.com to read more success stories like these, or start your success story by scheduling a consultation at Schlosser Therapy Services!

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DIRECT ACCESS?

Did you know that you are not required to see your primary care physician before seeing a physical therapist? We are now able to evaluate you, determine if you need physical therapy, and implement a treatment program… ALL without a referral! So call for an appointment today! Minor aches and pains can be fixed quickly when addressed early. No need to make a trip to the doctor’s office first, let our movement specialists evaluate and treat your needs.

(814) 783-0051

schlossertherapyservices.com

341 MAIN STREET, SAEGERTOWN, PA 16433 PHONE: 814-783-0051 FAX: 814-783-0053

764 BESSEMER STREET, SUITE 102, MEADVILLE, PA 16335 PHONE: 814-337-9535 FAX: 814-337-8140

9065 MAIN STREET, MCKEAN, PA, 16426 PHONE: 814-476-3070 FAX: 814-476-3076

schlossertherapyservices.com