RX PT. Is Stress Being A Pain In The Neck?

RX PT. Is Stress Being A Pain In The Neck?

HEALTH+FITNESS NEWSLETTER

ALSO INS IDE HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP • MAKE HYDRATION A HABIT HEALTHY RECIPE • PATIENT SUCCESS • EXERCISE ESSENTIALS IS STRESS BEING A PAIN IN THE NECK?

HEALTH+F I TNESS NEWS LE T T ER

IS STRESS BEING A PAIN IN THE NECK?

— 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 are:

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Muscle tightness and spasms

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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

RXPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM @PHYSICALTHERAPYRX

Not a Renaissance Athletic Club member? No worries! We offer services to both member and non-members!

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, theycanofferexercises thatstretch,flexandrelaxyourneckmuscles. In time, your neck will become more resilient — giving you the comfort you deserve. Where after-care 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. If you’re suffering from neck pain, call RX Physical Therapy at 269.769.6108 to schedule your appointment today or visit rxphysicaltherapy.com for more information. HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP

RXP T I S PAR TNE R I NG WI TH F AM I LY PHYS I C I ANS O F S T . J OS E PH !

Family Physicians of St. Joseph has adopted a simplified healthcare model called Direct Primary Care , where a patient pays a low monthly membership fee in exchange for unrestricted access to a full range of primary care services. Providers work directly with their patients, without the interference of insurance regulations and restrictions, to decide on the best plan of care for each individual. Patients have significantly more time with their providers, increased access to care, no co-pays or hidden fees, and pay far less for labs, medications, and diagnostics tests - just to name a few benefits. Family Physicians of St. Joseph welcomes and serves all patient. We look forward to caring for you! “A wonderful option if you are looking for a wonderful primary care physician.”

Call 269- 429-5000 or visit familyphysiciansdpc.com for more information.

P AT I E N T S U C C E S S

P R A C T I C E N EWS

CELEBRATING A NEW ADDITION TO THE RXPT FAMILY!

Absolutely the best physical therapy I have ever had! Dr. Bermingham operates at a completely different level.

Physical Therapist, Kensey Bermingham and his wife Brittany welcomed their daughter, Indie Rose, into the world at 8:08 am on April 24, 2019, weighing 7 lbs 3 oz, laying 20 in tall. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day!

- DAVID S.

MAKE HYDRAT I ON A HAB I T

Many people are so busy with summer plans to pause for a snack, let alone water break, to the point where you may forget to quench your thirst; however, it’s important to stay hydrated as it can help you maintain your energy and focus. To give your drinking habits the attention they deserve, try these simple ways to stay hydrated this summer: 1. Always carry a water bottle. If you have a bottle within arm’s reach, it’s very likely that you’ll mindlessly sip from it throughout the day, without having to make a conscious effort. 2. When you’re feeling frazzled, grab a glass of cold water. Studies show that people instantly feel more alert after drinking H2O. 3. Sip on a mug of herbal tea every evening. If you make this a habit, you’ll add an extra cup of fluid to your body every single day. 4. Eat a diet rich in whole foods. By eating foods like vegetables, fruits, and yogurt, you’ll automatically up your fluid intake. Also, as aging impairs the body’s natural thirst mechanisms, it is especially important for elderly adults to drink water to avoid becoming dehydrated. These tips should make hydration a habit in your life.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 @ 1 PM P I L AT E S C L A S S

RX PT will be hosting a "Celebration of Wellness" Pilates Mat Class, hosted by Karen Camelet, Physical Therapist Assistant, Pilates Instructor, and former professional dancer. Call 269.769.6108 for more information.

R E F E R A F R I E N D !

E X E R C I S E E S S E N T I A L S A SAFE EXERCISE TO RELIEVE NECK PAIN CERVICAL RETRACTIONS Stand with your back against a wall. Position a rolled up towel behind your neck. Tuck chin like you are nodding ‘yes’. Draw your chin closer to the back of your throat. Repeat 3 times.

Refer a friend and receive 50% off massage services at Renaissance Athletic Club.

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269.769.6108