Sports & Ortho Therapy. Neck Pain & Stress

Health + Fitness N E W S L E T T E R

I S N E C K P A I N S T R E S S I N G Y O U O U T ? ALSO INSIDE

HOW PHYSICAL CAN HELP • HEALTHY RECIPE WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING • EXERCISE ESSENTIALS

N E W S L E T T E R

I S N E C K P A I N S T R E S S I N G Y O U O U T ? 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: • 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, 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.

If you’re suffering from sciatica or back pain, call 301.989.9040 to talk with your physical therapisttodayandscheduleyourappointment!

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.htm

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/most-neck-pain-improves-with-self-care-time/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20375581

IF YOU THINK YOU COULD BENEFIT FROM PHYSICAL THERAPY, VISIT MYSPORTSPT.COM TODAY!

H O W P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P Y C A N H E L P

custom-tailored neck exercises will assure your neck stays loose, limber and healthy.

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 deserve. Where after-care treatment is considered,

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 sciatica or back pain, call 301.989.9040 to talk with your physical therapisttodayandscheduleyourappointment!

H E A L T H Y R E C I P E BLACKENED CHICKEN WITH AVOCADO SAUCE INGREDIENTS • 4 (4 oz) chicken breasts

• 1 tsp salt • 2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced

• ½ avocado • 1 tsp lemon juice • ½ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp blackened seasoning • ½ cup plain, Greek yogurt

INSTRUCTIONS Place the chicken breasts and blackened seasoning in a large resealable bag. Seal and shake a few times to evenly coat the chicken. Lightly coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the yogurt, avocado, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt and pulse until smooth and creamy. To serve, top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of the creamy avocado sauce and garnish with ½ tablespoon green onions.

WHAT OUR PAT I ENTS ARE SAY I NG :

Always on target with goals and progress! “My therapist was Monique. She was a most professional therapist in all ways– always friendly and also always on target with goals and progress. She is a ‘five star’ member of your team! Beyond Monique, I thought all of the staff at SP.OR.T.S. were very good as well– attentive and welcoming. While I don’t hope to be back any time soon, if the need arises, I will certainly be back to SP.OR.T.S. and nowhere else!” -JF

When we remodeled our facility, we endeavored to develop a clinic which is open and inviting. The color scheme and art work were included to encourage a safe-healing environment. Besides being beautiful it is extremely functional with 3200 square feet of clinical treatment area.

HAS YOUR PA I N COME BACK?

STAF F SPOT L I GHT DEBBIE JOHNSON

Debbie has worked in local hospitals and in private healthcare settings for over 41 years. In 1978, she obtained her Medical Assistant Certificate from Montgomery College in Takoma Park, Maryland and Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. She has been a loyal “team leader” in our practice since 1994, and has overseen the administrative management of the Silver Spring and Kensington offices, until they were split. She now oversees the Silver Spring office.

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Feel free to call us and ask to speak to your therapist.

Your therapist can discuss with you why your pain is bothering you again and what you might do about it at home. If further assessment is warranted, your therapist might recommend you come in for an appointment. WE ’ RE HERE TO HE LP YOU WI TH : • Low Back & Neck Pain • Hip, Knee, & Leg Pain • Hand, Arm, & Shoulder Pain

Debbie recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with SP.O.R.TS as the Practice manager. She continues to train and oversee the administrative staff, manages the financial aspects of the business, and generally keeps the ball rolling for us. She enjoys interacting with our patients on a daily basis, insuring they feel special while they are in our care. During her time away from work, she enjoys gardening, family gatherings and mostly her two grandchildren.

EXERC I SE ESSENT I AL S

Manypatientsbenefit from thisexercise,andwehope ithelpsyou, too!However, if it is not met with a good outcome rapidly, please do not continue to perform the exercise. To get an individualized exercise program for your specific problem, it is best to see a SP.OR.T.S. physical therapist to perform an evaluation at which time a more focused approach will really make a difference.

CERVICAL RETRACTION Standwithyourbackagainstawall.Positionarolled 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.

• Post-surgical Rehab • Balance Problems • Vestibular & Neurological Disorders • Headaches

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