M3 Physical Therapy - April/May 2023

Sometimes, we may feel sharp pains shooting through our bodies. Perhaps it’s from straining during physical activity, remaining in one spot for long periods, or standing, sleeping, or sitting in an awkward position. No matter what causes your pain, pinched nerves can affect your everyday life in more ways than one. But what exactly are pinched nerves, and how can you treat and prevent them from happening again? What is a pinched nerve, and what body parts does it affect? Pinched nerves occur when the tissues surrounding nerves press onto nerve roots. While most pinched nerves happen around your neck and upper and lower back, you can also Why Am I Feeling Aches and Pains? How Pinched Nerves Can Affect Your Body

experience it in your hands, elbows, and wrists. However, while the pain may start in one specific area, it can also affect other body parts.

For example, a pinched nerve in your upper back can create pain in your neck, arms, and shoulders. If the pinched nerve is in your lower back, your hips, rear, and legs may ache. What causes pinched nerves? The most common factor is aging. As you get older, your body may not operate like it did when you were younger. However, another reason could be a sudden injury from participating in sports or an accident. These accidents can include awkward lifting, pulling, or twisting movements that strain your body. Additionally, if your job requires you to sit or type for long periods, the amount of time you spend in that position can cause discomfort in your back and hands. How can you treat and prevent pinched nerves? Your pain and discomfort will fade away by themselves for the most part. But you can help your recovery process by going to physical therapy, using pain relievers, applying ice and heat to the affected areas, or wearing a splint on your wrists, hands, or neck. You can take preventive measures to reduce your risk of pinched nerves: Maintain a good posture while sitting or standing, stretch daily, remain active, and change your body position if you’ve been sitting, standing, or lying in one spot for an extended period. If you’re experiencing sharp pain and don’t see any signs of it getting better, please follow up with your health care provider for next steps. As always, if there is anything your friends at M3 PT can do to assist you during this time, please don’t hesitate to call us.

COD AND ASPARAGUS BAKE

TAKE A BREAK

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

• Oil for baking pan • 4 4-oz cod fillets

• 1 lb thin asparagus, trimmed • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. In a 15x10x1-inch baking pan brushed with oil, place cod, asparagus, and tomatoes. 2. Brush cod with lemon juice, then sprinkle with lemon zest. Sprinkle cod and vegetables with Romano cheese. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 12 minutes. 3. Remove pan from oven; preheat broiler. Broil cod mixture 3-4 inches from the heat source until vegetables are lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.

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