PT of Melissa: Neck Pain and Stress

FOCUS ON NECK PAIN TO RELIEVE HEADACHES The neck can be a hidden and debilitating source of headaches. Very often neck pain and headaches go hand-in-hand, leading to a miserable time coping with everyday activities. According to the National Institute of Health Statistics neck pain and headaches are the second most common form of pain experienced by Americans, with 59% reporting it affected their enjoyment of life. Some headaches are often grouped under the term “cervicogenic headache” meaning that the primary source is from the neck.

There are well mapped out patterns of headaches that come from the different parts of the neck, shoulder and upper back areas. The discs between your bones (vertebrae) and joints in the upper neck often contribute to headaches. Even headaches located in the forehead or behind the eyes are often referred pains stemming from problem areas in the neck and base of the skull. The joints connecting the top three vertebral levels of the neck handle almost 50% of the total motion of the entire neck. This means they absorb a lot of repetitive strain. These joints bear the main load of the weight of the head (about that of a bowling ball). With fatigue, poor posture, injuries, disc problems, arthritis, muscular stress and even prior surgeries, the wear and tear on this critical region of your body can prove too much, resulting in pain. It is also possible that you may develop a narrowing of the spinal canal itself. Since the spinal cord runs through the spine, a narrowing of the canal or where the nerves exit, can lead to a condition called spinal stenosis.

There is much that can be done to treat neck pain and headaches. Our expert physical therapists have years of experience helping people with neck pain and headaches. By finding the root cause of your neck pain and headaches we can relieve your pain quickly, reduce the need for medication and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Discover how our team of specialists at Physical Therapy of Melissa can eliminate your neck pain and headaches allowing you to live a happy, active and pain-free life. Call today for more details!

Contact us to schedule an appointment today at 972-837-4450!

Healthy Recipe

INGREDIENTS • 4 boneless chicken breasts • Salt & freshly ground pepper • 3 tsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 2 teaspoons flour • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS 1. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1½ teaspoons oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until well browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil. 2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1½ teaspoons oil to the pan. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for1minute.Whiskbroth,flour,1 tablespoondilland lemon juice inameasuring cup and add to pan. Cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. 3. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan; reduce heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes.Transfer thechicken toawarmedplatter.Seasonsaucewithsaltandpepperandspoon over the chicken. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.

Lemon Chicken

www.ptofmelissa.com

CALL TODAY! (972) 837-4450

Made with FlippingBook Annual report