Lott PT. Neck Pain & Stress

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.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

Are you letting neck pain hold you back? Call Lott Physical Therapy or visit lottphysicaltherapy.com to schedule your appointment today!

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.

W H A T O U R P A T I E N T S A R E S A Y I N G

“We are fortunate to have such a great team of physical therapists, assistants, and staff nearby. Everyone is exceptional in their knowledge, skills, and concern for each person’s individual treatment. They never give up on me and continue to encourage me to do what is necessary to get better.” - Linda B.

Think of it as the Netflix of workout videos– Lott Fitness offers online virtual fitness classes just for you available 24/7! Learn more at lottfitnesscenter.com!

M E E T O U R N E W E S T P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P I S T ! DR. ELLEN DEES, PT, DPT

Dr. Ellen Dees received her bachelors in Exercise Science from Hardin-Simmons University. She continued her education at Hardin-Simmons to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2018. She enjoys crossfit, home renovations and taking her dogs on walks. Fun fact about Dr. Dees: She has an extra lumbar vertebrae! If you see Dr. Dees at the Fairfield clinic, she would love to meet you!

W I T H R A T E S A S L O W A S $ 2 5 / M O N T H ! N O C O M M I T M E N T !

E X E R C I S E E S S E N T I A L S A S A F E E X E R C I S E T O R E L I E V E N E C K P A I N

Cervical Retraction 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.

E M P L O Y E E T E S T I N G Lott Physical Therapy offers drug, alcohol and job-specific physical function testing for new and existing employees! Lott Physical Therapy is also a WorkSTEPS provider!

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Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you areunsure ofdoing.

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