Pain that developes from 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
Physical Therapy Newsletter
Is Stress Becoming A Pain In The Neck?
ALSO I NS I DE : HOW PHYS I CAL THERAPY CAN HELP • STAFF SPOTL I GHT EXERC I SE ESSENT I ALS • PAT I ENT SUCCESS SPOTL I GHT
Is Stress Becoming A Pain In The Neck?
HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP 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 andrelaxyourneckmuscles. In time,yourneckwillbecomemore 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 Fultz Physical Therapy at 318.489.4298 or 318.606.5262 to schedule your appointment today or visit fultzpt.com for more information.
Pain that developes from 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.
There are several factors that can led to neck pain, but did you know technology can actually play a role in the discomfort you’re feeling? While it may seem far-fetched, many of the positions our bodies take while using technology can lead to pain. Poor posture is a common cause of neck pain, and technology is often the culprit. In fact, the term “tech neck” has been coined as a way to describe neck discomfort caused by technology use. If you work in front of a computer all day, chances are you begin to hunch over in front of it at some point throughout the day. The same is true for avid smartphone or tablet users. Most of the time, we don’t notice the affect that these devices have on us, but they can be detrimental to our posture and very often result in pain. Pain from “tech neck” is typically reported as a strain in the neck that may be accompanied by stiffness in the shoulders, as well. It is possible for tech neck to also result in headaches, due to the weight that is being placed on your neck and skull. Without making changes to your posture while using these technological devices, tech neck can result in gradual damage to the spine, which can lead to deeper issues. So, how can you combat tech neck? You may be thinking, “I work in an office… I need to use these devices every day.” This is a common scenario for many people plagued by neck pain, but there are some tips you can incorporate into your everyday life to release some of the strain on your neck. These include: 1. RAISING YOUR SCREEN. This is true for any device you may be using. By raising your computer screen, it is less likely that you will hunch over The Connection Between Technology + Neck Pain
throughout the day, as you will be at eye-level with your work. Likewise, holding your smartphone or tablet in front of your face, rather than down in your lap or on the table, will decrease the strain caused by looking down at it. 2. TAKE BREAKS. It is a good habit to get into taking small breaks (2-3 minutes) every half hour or so. Use this time to get up, take a short walk, and stretch. It will also allow you to reevaluate your posture. Sometimes, we don’t realize when we are slouched or hunched over. Frequent breaks will remind you to get your body moving and will relieve any strain you may have put on yourself. 3. STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN YOUR MUSCLES. Over time, poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances. Tech neck especially can lead to a long- term forward head posture if not corrected. Fortunately, these imbalances can be avoided by stretches and strengthening your muscles, in order to make it easier for your body to maintain proper posture while using technological devices. Stretching and strengthening the chest, neck, and upper back muscles will help support the weight of your head and decrease strain on your spine. Abdominal and lower back exercises can also help prevent tech, as these muscle groups play an integral role in supporting your upper body. Your physical therapist can help prescribe targeted exercises stretches for your needs, in order to strengthen the necessary parts of your body. For help preventing or correcting your tech neck, contact Fultz Physical Therapy today!
Exercise Essentials
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Cervical Retractions Standwithyourbackagainstawall.Positionarolledup towelbehindyourneck. Tuck chin like you are nodding ‘yes’. Draw your chin closer to the back of your throat. Repeat 3 times.
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Receive Physical Therapy
You don’t need a prescription for physical therapy! Whether it’s a sports injury, chronic condition, or a simple check-up, you can take advantage of physical therapy
Without the Prescription!
without a doctor’s referral. Find effective relief from:
• Pre/Post Surgical Rehab • Sports Injuries
• Knee Pain • Spinal Stenosis • Dizziness & Vertigo • Post Fracture • Arthritis • Chronic Pain
• Low Back Pain • Scoliosis • Neck Pain • Shoulder Pain • Sciatica • Herniated Discs
• Headaches • And More!
Taking care of yourself means taking charge of your healthcare, so remember that regardless of which physician you see, you have a choice when it comes to physical therapy. Call Fultz Physical Therapy at 318.489.4298 or 318.606.5262 for a consultation.
Meet The Team Staff Spotlight
Nikki Wilson , PTA Nikki received her Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion with a Concentration in Clinical from Louisiana Tech University. She also bowled for the Lady Techsters, where she competed as captain in the NCAA Division I league. She continued her education at BPCC in Bossier City, where she earned an Associate of Applied Science becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant. She proudly accomplished graduating both Tech and BPCC as an honors student. After doing a rotation in Blanchard, Nikki is excited to continue her PTA career as a therapist at Fultz PT clinic in North Shreveport. In her free time, Nikki enjoys spending time with her soon to be husband, Austin, and their fur babies. She also enjoys playing sports, painting, crafting, learning new hobbies, traveling, and being outdoors.
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