PT of Melissa: Relieving Neck Pain

ARE YOU HURTING YOUR NECK WHILE YOU SLEEP?

We spend one-third of our lives sleeping. Therefore, how you sleep and the bed you sleep on can have a dramatic effect on the support of your body. When you sleep you need to be aware of how your neck and spine are supported. There are many different types of beds on the market today which can be very confusing for consumers. The best type of bed is the one that you try out and feel most comfortable using. Typically, a bed that is firm underneath, with a softer top helps to provide support as well as contour your body. If your mattress is old, then think about investing in a new one so that your neck and spine are supported well. The best positions to sleep in for your spine are on your back or sides. Avoid sleeping on your stomach since your spine ends up twisted, especially your neck. Over the hours of repetitive sleeping on your stomach, you can damage the joints of your spine and compress the nerves exiting your spine. Use a pillow to help support your body and take the weight of your legs off your spine. If you like to sleep on your back, place a pillow under the backs of your thighs and knees. This should place your knees in a slight, supported bend which takes pressure off your lower back. If you sleep on your side, be sure to put a pillow between your knees. This helps keep the alignment of your spine, and takes the pressure of your upper leg off the spine. Have 1-2 pillows under your head to keep your neck in proper alignment. If you need 2 pillows stagger them so that one pillow overlaps the other by one half. The lower half goes under the shoulders, while the upper half supports the neck.

As part of our SPINE Program, our physical therapists can show you exercises, stretches and techniques to relieve your pain and prevent it from returning. If you are suffering with neck or back pain, call us today to learn more about our SPINE Program and discover how we can relieve your pain, returning you to a more active, pain-free life!

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

Tasty Recipe

Discover How To Live Pain Free!

At Physical Therapy of Melissa, you will receive hands-on therapy treatments by our friendly, caring health experts during focused and individualized sessions. CALL AND TALK TO YOUR THERAPIST DISCOVER WHY YOUR PAIN HAS COME BACK GET YOUR CUSTOM RECOVERY PROGRAM

Fresh Fruit Yogurt Ice Pops

INGREDIENTS • 2 cups fresh blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and sliced bananas, mixed • 2 cups plain or vanilla yogurt

INSTRUCTIONS Place the mixed blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, sliced bananas, yogurt, and sugar into a blender. Cover, and blend until fruit is chunky or smooth, as desired. Fill paper cups 3/4 full with fruit mixture. Cover the top of each cup with a strip of aluminum foil. Poke a popsicle stick through the center of the foil on each cup. Place the cups in the freezer for at least 5 hours. To serve, remove foil and peel off the paper cup.

• 1/4 cup white sugar • 8 small paper cups • 8 popsicle sticks

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CALL TODAY! (972) 837-4450

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