Priority: Relieving Neck Pain

ARE YOU HURTING YOUR NECKWHILE 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 whichcanbeveryconfusing forconsumers.Thebest typeofbed is theone thatyou tryoutand feelmostcomfortableusing.Typically,abed that isfirm 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. Thebestpositions tosleep in foryourspineareonyourbackorsides.Avoid sleeping on your stomach since your spine ends up twisted, especially your neck.Over thehoursofrepetitivesleepingonyourstomach,youcandamage 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.

Ourphysical therapistsatPriorityPhysicalTherapycanshowyouexercises, 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 how we can relieve your pain, returning you to a more active, pain-free life!

Call us today at Missouri: 573-769-6166 or South Carolina: 843-536-4888 to schedule an appointment!

Healthy Recipe: BROCCOLI SALAD

Relieve Neck Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing neck pain.

INGREDIENTS • 2 strips low-sodium bacon • 1/2 cup ice cubes • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup buttermilk • 1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream • 1/4 tsp finely grated lemon zest • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Strengthens Neck Muscles

www.simpleset.net

CHIN TUCK SUPINE Lie with roll under neck. Without lifting head, tuck chin gently. Keep the large muscles in the neck relaxed.

• Kosher salt & black pepper • 6 1/2 cups broccoli florets

• 1/3 cup golden raisins • 2 tbsp salted roasted sunflower seeds

DIRECTIONS Combine the ice cubes, onions and 1 cup water in a small bowl. Let the onions soak for 10 minutes while preparing the rest of the salad, then drain and pat dry. Cook the bacon in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until crispy, about 8 minutes.Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings for the dressing. Finely chop the bacon strips and reserve. Whisk the buttermilk, sour cream, lemon zest and juice, reserved bacon drippings, 3/4 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add the broccoli, onions and golden raisins to the dressing. Toss well, cover and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Season with additional salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with the chopped bacon and sunflower seeds. Courtesy of: 2012 Television Food Network, G.P.

MISSOURI 573-769-6166

SOUTH CAROLINA 843-536-4888

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