What Is That Pain In My Neck?

Physical Therapy Newsletter by Kerrville Physical Therapy Center

Health &Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“What Is That Pain In My Neck! ” Finding The Source To Neck Pain

Neck pain can be caused by many different sources and takes an expert in muscle, joints, and bones to know how your neck should be moving and why it is not. Many people with neck pain suffer from one of the following: DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE The discs are the fluid filled sacs between the bones of your neck. The normal aging process involves changes within the discs which dries them out. Repeated stresses and strains weaken the connective tissues that make up a disc. When this happens, it loses some of its ability to absorb shock and shrinks in size. This causes rubbing and changes in the joints and bones of your neck which can be painful. The good news

is that therapy can help free up stiff and painful neck joints as well as increase muscle strength around the neck to provide greater support, thus decreasing pain. MUSCLE STRAIN Peoplewithminor neck painor stiffness oftenbelieve they have amuscle strain; however, unless there was a severe injury to the neck, themuscles probably haven’t been pulled or injured. Instead, the problemmay be coming from irritation or injury in other spine tissues, such as the disc or ligaments. When this happens, the neck muscles may go into spasm to help support and protect the sore area. “ The annual cost for chronic pain is as high as $635 billion a year, which is more than the yearly costs for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.” - The Journal of Pain, 2012

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“Are You Frustrated With Not Knowing The Cause Of Your Neck Pain?” Kerrville Physical Therapy Can Treat Your Aches & Pains, Naturally!

MECHANICAL NECK PAIN Mechanical pain usually starts from degenerative changes in the neck joints. As the disc starts to collapse, the space between the vertebrae narrows, and the joints may become inflamed. The pain is usually chronic and is typically felt in the neck. However, it may spread from the neck into the upper back or to the outside of the shoulder in some cases. RADICULOPATHY Pressure or irritation on or around the nerves of the neck can affect the nerves’ electrical signals. The pressure or irritation can be felt as numbness on the skin, weakness in the muscles, or pain along the path of the nerve. Weakness in the spine muscles can cause abnormal pressure on the nerves and increased chance of radiculopathy.

Kerrville Physical Therapy Center is an ideal choice to help people suffering from a variety of neck pain problems. From chronic neck pain, to complicated post-surgery rehabilitation, we focus on increasing your natural mobility and strength. Our treatments are designed to help ease pain and to improve mobility, strength, posture, and function. We can teach you how to control your symptoms and protect your neck in the years ahead. Call us today to learn how we can help you find neck pain relief!

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Patient Success Spotlight

Never gave up on me!

“ Just a quick note of thanks to you and all your wonderful employees for the care you gave me after my knee replacement. I had no idea what to expect that first day. You and your staff made it so less painful and never gave up on me, even when I was very frustrated. So thanks for taking such good care of me. You all seem like you love your jobs and work so well together; that shows in the care of each and every patient. So, until my next injury or replacement, thank you for your wonderful care and service to so many.”

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DO YOU HAVE NECK PAIN?

• Pain while bending or reaching? • Soreness in your spine? • Difficulty standing for > 20 mins?

• Pain when trying to sleep? • Pain when driving > 30 mins? • Radiating pain to the neck?

Be In A Better Mood • Have More Energy Enjoy Activities Pain Free • Be Headache Free

Talk to One Of Our Physical Therapy Specialists

FREE NECK PAIN ANALYSIS

Call To Schedule Today (830) 896-7377

Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 02-28-17.

THINK KERRVILLE PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER FIRST

Why You Need To Come In For Another Appointment: • Move without pain • Bend and move freely • Balance confidently and securely • Walk for long distances • Live an active and healthy lifestyle

CALL TODAY (830) 896-7377 kerrvillephysicaltherapy.com

Take Care of Your Aches & Pains Before It’s Too Late!

Keep That Resolution To GET FIT THIS YEAR!

Here are some tips to help you embrace your new years resolutions to stay fit: • Join a race by supporting a good cause. Whether it’s a 5K, 10K, or 15K, supporting a good cause will not only raise money for charity, but it will also get you closer to your weight loss goals. • Make time for activity every day. It is often easier to make it a habit to exercise in the morning, so that you don’t have to worry about it later in the day. • Stay Hydrated. Keeping your body hydrated will reduce muscle fatigue, dizziness and headaches. • Bring a healthier dish to parties. Whether it’s a potluck at work or a friends BBQ, there are many recipes available online to help you make tasty healthy dishes. • Don’t skip breakfast. Eating breakfast not only keeps you more energized but it also helps improve mental performance.

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Exercise Essentials Try this exercise to keep you moving...

Good stretch if you sit at a computer all day

LEVATOR SCAPULAE STRETCH Grasp your arm on the affected side and tilt your head downward and to the side until a stretch is felt. Repeat 5 times.

Exercises copyright of

www.simpleset.net

The above exercise is designed to be performed under the instruction of a licensed physical therapist.

Staff Spotlight

Sherri has over 30 years of experience in themedical field. She was a manager at a local Nephrologist office for 23 years. In 2007 when the practice was sold to a San Antonio Kidney Disease center she opted to stay in Kerrville and join the team at Kerrville Physical Therapy Center. Sherri brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and energy to KPTC and enjoys working with patients throughout the community. She is a certifiedmedical insurance specialist making her primary concentrationmedical billing and insurance verification. Sherri also has a vast amount of experience transcribing andworking patient files to ensure they are accurate. She is typically the first face patients see when walking in the door and the last before they leave. Sherri’s extensive experience in the medical field ensures documents are received, verified, and handled in a timely manner to guarantee customers have an enjoybale experience. She also maintains the schedule and has a knack for making patients feel comfortable and welcome.

SHERRI SMART Office Manager

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