Do you suffer from frequent neck pain and headaches? People literally live on acetaminophen and Ibuprofen for years because they constantly have a nagging headache, induced by muscle spasms in the neck. A concern with those who have frequent headaches, is an underlying neck problem that may go untreated.
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StaffSpotlight
JASON LOVELESS, DPT Physical Therapist
“Although it’sgreatthatstaffmembersarefriendlyandaccommodating, I especially appreciate their knowledge and willingness to answer my questions. The exercises I’ve been given are helping. I do them at the same time everyday to help me stay on track. Thank you!” E.M. “The exercises I’ve been given are helping!” Patient Success Spotlight Jason received a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Therapy from Weber State University in 2011. He then went on to graduate with his Doctor of Physical Therapy fromThe University of New Mexico in 2014. Jason enjoys helping patients with orthopedic and sports injuries. He has a interest in treating disorders of the spine, upper and lower extremity. Jason’s favorite thing about working as a physical therapist is helping patients getting back to living their life. Jason finds time to run and train for distance races, participate in triathlons and takes every opportunity to get up in the mountains.
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INSIDE: Is It Possible To Live Without Neck Pain & Headaches? Here’s What You Need To Do When Your Regular Treatment Plans Don’t Work Anymore
• Relief For
Neck Painand Headaches • Patient Success Spotlight • Back Pack Safety
Quote of TheMonth:
Do you suffer from frequent neck pain and headaches? People literally live on acetaminophen and Ibuprofen for years because they constantly have a nagging headache, induced by muscle spasms in the neck. A concern with those who have frequent headaches, is an underlying neck problem that may go untreated. The Cause of Most Headaches Headaches can range from minor nagging pains, to full-blown migraines that knock you off your feet for a day or two. Any headache, whether tremendous pain or not, should be a warning sign that the muscles in your spine and neck may be too tight
and tense. Prolonged muscle tension may cause you to feel stiff and achy. One may feel pain in the shoulders, neck, upper back and even radiating out to the upper arms. Most people who have headaches complain about having neck and shoulder pain. The most intense pain usually lies directly in the back and upper sides of the neck. The pain then radiates into the shoulder area. This is why many people who have headaches treat themselves to frequent neck and shoulder massages. Physical therapy can help you to relieve the tightness and tension in your muscles, helping you live a happy, pain-free life.
“When you come to the end of your rope. Tie a knot and hang on.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
fyzicalutah.com
RELIEF FORNECK PAIN&HEADACHES The neck can be a hidden and debilitating source of headaches. Very often neck pain and headaches go hand-in-hand, leading to a miserable time coping with every day activities. According to the National Institute of Health Statistics neck pain and headaches are the second most common form of pain experienced by Americans, with 59% reporting it affected their enjoyment of life. Headaches areoftengroupedunder the term“cervicogenic headache” meaning that the primary source is from the neck. bear the main load of the weight of the head (about that of a bowling ball). With fatigue, poor posture, injuries, disc problems, arthritis, muscular stress and even prior surgeries, the wear and tear on this critical region of your body can prove too much, resulting in pain. It is also possible that you may develop a narrowing of the spinal canal itself. Since the spinalcord runs through thespine,anarrowing of the canal or where the nerves exit, can lead to a condition named spinal stenosis.
If you are experiencing these symptoms talk to us about how we can help
There are well mapped out patterns of headaches that come from the different parts of the neck, shoulder and upper back areas. The discs between your bones (vertebrae) and joints in the upper neck often contribute to headaches. Even headaches located in the forehead or behind the eyes are often referred pains stemming from problem areas in the neck and base of the skull. The joints connecting the top three levels of the neck handle almost 50% of the total motion of the entire neck. This means they absorb a lot of repetitive strain. These joints
There is much that can be done to treat neck pain and headaches. Our expert physical therapists have years of experience helping people with neck pain and headaches. By finding the root cause of your neck pain and headaches we can relieve your pain quickly, reduce the need for medication and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Discover how our team of specialists at FYZICAL incorporated can eliminate your neck pain and headaches allowing you to live a happy, active and pain-free life. Call today for more details!
• Difficulty turning your head from side to side • Pain at the aria where the neck and the upper back meet • Poor posture • Neck or shoulder pain that interferes with your sleep • Stiff neck • Pain when reaching for objects overhead • Limited ability to exercise • Unable to work due to pain • Neck pain that radiates into your shoulders
Finding a Safe Pack Despite their potential problems, backpacks are great when used properly. Before you buy one, though, consider a backpack’s construction. • Lighten the load. Nomatter howwell-designed the backpack, less weight is always better. Use the bathroom scale to check that a pack isn’t over 10% to 15% of your child’s body weight (for example, the backpack of a child who weighs 80 pounds shouldn’t weigh more than 8 to 12 pounds). • Use and pick up the backpack properly. Make sure kids use both shoulder straps. Bags that are slung over the shoulder or across the chest — or that only have one strap — aren’t as effective at distributing the weight as bags with two wide shoulder straps, and therefore may strain muscles. Also tighten the straps enough for the backpack to fit closely to the body. The pack should rest evenly in the middle of the back and not sag down to the buttocks. You may need to adjust your kids’ backpacks and/or reduce how much they carry if they : • Struggle to get the backpack on or off • Have back pain • Lean forward to carry the backpack If your child has back pain or numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist. Is Your Child’s Back Pack Going to Cause Injury? Look for the following to choose the right backpack: • Lightweight pack: get one that doesn’t add a lot of weight to your child’s load; for example, leather packs look cool, but they weigh more than canvas backpacks • Two wide, padded shoulder straps: straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders • Padded back: it not only provides increased comfort, but also protects kids from being poked by sharp objects or edges (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack • Waist belt: this helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the body • Multiple compartments: to help distribute the weight throughout the pack Although packs on wheels (which look like small, overhead luggage bags) may be good options for students who have to lug around really heavy loads, they’reveryhard topullupstairsand to roll throughsnow.Checkwith the school before buying a rolling pack; many don’t allow them because they can be a tripping hazard in the hallways. Using Backpacks Wisely To help kids prevent injury when using a backpack:
“I like the thoroughness of the therapists and also the fact that the things they do really help the problem! Also, it seems like all the techs and office staff are very happy in their jobs, which says a lot about the practice.” M.M. They do really help the problem!! “My therapist, answersmy questions, explains what is happening, as well as the purpose of what he is doing.” “While I am being worked on I feel important. The techs try to focus on the areas that I point out need work and will chat while they are working on me. Mark Peterson, my therapist, answers my questions, explains what is happening, as well as the purpose of what he is doing, why he is doing it.” P.W.
Patient Success Spotlight
Try this movement if you are experiencing neck pain. Relieve Pain In Minutes
Eating Right Never Tasted So Good! Healthy Eating
SCAPULAR RETRACTION
Good stretch to relax your shoulders
Stand tall, shoulders relaxed. Pull shoulder blades back and down. Don’t hunch your shoulders. Hold for 8 count repeat 8 times.
Basic Vegetable Smoothie Recipe Directions
8 Ingredients • 6 oz water • 1 large tomato • ½ cucumber • 2 pieces celery • 2 carrots • handful of baby spinach
Wash the vegetables, throw them in the pitcher (after washing), turn blender on low, and then turn it up to high for about 30 seconds. You may need to use the tamper to get it circulating at the beginning. Other possibilities to add include olive oil, Tabasco, or herbs like basil. If you want it to look more like V8 you could leave out the spinach and add another tomato.
• lemon juice from 1 lemon (or balsamic vinegar) • 6 ice cubes
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