Have you ever felt a pain in your neck going about your daily activities? What about when you’re working from your computer, driving your car, or scrolling through social media? Health issues such as neck arthritis, spinal stenosis, or disc degeneration cause neck pain, but the most common cause of neck pain is usually poor posture. When someone sits or moves with their spine at unnatural positions for long periods of time, it gradually becomes a problem. This unnatural positioning puts pressure on our bodies, disrupting the otherwise natural position of our backs, shoulders, and neck. Because the pain a person feels in their neck doesn’t always originate there, a larger problem may loom, like a
weakness in the mid-back or destabilization of the shoulder muscles. When these muscles become weak, your upper trapezius or trap muscles become tight, which pulls on your neck. The best way to prevent this type of neck pain is to practice good posture — which is easier said than done. One of the best ways to practice is to be aware of the position of your shoulders and your head. When your head is pulled forward past your shoulders instead of resting on top of them, it’s a sign of poor posture. The more your head is pulled forward, the heavier it becomes. According to Health, even if the head leans forward 1–2 inches, this can double or triple the natural weight
Sudoku of the head. Whether you’re sitting or standing, keep your head upright by imagining a string holding you up from the top of your head or by keeping your ears directly over your shoulders. If you have persistent pain in your neck, reach out to our office. Call the Kinetic PT Specialists at 847-515-8970 to schedule an appointment today!
Festive Apple Cider
Inspired by BoulderLocavore.com
If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider!
INGREDIENTS • 1 lemon
• 2 tsp allspice berries • 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp honey • 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 gallon pure apple cider • 1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise • 2 tsp whole cloves
DIRECTIONS 1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours.
3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy!
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