STAY A NECK AHEAD OF CHRONIC PAIN (Continued from outside)
Finally,neckpain issometimescausedby Radiculopathy ,whichrefersto pressureor irritation inthenervesoftheneck,whichalterstheelectrical signals in the neck, causing you to feel more pain throughout the day. Physicaltherapycanhelpreducethepressureand irritationsurrounding the nerves, often offering immediate relief from pain and discomfort. Theseare justsomeofthe frequentcausesofneckpain. It is important that you never assume that your neck pain is being caused by one or anotherofthese issues,andthatyou insteadalwaysworkwithalicensed and experienced physical therapist to determine the precise cause of your pain and discomfort. Is Your Neck Pain Caused by Sleep Issues? There isonemorefactorthatoften isnotspokenabout,but it’safrequent cause of neck pain and discomfort: sleeping issues . Sometimes, sleeping in a certain position or sleeping on a mattress or pillow that is too soft or too hard will lead to neck pain. Oftentimes, this pain will appear to be chronic, as the sleeping issue is likely something that you experience day after day, causing the pain to return regularly. It may be helpful to rule out sleeping concerns as a reason behind your neck pain by assessing your sleeping conditions and making any changesthatyouthinkmaybenecessary.Adjusthowmanypillowsyou sleep on, the position you sleep in or even your mattress! For more support in finding relief from neck pain, talk to your physical therapist. Call us at (303) 757-1554 today or visit our website at www.denverptis.com.
CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP YOU SLEEP?
Sleep isanessentialpartofhealth andwellness,as itgivesyourbody achancetophysicallyrecoverand supports important neurological and cardiovascular functions 1 . It is estimated that between 50 and 70millionAmericans 2 sufferfrom sleep disturbances, which can seriously impact all of the major bodysystems.Physicaltherapists treat these systems and may play an important role in overall sleep health and wellness. The loss of sleep is often directly related to pain. Aching joints and muscles can prevent falling asleep and staying asleep. Those whosuffer fromchronic illnesses
potentially lose sleep at higher rates 3 , which impacts symptom management and recovery. Physicaltherapycanhelpaddress these issues,asphysicaltherapists are specifically trained to assess each patient individually and developapersonalizedtreatment plan.Asphysicaltherapyaddresses the neurological, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems, these treatment plans often take aholisticapproachthataddresses both body and mind. 4 Sources: 1. academic.oup.com/ptj/article/97/8/826/3831304 2. apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2017/8/8/PTJOnSleep 3. apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2017/8/8/PTJOnSleep 4. mattressreviews.com/physical-therapy-and-sleep
EXERCISE OF THE MONTH USE THIS EXERCISE TO RELIEVE NECK PAIN
PHIT IN THE KITCHEN VEGAN/PALEO CHOCOLATE FUDGE BALLS
Cervical Retraction
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• 1/8 tsp salt (optional) • mini chocolate chips (optional) • chia seeds or shredded coconut (optional)
• 1 cup walnuts, or nuts of choice • 1 1/3 cup pitted dates* • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • 3-4 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder
Stand with your back against a wall and with a rolled up towel behindyourneck.Keep your eyes fixed ahead and your head upright. Tuck your chin like you arenodding“yes.”Draw your chin closer to the back of your throat. Repeat 10 times.
Blend all ingredients in a food processor (or halve the recipe and use a single serveblenderorminichopper).Whenmakinga fullrecipe,a foodprocessor is preferredoverablenderas ingredientsprocessmoreevenlyand theresultsare less sticky. Once blended, transfer the dough to a sandwich bag and smoosh into one big ball. Break off pieces and roll into smaller separate balls. Dip in melted chocolate or roll in cocoa powder or shredded coconut or coconut flour. Alternatively, you can form bars or evenly roll out the dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters! *Tip: If your pitted dates are super hard, just soak them in boiling water for a half hour. https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2009/10/13/make-these-now/
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Always consult your therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of.
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