Lewy PT: How Posture Affects Back & Neck Pain

Lewy Physical Therapy Newsletter

Newsletter The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

HOW POSTURE CAN AFFECT YOUR BACK & NECK PAIN

Remember back when your mother used to tell you that if you wouldn’t stop hunching your shoulders, they’d be stuck that way forever? An idle threat, one that barely anyone took seriously. Yet, fast forward a few decades and it turns out that mom might have been on to something, after all. (continued inside)

INSIDE: • How Posture Can Affect Your Back & Neck Pain • What Can Good Posture Do For You? • Exercise Essentials • Healthy Recipe

Recover Quickly and Completely

Newsletter The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

HOW POSTURE CAN AFFECT YOUR BACK & NECK PAIN

INSIDE: • What Can Good Posture Do For You? • Healthy Recipe • Exercise Essentials • Ask About Our Payment Plans!

(continued from outside)

A poor habit of bad posture can have a lasting impact on your neck and back. The worse your posture is, the more intense your back and neck pain can become. Unfortunately, once you start experiencing neck and back pain, simply squaring your shoulders isn’t likely to be much help. Working with a physical therapist can help you to train the muscles in your back, neck and shoulders so that you can improve your posture permanently, and in doing so, bring relief to your chronic neck and back pain. The Posture and Pain Connection Not all back pain is caused by poor posture, and it is true that you can have poor posture for years without feeling the consequences of that slouch right away, but in time the habit is likely to catch up with you. There are certain ways that you can tell if neck or back pain may be a result of poor posture, including: • The pain in your back is worsened at certain times of day.  For example, after you’ve spent a day at the office, or after a few hours on the couch. • The pain frequently starts in your neck and moves into your upper and lower back. Pain that seems to travel from one area of the back to another is frequently an indication of posture concerns.

• The pain will subside after switching positions, such as switching from sitting to standing or vice versa. • Back or neck pain that develops soon after a change in circumstances, such as starting a new job with a new desk chair, or getting a new car. After years of practicing poor posture, your back, shoulder and neck muscles will likely find standing or sitting with straight posture to be uncomfortable. This is because your muscles have grown accustomed to the slouching, and standing up straight will require some thorough stretching. That doesn’t mean that once you have bad posture you can never correct it. Working with a physical therapist to improve your posture is a great way to overcome chronic neck and back pain. In physical therapy, you will be guided through a series of stretches and strength building exercises that can help you begin training your body to practice better posture, thereby reducing your back and neck pain. Contact your physical therapist to learn more about how you can take steps to start improving your posture today.

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BATON ROUGE 225.767.8182

DENHAM SPRINGS 225.791.7114

WHAT CAN GOOD POSTURE DO FOR YOU?

Of course, there are ways that you can improve your posture at home, as well. Here are several strategies that are typically helpful: • Try to stand tall whenever you are standing or walking. Hold your head high and square your shoulders, but more importantly work on being the tallest version of yourself. Hunching over is the leading cause of poor posture. • Use support when you sit to keep your posture correct. Lumbar support in office chairs and car seats will help a bit, but for improved posture you may need to add additional cushioning that will help you keep your back straight. • Be mindful of how you lift heavy objects. Keep your shoulders square and your chest forward. When lifting something that is over 50lbs it is important to take extra care. Lead with your hips and try to keep the weight close to your body. Lifting something improperly can lead to injury to your neck or back, which may make proper posture uncomfortable. There are a lot of benefits of having good posture. Aside from saying goodbye to neck or back pain, improving your posture can provide several unexpected benefits to your lifestyle and personal well-being. Here are a few of the additional benefits of having good posture: • Proper posture creates quality exercise for your core and back • Improved respiratory health • Added protection for your organs, bones, joints and muscles • Reduced risk of arthritis

If you are experiencing chronic neck and back pain, there is a good chance that it could be related to your posture. Contact your physical therapist to learn more about how you can take steps to start improving your posture today.

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Exercise Essentials Try this movement if you are experiencing poor posture.

Veggie Burrito Bowl

• 1 (15 oz) can unsalted black beans • 1 tbsp chopped chipotle chiles • 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro • 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice • 1 jalapeno pepper • 1 1/3 cups sliced red cabbage • 3 oz queso fresco, crumbled • 1 ripe avocado, peeled & sliced

Helps Flexibility

www.simpleset.net

PRONE ALTERNATE ARM AND LEG While lying face down and keeping your lower abdominals tight, slowly raise up an arm and opposite leg. Slowly lower and then raise the opposite side. Do not allow your spine to move the entire time. 6 repetitions on each side.

• 1 (3.5 oz) brown rice • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp ground cumin • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 3/4 tsp kosher salt

Cook brown rice according to package directions. Drain. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add cumin and garlic; cook 1 1/2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in rice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Partially drain black beans. Place beans and remaining liquid in a small saucepan; stir in chipotle chiles and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring bean mixture to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and jalapeño; toss to combine. Combine remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons juice, and cabbage; toss well. Divide rice mixture evenly among 4 shallow bowls. Divide bean mixture, tomato mixture, cabbage mixture, cheese, and avocado evenly over rice.

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BATON ROUGE 225.767.8182

DENHAM SPRINGS 225.791.7114

You Can Start Feeling Better Now, Call Today!

Ask About Our Payment Plans!

Our Philosophy: Apply the latest evidence-based therapy best suited to the patient for quickest and most complete recovery. When patients have a difficult time getting started with traditional exercises, patients receive customized aquatic to land-based programs. Every plan of care is designed with the goal of getting patients back to their normal daily routine, pain-free. Our Promise: We promise to provide the best patient experience possible in a highly professional, friendly, and caring environment. Payments: We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.

Our knowledgeable and caring staff uses the latest tools and techniques to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. The new facilities at Lewy Physical Therapy allow us to offer diverse treatment regimens including aquatic therapy, sports physical therapy, and general physiotherapy. Our outpatient rehabilitation facilities are conveniently located near you in Baton Rouge and Denham Springs. Our Mission: Provide the highest quality of physical therapy for those in the Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, and surrounding areas.

Schedule your appointment with your physical therapist at Lewy Physical Therapy today by calling 225.767.8182 (Baton Rouge) or 225.791.7114 (Denham Springs)

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Mind Exercise: Sudoku

Has Your Pain Come Back? 3 7 1 8

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1. Feel free to call us and ask to speak to your therapist . 2. Your therapist can discuss with you why your pain is bothering you again and what you might do about it at home. 3. If further assessment is warranted, your therapist might recommend you come in for an appointment. 7 2 6 8 4 5 1 7 5 8 7 7 1

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http://1sudoku.com n° 315825 - Level Hard The rules of the game are simple: each of the nine blocks has to contain all the numbers 1-9 within its squares. Each number can only appear once in a row, column or box.

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n° 329837 - Level Har

Call To Talk to Your Therapist Today

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BATON ROUGE 225.767.8182

DENHAM SPRINGS 225.791.7114

www.lewypt.com

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“I can’t say enough about the positive, motivating, and supportive staff at Lewy PT. I have always been afraid of water, pools, beaches, etc... But the staff at Lewy PT were so patient and understanding. In fact, I got into their swimming pool which was my first time in a pool in over 30 years! With the staff’s motivation and support, I ended up doing everything they needed me to do, including in 6 feet of water. Although I wasn’t the bravest patient, I felt proud of myself. Thank you!” - Shirley M. “ With the staff’s motivation and support, I ended up doing everything they needed me to do...”

BATON ROUGE 8448 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810

P: 225.767.8182 F: 225.767.8757

DENHAM SPRINGS 31985 LA Hwy 16. Ste C Denham Springs, LA 70726 P: 225.791.7114 Prairieville Coming Soon! March 2019 r iri ill i !

If you are suffering from any pain, seeing a physical therapist at Lewy Physical Therapy can help you return to a more active and pain-free life. Give us a call today!

www.lewypt.com

As you age, your muscle tissue actually dries out a little, tightening. This causes a loss of range of motion in your joints and tissues. In addition to the loss of range of motion, it can really limit your active lifestyles and hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Tasks that used to be simple, such as dressing or squatting down to tie your shoes, now become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program helps lengthen your muscles and makes daily living activities much easier. Everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. It does not have to involve a huge amount of time, but stretching can end up giving you huge results! Stretching is a natural part of what we do on a daily basis. You might notice that if you have been sitting in a particular position for a long time, you stretch unconsciously. It feels good! In addition to that good

feeling, a consistent stretching program will produce large gains in flexibility and joint movement. Be kind to your muscles and they will be kind to you! Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect from a regular stretching program: • Reduced muscle tension • Increased range of movement in the joints • Enhanced muscular coordination • Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body • Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)

www.lewypt.com

BATON ROUGE 8448 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810

DENHAM SPRINGS 31985 LA Hwy 16. Ste C Denham Springs, LA 70726 P: 225.791.7114

P: 225.767.8182 F: 225.767.8757

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