Neck pain can be both debilitating and terrifying. When you experience an injury that leaves your neck in severe pain, the thought of not being able to freely turn your head is overwhelmingly stressful. What’s more, the pain itself is unbearable, and since the neck is so sensitive to injury, it is important to be as careful as possible in finding treatment and solutions for the pain.
HEALTH & WELLNESS The Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body
LOUDOUNPT.COM
STAY ANECKAHEAD OF CHRONICPAIN MAKE EACH DAY PAIN–FREE
HEALTH & WELLNESS The Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body
LOUDOUNPT.COM Leesburg: (703) 443-6700 Lansdowne: (703) 858-9880
INSIDE: Is Your Neck Pain Caused By Sleep Issues? • Stay Healthy: Tips for Boosting Your Immune System • Focusing on Your Health & Fitness
Neck pain can be both debilitating and terrifying. When you experience an injury that leaves your neck in severe pain, the thought of not being able to freely turn your head is overwhelmingly stressful. What’s more, the pain itself is unbearable, and since the neck is so sensitive to injury, it is important to be as careful as possible in finding treatment and solutions for the pain. It is incredible to realize how common neck pain is — especially among American adults! More than two-thirds of U.S. adults will develop neck pain at least once in their life, and the reasons for the neck pain are as varied as the population of the nation itself. Injury, muscle strain and even stress can cause significant pain in the neck and upper back. If you aren’t careful, a neck injury can lead to chronic pain, and it is even possible for chronic headaches like migraines to develop as a result of regular neck pain. There are a lot of different ways that you can relieve neck pain, but the best treatment for your personal needs depends entirely on the type of injury that you’ve experienced. Here is a quick breakdown of what could be going on to cause your neck pain: If your pain is developing gradually over time and is not the result of any particular injury that comes to mind, then it may be a result of Degenerative Disc Disease . When this develops, you may experience chronic neck pain as a result of fluid-filled sacs that are becoming weakened over time as a result of stress and strain. Physical therapy can help alleviate the pain from degenerative disc disease by helping STAY A NECK AHEAD OF CHRONIC PAIN MAKE EACH DAY PAIN–FREE
restore blood circulation and improve range of motion in the neck. This therapy is approached in a careful and deliberate way so as to not cause further pain in the neck region. Sometimes, neck pain develops after a particular injury, such as due to athleticismor even as a result of a car accident or a slip and fall accident. When this happens, your pain could be a result of a muscle strain or sprain. When this is the case, then using traditional methods like hot and cold therapy and targeted physical therapy treatment can do a lot of good to alleviate the pain. However, attempting exercises on your own could also result in further pain. In some cases, Mechanical Neck Pain candevelop as a result of a change in the neck joints. Thismay develop as a result of a disc collapsing, which causes the space between the bones to become narrow, often causing bones to strike one another, resulting in pain. When this isn’t addressed, mechanical neck pain can spread, causing the pain to become more severe and covering a wider range of the neck. Finally, neck pain is sometimes caused by Radiculopathy , which refers to pressure or irritation in the nerves of the neck, which alters the electrical signals in the neck, causing you to feel more pain throughout the day. Physical therapy can help reduce the pressure and irritation surrounding the nerves, often offering immediate relief from pain and discomfort. These are just some of the frequent causes of neck pain. It is important that you never assume that your neck pain is being caused by one or another of these issues, and that you instead alwaysworkwith a licensed and experienced physical therapist to determine the precise cause of your pain and discomfort. Schedule an appointment today on our website at loudounpt.com/newsletter-request-appointment.
IS YOUR NECK PAIN CAUSED BY SLEEP ISSUES?
There is one more factor that often is not spoken about, but it’s a frequent cause of neck pain and discomfort: Sleeping Issues . Sometimes, sleeping in a certain position or sleeping on amattress or pillow that is too soft or too hardwill 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 changes that you think may be necessary. Adjust how many pillows you sleep on, the position you sleep in or even yourmattress! For more support in finding relief from neck pain, talk to your physical therapist at our Leesburg (703-443-6700) or Lansdowne (703-858-9880) clinics or schedule an appointment at loudounpt.com/newsletter-request-appointment/ .
STAY HEALTHY: TIPS FOR BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Loudoun Physical Therapy is committed to your health and wellbeing. To keep you healthy in the wake of the recent spread of COVID-19, we are taking every precaution. Before and after every session, we are asking our clients and staff to wash or sanitize their hands. Additionally, we have increased the number of times per day that we sanitize our equipment and facilities. important to make sure your immune system is functioning in top shape – so your body can better fight off potential viruses. Boosting Your Immune System There are several steps you can take to help your body stay as healthy as possible. These include: your body is in shape, it quite literally has more strength to fight off unwanted viruses. Aiming for at least 20-30minutes of physical activity a day can help strengthen not only you, but your immune system as well.
3. Maintaining a nutritious diet. Having a diet that is heavy on fruits and vegetables is perhaps one of the best ways to boost your immune system. The essential vitamins found in many fruits and vegetables are key to making sure your immune system is as healthy as possible. Looking for more tips to stay healthy and strong? Call Loudoun Physical Therapy today or visit our website at loudounpt.com/ newsletter-request-appointment/.
1. Getting adequate rest. When you are well rested, your body is able to function at its optimum levels – which means it is better able to fight off illness. Aiming for 8-9 hours each night will help your immune system work in the ways it was meant to. 2. Exercising regularly. Exercise is also a great way to boost your immune system. When
We all know the general rules of preventing sickness – washing your hands (especially after being in a public place), getting your flu shot, carrying around hand sanitizer, avoiding sharing food/drinks with people – but did you know that boosting your immune system can help keep you healthy and strong? It’s so
NECK PAIN, NO MORE! CALL TODAY OR VISIT US AT LOUDOUNPT.COM
FOCUSING ON YOUR HEALTH & FITNESS Keep Moving. In addition to staying active, try to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. Research shows that getting up for just five minutes every 30 to 60 minutes and performing light activity (say, pacing around the house or performing simple squat exercises) reduces the risk of diabetes and other heart disease risk factors. it comes to ways to have quality time with family and friends while also prioritizing your health. Plan YourWorkouts. Note your workouts in your schedule to ensure they are a part of your day. Remember, some exercise is better than none. Rather than skipping the gym altogether, make time for a quick workout.
HAS YOUR PA I N COME BACK? You will receive a movement evaluation to determine your true problem, education on why you are hurting and how to prevent it from reoccurring, and an exercise prescription specifically to meet your needs. Most Insurance plans DO pay for Telehealth Physical Therapy visits. Call or schedule an appointment at loudounpt.com/newsletter- request-appointment/ . We are now able to see you in the office or remotely through Teletherapy. Teletherapy is a convenient, one-on-one Telehealth visit that is performed by our skilled physical therapists on a computer connected to the internet. TELETHERAPY NOW AVAILABLE!
Stay Healthy with an Immunity Boost. Just a few minutes of exercise a day can help prevent simple bacterial and viral infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drink Eight, 8-Oz Glasses Of Water Each Day. Try to keep water with you at all times. Fill up a 64 ounce water jug in the morning and finish it by the end of the day.
Be Creative and Get Rid of ‘All Or Nothing’ Mindsets. Do your best to avoid the ‘all or nothing’ mentality when it comes to healthful eating and physical activity. Get a bit creative with exercise and opt for fun ways that make physical activity a family affair. Fromexploring new group fitness classes (even virtually) to building physical activity into family traditions. Think outside the box when
WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING
There was an immediate impact to my daily life
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Keep up with your physical therapy exercises to relieve pain and prevent further injuries. If your pain doesn’t subside, consult with your therapist about what other things might be causing pain. Call Loudoun Physical Therapy or visit our website at loudounpt.com/ newsletter-request-appointment/ . We will guide you so you can get back to the activities you love.
after starting treatment: increased mobility with much less pain. The pain continues to diminish as I work through exercises and progress in treatment. It was surprising how my mobility increased after one specific exercise they taught me. I’m now noticing daily routines are more comfortable. The staff at Loudoun PT has been wonderful, very professional, and friendly.” - B. R.
DIRECT ACCESS WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Physical Therapy is Easier to Get Than You Think! • A physician referral no longer needed, whether you want a check-up, suffered a recent injury, or if you want to improve your overall health and wellness. • Therapy may begin with a full evaluation by a licenced physical therapist. • When a physician refers you to therapy, you ALWAYS have the right to CHOOSE where to be seen. Call us today or visit our website at loudounpt.com.
EXERC I SE ESSENT I AL S USE THIS EXERCISE TO REL I EVE NECK PAIN
Levator Scapulae Stretch (Overpressure) Sit in a chair with the hand on the side of the neck to be stretched beneath you. (Alternatively, you can grab under the chair.) Use your free hand to gently pull your nose down toward your armpit so as to give your neck an extra stretch. Good stretch to use if you sit at a computer all day.
Exercises copyright of
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
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