R Jason Kent PT. Neck Pain & Stress

Does your neck hurt? You might be suffering from stress-related pain — also called a tension headache. During anxiety, muscles tense up. As muscle tension tightens, the back, shoulders and neck are affected. The more pressure they cause, the more discomfort you get. Let’s take a closer look at stress-related neck pain.

P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P Y N E W S L E T T E R

IS STRESS THE SOURCE OF YOUR NECK PAIN?

HOW PT CAN HELP! How physical therapy can resolve your neck pain!

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS Try this exercise to relieve neck pain and keep moving!

ARE YOU EXERCISING? See how exercise boosts your health, mood, and immunity!

P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P Y N E W S L E T T E R

IS STRESS THE SOURCE OF YOUR NECK PAIN?

Does your neck hurt? You might be suffering from stress-related pain — also called a tension headache. During anxiety, muscles tense up. As muscle tension tightens, the back, shoulders and neck are affected. The more pressure they cause, the more discomfort you get. Let’s take a closer look at stress-related neck pain. Is My Neck Pain Caused by Stress? Pain worsened by keeping your head in one place — like when you’re driving, or using a computer — is likely postural related neck pain. While neck pain has a slew of symptoms, its major symptoms, reported by Mayo Clinic, are: • Muscle tightness and spasms • Headaches • Decreased ability to move the head Stress-induced neck pain isn’t rare. It also isn’t psychological. Many experts think stress-induced neck pain is caused by physical factors— low, but constant, trapezius muscle activity. If your neck pain starts at the base of your shoulders, traveling upward, it may be stress related. Causes of Stress-Related Neck Pain While stress alone can trigger neck pain, a few factors can make it worse. Office environments tend to create neck pain problems — as they confine people to chairs, bad posture and little mobility. Driving often, too, can make your chances of stress- related neck pain higher. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests contacting a professional if you’re experiencing neck pain. Even if it’s caused by stress, untreated neck pain might later reveal muscle spasms, arthritis, bulging discs or even narrowed spinal nerve openings.

WHAT IS TELEHEALTH? Our clinics are still open ; however, you can also stay homewhile attending your VIRTUAL Physical Therapy appointment if youdon't feel safe leaving home! Telehealth – Physical Therapy services provided over a live, face-to-face videoon your smartphone or computer. E-Visit – Communication through our patient portal for established patients. For E-Visits, ask us to send you a link to download our patient portal. A PTwill respond to your questions and concerns with their clinical findings (Medicare Approved) . Telephone Assessment – A PT will assess your care over the phone. You can also email us a video or images of your concerns and a PT will contact you (Medicare approved). Most insurance plans will cover these options, and even waive co-pays, especially for those infected with COVID-19. Want to see whether you’re covered? Call us today, or visit our website at rjasonkentpt.com to schedule your preferred virtual services!

HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP YOUR NECK PAIN

mobility once more. During this time, if you cannot make it to your physical therapy appointments, continue your exercises at home, and contact us about our telehealth options. If you’re suffering from neck pain, call R. Jason Kent Physical Therapy at 478.333.3075 (Warner Robins) or 478.254.6880 (Macon) to schedule your consultation!

Neck pain, fortunately, can be alleviated with physical therapy. Because neck pain is often caused by activity, different activity can cure it. Sometimes, this “activity” means “no activity.” If you don’t see relief within two weeks, contact a professional. Physical therapists can target your pain’s source by examining your symptoms. Then, they can offer exercises that stretch, strengthen and relax your neck muscles. In time, your neck will become more resilient — giving you the comfort you deserve. Where after-care treatment is considered, custom-tailored neck exercises will assure your neck stays loose, limber and healthy. If you’re dealing with neck pain, you’re not alone. Call our office today, and schedule an assessment. Even if your neck pain is caused by stress, it still needs attention. We’ll work side-by-side with your goals, creating the proactive, effective programs you need to achieve

Sources https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-relieve-neck-pain-caused-stress https://www.everydayhealth.com/neck-pain/neck-pain-reduce-stress.aspx https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0027055/ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000802.htm

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/most-neck-pain-improves-with-self-care-time/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20375581

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS Perform This Exercise To Relieve Neck Pain In Minutes!

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DIRECT ACCESS?

CHIN TUCK SUPINE Lie with roll under neck. Without lifting head, tuck chin gently. Keep the large muscles in the neck relaxed. Repeat 3-6 times as needed throughout the day to relieve neck pain.

1. Call and consult directly with a physical therapist at one of our locations to discuss your pain and symptoms. You may not even need a prescription! We can communicate with your insurance to discuss your options.

2. Your physical therapist may suggest exercises or precautionary measures to relieve or avoid pain.

3. If further assessment is needed to find the cause of your paint, your therapist can schedule an appointment with you.

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Schedule your consultation at R. Jason Kent PT by calling 478.333.3075 (Warner Robins) or 478.254.6880 (Macon)!

UP YOUR MOOD & IMMUNITY GAME! Exercising At Home Can Benefit Your Mood & Immunity

The best way to keep your body healthy during this time is to stay moving and reduce inflammation. Being sedentary and making poor diet choices has the potential to hurt your immune system and make you a target for sickness and disease. In order to be healthy, there needs to be a large emphasis on movement. When your body is flexible, strong, well-balanced, and fueled by a nutritious diet, it is able to fight infection and reduce the impact of viruses. We are dedicated to helping you live the best life you can. During this time, if you cannot make it to your physical therapy appointments, continue your exercises at home. We care for you and remember you are part of our physical therapy family. Other quick tips you can do to increase your immunity include: • Wash your hands frequently. • Decide to get up & get moving. • Get a good amount of rest. • Stretch.

You may find it pretty tempting to stay in bed all day, especially with the nationwide quarantine efforts; however, remaining inactive for long periods can actually detrimentally affect your mood and immune system. Exercise and depression. Maintaining an exercise schedule can prevent you from relapsing. It promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that energize your spirits and make you feel good. Exercise can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression. Exercise and anxiety. Anything that gets you moving can help, but you’ll get a bigger benefit if you pay attention instead of zoning out. By adding this mindfulness element—really focusing on your body and how it feels as you exercise—you’ll not only improve your physical condition faster, but you may also be able to interrupt the flow of constant worries running through your head. Exercise and ADHD. Exercising regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. Physical activity immediately boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which affect focus and attention.

• Take frequent breaks for breathing exercises. Inhale and exhale deeply. • Continue your home exercise program 2-3 times per week.

• Eat nutrition-rich food. • Drink plenty of water. • Don’t smoke.

We encourage all of our patients to remain active during these times, even if you have to exercise indoors. For more information or tips to help you keep moving, contact R. Jason Kent PT today!

YOUR HEALTH IN MIND!

HEALTHY RECIPE CHICKEN MANGO SALAD Ingredients

The staff at R. Jason Kent PT is focused on keeping our equipment and facilities clean for you. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we want to also encourage our patients to help prevent the spread of coronavirus by:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast • 1 medium mango, sliced • ½ cup chopped fresh mint • ¼ cup sliced scallions • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

• 1/3 cup orange juice • 3 tbsp rice vinegar • 3 tbsp less-sodium soy sauce • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil • 2 tsp sambal oelek (optional) • 6 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage • 2 cups sugar snap peas, thinly sliced

STAYING HOME IF YOU ARE SICK

WEAR FACE MASK WHEN

CLEANING HANDS OFTEN

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE

AROUND OTHERS

Directions Whisk juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and sambal oelek (if using) in a large bowl. Add cabbage, peas, chicken, mango, mint and scallions; toss gently to coat. Serve the salad sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Need therapy while social distancing? Schedule an e-visit or virtual physical therapy appointment with us today! We want to wish health and safety to all of our patients!

Learn more about R. Jason Kent PT by visiting our website at rjasonkentpt.com!

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