Monthly Archives: March 2022

Neck Pain

HOW TO GET RID OF STIFF NECK

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There are a number of problems that cause pain in the neck. Irritation along nerve pathways in the neck can cause pain in the shoulder, head, arm, and/or hand.

CAUSES OF NECK PAIN:

Neck pain can be caused by irregularities in the soft tissues areas, namely in the muscles, ligaments, and nerves. The irregularities can also occur in the bones and joints of the spine. The most common causes of neck pain in the soft-tissue regions are due to injuries, degeneration, or prolonged wear and tear on the muscles and ligaments. In rare cases, infections or tumors may be the cause of neck pain. For some people, neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms.

Other causes of neck pain can be caused by:

INFLAMMATORY DISEASES - Rheumatoid arthritis can cause destruction of the joints of the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs in the upper neck area.

CERVICAL DISK DEGENERATION - The cervical discs act as a shock absorber between the bones in the neck. In cervical disk degeneration, which typically occurs in people age 40 years and older, the normal gelatin-like center of the disk degenerates and the space between the vertebrae narrows. As the disc space becomes narrow, additional stress is placed on the joints of the spine.

INJURY - Because the neck has so much flexibility and it must constantly support the head, it is extremely susceptible to injury. Motor vehicle or diving accidents, participation in contact sports, traumatic injuries, or falls may result in neck injuries. The regular use of safety belts in motor vehicles can help to minimize or prevent neck injury.

OTHER CAUSES - Tumors, Infections, or Congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae may also cause neck pain and range of motion limitations.

Risks and Prevention of Neck Pain

You may be most shocked to learn that you do much of your standing, sitting, exercise and other activities with a forward head. Test yourself and see if you have a tendency to tilt forward:

  • Stand with your back to a wall, but not touching the wall.
  • Back yourself up to the wall until something on your body makes contact.

Start paying attention to how other people sit while eating or how they tend to carry a large purse or backpack. Does their neck tilt forward against the load or are they using muscles to hold the spine in a healthy position? The average person will overstretch their neck and upper body unequally so often, it is a mystery that they don’t have more pain.

  • Stand with your whole body (heels, hips, upper back, and the back of your head) against a wall.
  • Bring the back of your head against the wall without raising or dropping your chin, or arching your back.
  • If you cannot keep your heels, hips, upper back, and the back of your head against the wall in a comfortable position or you crane your neck, you are too tight to stand up straight.

Many people are susceptible to neck and shoulder pain because of repetitive work-related issues, poor posture, and overall bad habits. The things listed below will help you assess your situation and your likely cause of neck and shoulder pain.

Be aware of your Posture

If you are sitting in the same position for long amounts of time you are a prime canditate for neck stiffness and pain.

  • Identify the risks associated with your job and your daily work routine. If you are required to lift heavy objects or are at risk of injury due to a fall or other trauma, you may eventually sustain a more serious injury which causes neck pain. Be certain you take the necessary precautions and safety measures while working.
  • Make an appointment with your doctor for a full check-up annually, especially if you are at increased risk of osteoporosis or congenital problems.
  • Examine your lifestyle for habits that may lead to pain. Pay attention to how you fall asleep, or when you are resting on the couch. Pillows that are very soft or filled with feather or down are likely to cause bad posture during sleep. You should investigate pillows that support the natural curve of your back and neck. Make sure you have suitable furniture in your home. A desk chair that is not supportive or a pillow that doesn’t offer enough neck support will lead to bad posture and result in neck pain.
  • Use relaxation techniques when you are under mental and emotional stress. Stress is a major culprit in bad cases of neck pain. Incorporate the following daily exercises and activities into your day to keep muscles flexible and healthy. Exercising regularly will also reduce tension and stress hormones in your body.

Aquatic therapy or pool therapy consists of an exercise program that is executed in the water. It is a valuable form of therapy that is useful for a range of medical conditions. Aquatic therapy utilizes the physical properties of water to aid in patient healing and exercise performance. Call today at: 703-670-9935

http://www.alliancephysicaltherapyva.com

Physical Therapy

IDENTIFYING CLUSTER HEADACHES

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What are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster Headaches are one-sided headaches which occur in cyclic patterns or clusters and are marked by the tearing of the eyes and stuffy nose. It is amongst the most agonizing and traumatic types of pain. Such headaches occur at the same time every year and is much more painful if it strikes you at night as compared to the day time. Episodes of pain occur constantly for one week to one year.

Who normally get affected by Cluster Headaches?

Men are at higher risk of getting affected by Cluster Headaches than women. These headaches can strike at any age but are more likely to occur at adolescent or middle age. These are commonly inherent and are transmitted through genes.

What triggers Cluster Headaches?

The exact causes of Cluster Headaches are still not known to the physicians, but  the following are considered as the potential causes of Cluster Headaches:

  • Sudden release of Histamine or Serotonin
  • In taking alcohol or Smoking cigarettes
  • Bright Lights
  • Exertion
  • Heat
  • Nitrites rich food
  • Cocaine
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Season(common in spring or autumn)

What are the symptoms associated with Cluster Headaches?

These headaches arise frequently and without any warning signals but the pain most commonly attacks 2 or 3 hrs. after you fall asleep. Following can be enlisted as the signs and symptoms of Cluster Headaches:

  • Excessive or throbbing pain; commonly concentrated around or in one eye
  • One sided pain; from neck to temples
  • Uneasiness
  • Excessive Tearing
  • Redness in the affected side eye
  • One sided runny nose
  • Sweating
  • Swelling around the affected side eye
  • Drooping eyelids

What are the treatments available for Cluster Headaches?

Physicians adopt two types of techniques to treat Cluster Headaches viz.

  • Abortive Medications: These medications are prescribed to treat pain when it strikes. Imitrex or some other triptans are prescribed to subside pain when it occurs. At times, oxygen therapy is also administered, where you have to inhale oxygen through face mask.
  • Preventive Medications :  These medicines are prescribed by your doctor to minimize the time duration of cluster headaches and to reduce the severity of pain during cluster headaches.

How Physical Therapists can help to treat Cluster Headaches?

Physical Therapists can assist you in getting rid of  your Cluster Headaches beyond medications. Practicing exercises under the surveillance of an expert and trained Physical Therapist can enable you to relax muscle tension and as well to relieve stress. Physical Therapists prescribe following exercises to treat Cluster Headaches :

  • Physical Therapists administer various relaxation techniques to help you to relax the muscles of your neck, jaw and shoulders. Progressive Relaxation techniques  are also administered and practiced to relax each and every muscle of your body.
  • Cluster Headaches occur due to stress. Your breathing patterns get disturbed, when you are stressed. So to alter these disrupted breathing patterns, Physical Therapists practice different breathing exercises and make you relieved. These exercises are really advantageous when you are suffering from pain.
  • Exercises that help to alleviate stress are followed. These help to reduce the occurrence ands severity of headaches. These also heighten the level of beta- endorphins which are your natural  stress relievers.

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for the efficient management of any type of pain. Timely diagnosis and treatment can save you from further pain and suffering and as well help you to lead a healthy and quality life.