Posts Tagged ‘neck pain’

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Neck Pain Management

Friday, January 7th, 2011

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Sadly, millions of people around the globe suffer from severe pain in the neck area. The causes of this affliction can be as varied as the people who suffer from it. Anything from an old high school sports injury or a car accident to just sleeping in the wrong position can cause a person to suffer from mild to severe neck pain, for an indefinite period of time.

However, the main, most common reason for neck pain is not accidents or sports injuries but is in fact simply age. Getting older can be very hard on our bodies, particular our muscles and joints. As we grow old, the joints in bodies start to show the signs of physical wear and tear; this often results in a medical condition called osteoarthritis of the neck.

One very effective and increasingly popular therapy for helping to ease and control painful neck conditions is physical therapy. This treatment option is considered a conservative choice and is rapidly becoming the first step taken by many neck pain patients. Physical therapy is usually based around the sufferer engaging in special stretches and gentle exercises that are specifically designed for the type of pain the patient is experiencing. These special exercise routines generally help, over a period of time, to control and minimize the severity of the pain that the sufferer feels.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Neck-Pain-Management&id=5114471

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Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Neck pain is a common complaint that chiropractors treat on a daily basis. Chiropractic care is a very effective non-surgical approach that addresses the mechanical (spinal alignment) and neurological (nerve function) causes of neck pain.

Chiropractors utilize spinal adjustments to correct the cause of pain in your neck. When a spinal joint is misaligned it can cause a cascade of symptoms. Misalignments create abnormal movement which can cause muscle spasms, nerve root irritation, joint swelling and pain. Neck disorders can lead to other symptoms as well including headaches and arm symptoms such as pain, numbness and tingling.

Chiropractors are trained in diagnosis and treatment of many neuromusculoskeletal disorders. A thorough history and examination would be given to assess the specific cause of your pain and may also include spinal imaging.

Your chiropractic exam includes a postural evaluation, range of motion testing, palpation to test for tenderness, spasm and restricted motion. Various orthopedic and neurological tests would be performed. When evaluating for neck pain as well as any other condition your chiropractor has been trained to look at the whole body for sources contributing to your neck condition.

Your chiropractic care usually includes physiotherapy in the form of ultra-sound, muscle stimulation, stretching, massage and trigger point release to name a few, all for the purpose of reducing swelling, inflammation or muscle spasms which contribute to the pain cycle.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Chiropractic-Care-for-Neck-Pain&id=5507934

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End Neck Pain by Improving Posture

Monday, September 27th, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Neck pain usually comes from pressure from a misaligned neck spine. When your spine is misaligned (some call that subluxated) it does not move like it should and in turn creates inflammation in that area. Either out-of-alignment spinal vertebrae (spinal bones) put direst pressure on nerves or the inflammation, or built up degeneration causes the pressure.

The most common misaligned postural pattern in the neck that will result in neck pain, stiffness and lack of mobility is forward head carriage. This is when the head posture is forward of the shoulders and almost always reveals loss of the normal neck alignment or curvature.

With people today, more than ever we are seeing a misaligned neck posture of the neck curve flattening or straightening and protruding out forward. One of the reasons is that more and more people these days are on computers for long hours. Many jobs now require you to be on a computer continually, and even the people without a desk job are on the computer for hours on end; nights, weekends, mornings, you name it.

The best postural exercise to eliminate forward head posture are Head Retractions. Pretend your head is on a sliding track and pull your head back keeping it level. For example sit fully back against a wall or chair pull your head straight back without tilting or extending your head until you touch the wall, top of chair or headrest in your car.

Be more aware of your posture. Poor posture means a poor spine and therefore pressure on nerves that will not only just cause neck pain but can cause other problems as well.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?End-Neck-Pain-By-Improving-Posture—How-Proper-Posture-Improves-Your-Spine-Relieving-Nerve-Pressure&id=722738

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What is the Best Pillow for Neck Pain?

Friday, September 17th, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Every pillow you see has a claim or an advertisement stating how great that pillow is. There are many pillows that could be considered good quality pillows for neck pain.

The spine has three curves in it. The neck (cervical) curve has a “C” shape to it when looking from the side, with the mouth of the C facing behind you. If you look at the spine from the front of the person it should appear to be straight up and down. There are seven vertebrae or bones in the neck, numbered C1 through to C7.

A good pillow will support the “C” curve of the neck and keep the spine in proper alignment when a person is lying on their back. Ideally the weight of the head and neck is supported in a neutral position. If the pillow is too large, the head could be held up to high and forced forward, or if the person is on their side the head would be bent at an uncomfortable angle.

Even though we can measure neck curves and have an ideal curve pattern, no two people in the world have the identically same neck. Often, a pillow may have a hard, medium and soft version of each size. If you sleep on your side, you want to make sure the pillow supports your head and does not tilt on an angle away from the bed, your head and neck should stay in alignment with your body. Your neck should be supported and the pillow should fit comfortably between the bed and your neck and head. The pillow should have some degree of flexibility to fit to your body shape and size.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-the-Best-Pillow-For-Neck-Pain?&id=4669401

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Types of Massages for Neck Pain Relief

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

In holistic medicine there are several types of massages available that can be performed by an experienced massage therapist to help relieve neck pain. Some of them are:

Deep Tissue Massage is especially intended to reduce severe tension in the muscles and connective tissues. A professional massage therapist applies an intense, focused and hard pressure to release the sustained deep pressure from the neck and upper back.

Shiatsu Massage is a type of Japanese hands-on-therapy, a massage therapist applies pressure to the affected area of the body by using his fingers and palm in order to correct the imbalance of the body and promote sense of well-being.

Swedish Massage includes a variety of manual therapies that help release muscle tension and provides relief from neck pain.

Trigger Point therapy is where manual pressure, vibration or some other treatment is applied by the massage therapist to alleviate myofascial pain from the affected body area. This manual therapy effectively enhances blood flow to the damaged areas, releases neck muscle spasms and promotes the natural healing process.

There are various other types of massages that significantly release muscle tension and help provide neck pain relief. A certified and licensed massage therapist can better analyze the severity of the condition and recommend the particular type of massage therapy that will be suitable to fix the condition and promote health. Regular exercises and good posture i.e. aligned spine position are also recommended to decrease the neck pain.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Massage-Therapy-For-Neck-Injuries&id=4896499

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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Massage Therapy For Neck Injuries

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

The neck is one of the most flexible organs of the body that has a great deal of functionality. It is quite susceptible to injuries, because it is subjected to a lot of stress and weight and to a certain extent because of its flexibility. Neck pain is usually caused by the stress, misuse, overuse, poor posture, accident or a sport injury. Neck pain is one of the most common complaints that may become a constant problem if remain untreated and ignored. In holistic medicine, massage therapy is considered as the most significant natural treatment that helps provide effective pain management.

Massage therapy is the natural way of treating neck pain. It is a profound and non-invasive holistic approach that is effective for people of all age groups. It not only provides pain relief and management, but also decelerates the progression of neck problems.

All neck problems including injuries require immediate assistance of a health care practitioner, because damaged muscles, ligaments and nerves may lead to a serious condition called osteoarthritis. Furthermore, neck injuries that occur due to accidents can lead to more severe neck problems including whiplash, herniated disc, fracture, pinched nerve and paralysis.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Massage-Therapy-For-Neck-Injuries&id=4896499

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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Get some Deliverance For Your Back Pain

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Most people will experience back pain at some point in their existence. This pain may be located in the lower back, shoulders or even the neck. The causes may be from injury or a result of repeated stress activities. When injured a person typically seeks out some form of treatment, but when the pain comes on gradually, people tend to ignore the symptoms.

Several types of treatment options are available today. However, preventative options are better than trying to treat the pain. Massage therapy is recommended by most health care professionals. While professional massage therapy by seem preferred, it is not the most convenient method. Massage chairs are an alternative for relieving back pain that provide many benefits.

The most important thing to consider is treating your back pain before the injury worsens. Pain will not simply go away untreated. You should consult your doctor or chiropractor about the methods they recommend. But remember, the pain will not go away overnight, continued treatment and prevention is important.

Today’s massage chairs offer a vast selection of therapies to help with pain and tension relief.

Link: Health Blog
http://healthblog000.blogspot.com/2009/12/get-some-deliverance-for-your-back-pain.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DVZq+%28Health+Blog%29

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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Cervical Disc

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Cervical disc problems can lead to conditions of severe pain and disability, unfortunately for those suffering, the frustration lies in the slow healing process of such discomfort.

The most common problems that can develop with a cervical disc are bulging or ‘herniated’ discs, and a degenerative disc disease which is a form of arthritis.

Bulging discs are cause when the strong outer cover of the disc tears or is weakened. The jelly substance in the center of the discs shifts into the weaker area. This is what creates the bulge. When this bulge comes into contact with the nerves of the spine, essentially pinching them, this is when you feel the pain of the bulging disc.

Degenerative disc disease occurs when the jelly in the center begins to lose its water, essentially becoming dehydrated. When this happens the disc becomes shorter and the bones become closer, causing more pressure on the nerves.

One of the best alternative treatments for cervical discs is massage therapy. Massage chairs offer treatments to focus on the neck, while adding heat therapy to help increase the blood flow, thus delivering natural healing chemicals to the injured discs.

Link: Article Pros
http://www.ArticlePros.com/Health-and-Fitness/Back-Pain/article-150406.html

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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At-Home Therapy for Mild Neck or Back Pain

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

Most people will, at some point in their lives, wake up with neck or back pain, mild enough to not see a doctor. There are a few home remedies you can try to help alleviate mild back or neck pains.

First, stop irritating the injury. Figure out which activities caused the problem and then stop doing that activity. Most pains experienced when first waking are caused by sleeping positions, for instance, too many, or not enough, pillows can cause a “crick in the neck”.

Second, try over-the-counter pain medications. Acetaminophen based medications (such as Tylenol) help with pain relief. While NSAIDs (such as Motrin and Aleve) have pain relief properties as well as help control the inflammatory process which contributes to pain.

Third, apply ice. Using ice on the painful area for up to 48 to 72 hours helps to control the inflammation that may cause or enhance the pain eventually leading to chronic problems in the neck and shoulders. Be sure to wrap any homemade icepack in a towel before placing it on the affected area. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes with a 40 minute break before repeating.

Fourth, apply heat. Heat will typically exasperate an inflammation injury by making the inflammation worse. However, heat can provide pain relief by relaxing muscle spasms. Heat for 15-20 minutes at a time with a 40 minute break before repeating.

Fifth, get a massage. A gentle massage treatment during the first few days of an injury can help to relief the stress on the muscles. Massaging the area moves the fluid in the area around, reducing scar tissue and working out knots and tension. Today’s massage chairs provide a convenient source of massage treatment. You can get the sensitive injured area treated without the costly expense of time or money.

Link: About.com [Alternative Medicine]
http://backandneck.about.com/od/painmanagement/tp/backselftherapy.htm

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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Neck Disc

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Problems with the discs in the neck can be particularly frustrating, not only because of the pain, but also the general disability.

Spinal discs are composed of a special ligament and one of their main purposes is to support the junction of spinal bones. The center of these hard discs is composed of a softer, jelly-like substance which helps act as a shock absorber in the body.

One of the problems with the spinal discs is that they don’t receive an adequate blood supply, so when an injury occurs the healing time is increased due to the slow process of delivering nutrients necessary for recovery.

When the disc becomes injured, sometimes the outer coating weakens and the jelly substance inside pushes against the weaker areas, causing what is referred to as a bulging disc. Oddly enough, the discs have no nerve sensors in them, so you’re pain is not from the bulging disc. Rather the pain felt is from impingement of the surrounding nerves. The discs surround the spinal cord, a long series of nerves, so when they are pressured, the pain can be felt in a variety of locations.

Many massage chairs offer features of massage directed in the neck area. This can help to stimulate the blood flow in the area, increasing the amount of nutrients that make their way through, which in turns helps the overall recovery process of the hurt disc.

Link: Article Pros
http://www.ArticlePros.com/Health-and-Fitness/Back-Pain/article-151438.html

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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