Neck Pain Support Blog

I Have My Therapist Stretch And Massage My Neck..

What does my therapist do that works so well when he treats my neck?

Let's talk about going in your therapist's office. The first step is the office itself. Is it relaxing, calm, and inviting? Maybe not only in the waiting area but the treatment room too. Is your doctor or therapist friendly and open with you?

Then treatment (really the main thing that will get you better). When massaging a muscle they'll often have a massage gel that feels good so we don't get burning if you are completely skin on skin.

I used to get a periodic massage and the therapist used a gel that would heat up upon application; and that felt really good.

What I have found is that if you understand the muscles, you know how to stretch and strengthen specie ones, and you know some massage techniques, you can more quickly and easily improve someone's condition.

Oh yeah, how is the staff? I had an appointment somewhere, but they messed up the time. I want to be clear about that, it wasn't me, I even had proof. The person at the front desk was rude and said I couldn't get in the schedule book for 3 weeks later. If I didn't make that appoint over a month out, no big deal, but I did!

Okay, back to technique. One specific technique I know of, is you put pressure on a muscles trigger points, or the common area for knots, while you stretch that muscle. The muscle knots run into your hand, or pressure as you stretch it or run it across it. Basically instead of stripping out a muscle by moving you across the patient ( or your forearm, or other tool ), the muscle across your hand.

Also, if they are clear on your problem, maybe what's causing your pain, they understand when to best utilize ultrasound, heat, ice, laser, parafin baths, you name it.

With that knowledge, your therapist can recommend things to do and not do at home. I'm, of course referring to activities. I know for me, being an expert in nutrition as well, I could also give dietary guidance that might help.

My recommendation is to do everything you can to get better. For example, your physical therapist might be great with helping you do exercise in the office and at home, your Chiropractors adjustment and nutritional advice may be invaluable, and your massage therapist has such a great office and bedside manner you feel fantastic whenever you leave their office, etc...

Any of the following doctors or therapists might recommend postural and orthopedic products too. I know an osteopath who loves this neck pillow (Arc4life traction pillow) because it helps relax muscles in the neck and upper-back. Whatever the pain or problem, it often takes a combination of thing to fully get someone better and keep them that way.

 

Additional Reading:

1. Prevention is Key
2. Do Everything You Can
3. For Help with Muscle Massage

 

Disc Pain Related To Spinal Alignment

 
The relationship of spinal alignmentand disc pain goes hand in hand,   and here's why:

1) You have a disc in between       basically each spinal bone. Those  bones   we  call vertebrae and theystack up on one another like         building blocks. If the bones aren't aligned properly then the disc in between them isn't held as securely as   it could be there a greater chance of a problem.     Things like a disc     herniation, disc bulge, a tear, and more...(a subject   for another blog).

2) With a misalignment you have a greater chance of nerve pressure.
There is only so much room to begin with; add in some inflammation andwhamooo!! you've got nerve pressure and pain.

So a big step in decreasing most disc problems is to align the spine. In    the Neck we use the arc4life pillow, true neck traction, and specific         postural exercises.

3) When you have misalignment and nerve pressure things are often      spirally in the downward, unhealthy direction.  For example arthritis       starts building up, nerve pressure happens quicker and easier, and pain  increases.

Disc degeneration, by the way, is arthritis.  You see, when a disc flatten, it bulges.  Sort of analogous to a flat tire.
 
On top of aligning the spine, keeping our     discs hydrated does help.  In    other words, drink more water.  Lastly, avoid activities that put a lot of   stress on the discs and        spine.

Resources:
1. Spine Health explores herniated disc        pain...
2. Help me understand neck arthritis
3. Your neck posture tells us about your      spine alignment

Preventing Neck Pain At The Office -

One component to preventing neck pain at the office is to watch your posture. Your body gets used to the "out of alignment posture" that's present on a regular basis.

We spend a lot of time on the computer these days, not to mention the phone or tablets. I'm not talking about holding your phone on your ear, I'm talking about using it to text or search the web. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, we just need to watch, and be aware of our posture. This will help us to prevent neck pain now and in the future.