Whiplash happens in an instant: you twist your neck while playing sports, falling or from being rear-ended in a car accident. This acceleration causes a flexion-extension injury— commonly known as “whiplash,” and can really be a pain in the neck! In other words, whiplash occurs when an abnormal force causes your neck to move beyond […]
Do you experience arm pain that decreases when the arm is raised above your head? Many times, the initial discomfort results from nerves in the neck being pinched because the shoulder blade is not positioned correctly. Raising your arm above your head takes the stretch off the nerve and provides relief, but carrying something like […]
Concussions result from a blow to the head that causes the brain to be shaken inside the skull. Especially among children and young adults who participate in impact sports, such as football or basketball, concussions can be quite common. However, because concussions are often described as “mild,” we may forget that they are significant brain […]
That pain you feel when turning your head while backing up your car is probably due to tightness in the muscles of your neck and upper back, often the result of years of poor posture. To improve your posture, keep your neck in a “neutral” position, with your chin more tucked in than pushed forward. […]
If you experience an achy neck upon awakening in the morning, your pillow habits could be to blame. You may be using pillows to “overstuff” the space between your neck and the mattress or be sleeping on an older, flattened pillow. Fluffy feather pillows are usually better than foam for providing proper support; replace them […]
You have probably seen those commercials: a somber-looking accident attorney asks if you have been in a car accident, then starts droning on and on about the many physical problems that can result. Even the most minor fender bender, he tells you, can result in years of pain and suffering―usually due to a condition called […]
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition in which the nerves or blood vessels that travel to the arm and hand are compressed between soft tissues near the side of the neck. Most people are able to manage their thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms through physical therapy. Specialized exercises can improve muscle balance and posture to lessen […]
Fender benders with your car typically cause more annoyance than trauma. After exchanging insurance information, assessing the damage to your car and silently cursing the other driver for texting instead of watching the road, you will probably just go on with your day. But several hours later, you feel a deep ache in your neck, […]
Do you feel as though you need to turn your entire body to look to one side? Do you wake up with pain in the base of your head and upper back, pain that only gets worse after long car rides or working at a desk all day? Is there an unexplained ringing in your […]
Neck pain is a very common complaint. But the good news is that it is usually caused by joint and muscle problems, not serious disease. A variety of physical therapy treatments can lessen neck pain. Mobilization is a rehabilitation technique in which our hands slowly and repeatedly move the neck joints and muscles to calm […]
