News You Can Use - Issue 16 - Neck Pain and Seven Keys to Healthy Posture

STEVE Botuchis LMT, EFT Certified -1, ACMOS Certified Bio-Energeticain KST Practitioner

Neck Pain and Seven Keys to Healthy Posture Neck pain is probably the number one complaint I hear from clients followed closely by back pain complaints. All too often after spending a session on the client's neck problem I see them undoing the work before they even leave the office. They throw a heavy purse or computer bag on their shoulder or they are hunched over reading their emails. These are just some of the body mechanics that keep the cycle of pain going in an endless loop. Today I'm going to discuss seven keys to using proper body mechanics that will allow your neck to feel better with or without a massage. Problem #1 – A Flexed Head Posture Flexion is when you bend your head forward as in reading a book or working on a cell phone or typing on a computer keyboard.The problem is that when we move our head forward it is no longer in balance with our trunk. This results in overuse and strain. Translation....a sore neck. If you are stuck at a desk for long periods put a post it note on your computer with 30/30 on it. Use it as a reminder to stand up every thirty minutes or so and stretch for 30 seconds. Problem #2 – Head forward and Extended Bending your head forward (flexion) while at the same time lifting head up and back (extension) puts tremendous strain and pressure on your neck muscles.  It gives you the feeling of having your shoulders attached to your neck.   Problem #3 – Holding the arms out to the side and in front of you as you tend to do when working on a computer When you hold the arms in this manner your trapezius muscles contract to stabilize your scapula. This contraction creates many of those knots clients tend to complain about and contribute to that feeling of the shoulders feeling drawn up to your neck.  To prevent this it's better to bring the work closer to your body so your upper arms are hanging vertically down by your side. Problem #4 – Carrying a purse or bag on your shoulder    Even if the bag is empty the natural slope of the shoulder means you have to elevate the scapula/shoulder girdle by contracting the upper trapezius and levator scapulae to prevent the bag from sliding off. It's better to wear the bag across the body or use a back pack or family pack. The best option is to use a bag on wheels. Problem #5 Carrying a weight in our hand  Examples include carrying a computer bag, heavy purse or suitcase. Holding any weight in the hand creates a traction that pulls the shoulder girdle down toward the ground. This action must be countered by upper back muscles. Problem #6 – Crimping a phone between the shoulder and ear  Crimping requires lateral flexion (bending sideways) of the neck and elevation of the shoulder girdle.  An alternative is to hold it with opposite side hand or even better use a handset. Problem #7 – Unhealthy sleep posture  The average person sleeps between six and seven hours per night. An unhealthy sleep posture can greatly add to a neck condition. If you sleep on your stomach your neck is forced into a posture of neck rotation for the entire night. If your pillow is too thick your neck is forced into excess flexion (head bent forward) all night. The best sleep posture is either on the back with a small pillow that supports the normal curve of the neck or on the side with a pillow that supports the head and neck in a neutral posture. Five Benefits of Massage Five great reasons to get a massage for yourself or give a gift to the one in your life you would like to thank. Relieves Stress Improves Posture Improves Circulation Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion Relieves Headaches Perfect Gift 60 Minute Massage: $70 90 Minute Massage: $95 Click here to purchase to your gift certificate (click the services button and choose your Gift Certificate). EFT  (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a wonderful self help tool that can help clients deal with pain and a variety of emotional issues. Below I have provided an easy to use introduction.  Please read, explore, and call if you have any questions. What is EFT? EFT is a powerful self-help method based on research showing that emotional trauma contributes greatly to disease. Clinical trials have shown that EFT is able to rapidly reduce the emotional impact of memories and incidents that trigger emotional distress. Once the distress is reduced or removed, the body can often rebalance itself, and accelerate healing. Here's how you can experience this for yourself: Try EFT yourself by downloading a free starter package which includes starter manual @ www.emofree.com,  It gives you all the basics and allows you to test drive EFT on your own issues (although at a beginner's level). If you like what you see and want to learn more or try a session give me a call. Caveat: For people who are emotionally or physically frail, qualified health professionals should be consulted before using any health procedure, including EFT. Read the exhaustive list of actual cases on the website. These are written by clients, therapists and physicians and allow you to see EFTs possibilities through the eyes of both newcomers and professionals. Note the wide variety of successes. This is why you are encouraged to, "Try it on everything." Refer to the Tapping Chart below to tap on the correct acupuncture points. Just use two fingers and tap lightly on each point for five to seven seconds.

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