Relieve Neck Pain with Acupuncture: A Natural Solution

woman with neck pain

Neck pain is a common affliction that affects millions of Canadians every year. While it can have a variety of causes, one natural solution that has been gaining popularity is acupuncture. Acupuncture is a conventional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and alleviate pain. This article will explore how acupuncture can effectively treat neck pain for Canadians.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. When the needles are inserted into specific points, they trigger a response from the nervous system that causes the release of endorphins and other natural painkillers. This helps reduce pain and inflammation and can promote healing in the affected area.

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Non-Invasive Treatment

Unlike many medications and surgical procedures that can have serious risks and complications, acupuncture is a safe and gentle therapy used by people of all ages and with health conditions. It only uses thin needles inserted into the skin at specific points to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Holistic Therapy

Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as a complex system of interconnected parts, and acupuncture seeks to restore balance and harmony to this system. This means that an acupuncturist will not only focus on the neck pain but also look at other factors contributing to the pain, such as stress, poor posture, or other health issues.

Things to Consider before Undergoing Acupuncture

Finding a qualified acupuncturist is essential if you consider acupuncture a neck pain treatment. In Canada, acupuncture is regulated as a health profession, and practitioners must be licensed and registered with a regulatory body such as the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA). 

Before starting treatment, your acupuncturist will thoroughly assess your health history and current condition and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. During an acupuncture session, the acupuncturist will insert thin, sterile needles into specific points on your body. 

You may feel a brief sensation of pressure or slight discomfort as the needles are inserted, but this should not be painful. Once the needles are in place, you will be asked to relax and lie still for around 20-30 minutes while they do their work. Some people find acupuncture to be a deeply relaxing and meditative experience.

Although acupuncture is generally considered safe, there are a few potential side effects that you should keep in mind. These may include slight bleeding or bruising where the needles are inserted, temporary feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, or a brief worsening of symptoms. Nonetheless, these side effects are typically mild and brief, and most individuals find acupuncture a safe and effective therapy for neck discomfort.

Of course, you should include other natural remedies to ease neck pain. These include gentle stretching and exercise, heat therapy, massage, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. Your acupuncturist may also recommend dietary changes or herbal remedies to support your overall health and well-being.

Final Thoughts

If you are suffering from neck pain, don’t suffer in silence. Acupuncture can be an effective and natural neck pain treatment to help you feel better and return to your daily activities. With the help of a qualified and experienced acupuncturist, you can experience the benefits of this ancient healing technique and start living your best life.

Looking for relief from chronic pain? Look no further than Your Pickering Chiropractors! Our experienced team offers acupuncture treatments to target your pain at its source. Book your appointment today and start feeling better tomorrow.

How Poor Posture Can Contribute to Neck and Back Pain

woman with poor sitting posture

Posture plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health of the body. It is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture ensures that our bones and joints are aligned correctly, reducing the risk of strain and injury in the muscles and ligaments. On the other hand, poor posture can lead to chronic neck and back pain, which can affect our daily activities and overall quality of life. In this article, we will discuss how posture affects neck and back pain and what steps can be taken to improve it.

The Relationship between Posture and Neck Pain

The neck or cervical region of the spine is particularly susceptible to poor posture as it supports the head’s weight. When the neck is in a forward head posture, it causes the neck and upper back muscles to work harder to support the head’s weight. This increased workload can lead to muscle fatigue, tension and pain. Additionally, poor posture can lead to compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the neck, leading to numbness and tingling sensations in the arms and hands.

The Relationship between Posture and Back Pain

Similarly, poor posture can also lead to chronic back pain. When the spine is not in proper alignment, it can cause the muscles and ligaments to work harder to support the body’s weight, leading to muscle strain and fatigue. Poor posture can also cause the discs in the spine to compress unevenly, leading to herniated discs, sciatica, and other spinal conditions. Additionally, poor posture can restrict the lungs’ ability to expand fully, leading to shallow breathing and decreased oxygen intake, which can harm overall health.

Tips for Improving Posture and Reducing Neck and Back Pain

The good news is that improving posture can help reduce neck and back pain. Here are some tips for improving posture:

1. Be Aware of Your Posture: The first step to improving posture is to be aware of it. Pay attention to your body’s positioning throughout the day, especially when sitting or standing for extended periods.

2. Sit Correctly: When sitting, make sure your feet are flat on the ground and your back is straight, with your shoulders relaxed. Use a chair with good back support that allows you to sit with your feet flat on the ground.

3. Stand Correctly: Make sure your weight is evenly distributed on both feet. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head held high. Avoid locking your knees.

4. Stretch Regularly: Regular stretching can help improve flexibility and loosen tight muscles. Focus on stretching the neck, shoulders, and back muscles, particularly susceptible to poor posture.

5. Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help improve posture by strengthening the core muscles that support the spine. Focus on exercises that strengthen the back, abdominal, and leg muscles.

Conclusion

Poor posture can significantly impact neck and back pain, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. However, by being aware of your posture and taking steps to improve it, you can reduce your risk of developing neck and back pain. Incorporating regular stretching and exercise into your daily routine can also help improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Making small changes to your posture can improve your overall health and quality of life.

Your Pickering Chiropractors can help you get rid of that back and neck pain in no time. We are a chiropractor in West Hill that can give you the proper treatment and care. Get in touch with us to learn how.

Navigating Neck Pain after a Chiropractic Adjustment

neck pain

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. One of the most common treatments chiropractors provide is neck adjustments or cervical manipulation. Although chiropractic care has proven effective in treating various health conditions, some patients have reported discomfort or pain in their necks after an adjustment. In this article, we delve deeper into what a neck adjustment is, who should get a neck adjustment from a chiropractor, and what to do if your neck hurts after a chiropractic adjustment.

What Is a Neck Adjustment?

Chiropractors use a neck adjustment technique to manipulate the cervical spine, comprising seven vertebrae. The main goal of this technique is to restore the proper alignment and range of motion of the cervical spine by applying a controlled force to specific joints. A chiropractor will use their hands or a specialised instrument to apply pressure to the joints in the neck to create a popping sound caused by the release of gas bubbles from the joint. This popping sound is often referred to as cavitation.

Who Should Get a Neck Adjustment from a Chiropractor?

Neck adjustments are typically recommended for individuals who experience neck pain, stiffness, or decreased range of motion. Various factors, including poor posture, repetitive strain, sports injuries, and car accidents, can cause these symptoms. Neck adjustments can also be helpful for individuals who suffer from headaches, migraines, and other conditions that may be related to the neck.

What to Do If Your Neck Hurts after a Chiropractic Adjustment?

It is not uncommon for patients to experience some discomfort or pain after a neck adjustment. This discomfort is usually mild and goes away within a few days. However, if you experience severe pain or other symptoms, it is important to contact your chiropractor immediately. Some of the signs that you may need to seek medical attention include:

  • Severe neck pain that does not go away or gets worse
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
  • Headaches or dizziness
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing

If you experience any of these symptoms after a neck adjustment, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your chiropractor may recommend additional treatments, such as massage therapy, physical therapy, or medication to help manage your symptoms.

Ways to Lessen the Pain

First, it’s important to stick to the chiropractic program that your practitioner has created for you. Trust the expert opinion of your chiropractor; they will know the best schedule for you.

Also, drink a large amount of water before and after your neck adjustment. This helps flush out toxins in your body and keeps your joints and muscles well-lubricated and hydrated.

Lastly, taking a break and getting a good night’s sleep after the procedure is essential in helping your body to recover and rejuvenate. Allowing yourself to rest and relax will allow your body to heal peacefully and blissfully.

Conclusion

Neck adjustments are a common treatment provided by chiropractors for individuals who suffer from neck pain, stiffness, or decreased range of motion. While this technique is generally safe and effective, some individuals may experience discomfort or pain after a neck adjustment. If you experience severe pain or other symptoms after a neck adjustment, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, it is important to consult with your chiropractor to determine if a neck adjustment is right for you based on your medical history and current health status.

Are you looking for a chiropractor in West Hill? Look no further than Your Pickering Chiropractors. Our treatments are designed to target the areas of your body that are causing pain or discomfort and improve your overall physical health. Book an appointment today!

Careers that benefit from regular chiropractic care, PART 4: Professional drivers

Regular chiropractic care and professional drivers

Careers that benefit from regular chiropractic care part 4: Professional drivers
In my last blog in this series I talked about our emergency personnel benefitting from regular chiropractic care.
In this issue I will discuss another group of workers who benefit from regular chiropractic care.

This group are our professional drivers, transit employees be they bus drivers, train engineers and subway and streetcar operators, truck drivers, taxi drivers and couriers. These drivers spend their working day behind the wheel of large vehicles responsible for the safety of many passengers and expensive cargo.
These drivers have a number of risk factors for developing back and neck pain in common; constant vibration from the road or rail, prolonged postural stresses leading to postural muscle fatigue, jarring forces from the road or rails and the constant stresses of driving.

Let’s take truck drivers for example, long haul truck drivers can often be driving for 14 hours at a stretch. While they are often using a specialized seat that aims to limit road forces to them, they are only so effective, the truck’s suspension is primarily there to support the load in the trailer, not the driver. As such much of the vibration is transmitted to the driver. The constant vibration of driving has been identified as a risk factor for back pain and the development of osteoarthritis in the spine.
The next group of drivers then should not be a surprise then, bus drivers more so public transit than luxury coach drivers I’m thinking of here, although coach drivers will still be at risk. Public mass transit buses are not built for comfort, most of us who have taken a public bus can attest to the rough ride. The drivers don’t fare much better, they often to have an air suspended seat, but these are not one size fits all and since the bus is operated by many drivers over a week they often will end up with back pain due to the poor designs and often age of the equipment.

Train operators be they subway operators don’t have specialized seats, however they don’t get as many jarring surfaces, subway operators will however have vibration and the jerky motion of the train can often produce back and neck pain. Commuter train operators have a specialized seat however they often are at risk of lateral sway of the vehicle causing a “side-lash” or side whiplash do to the often violent lateral movement of the train.

I often see these drivers regularly as a preventative measure and often as the result of a work-place injury to the neck or back. Regular chiropractic care can limit the negative effects of constant stress, muscle tightness, vibratory and jarring impacts to the spinal joints due to prolonged periods of sitting and muscular fatigue.
If you know of a professional driver who could benefit from my care please don’t hesitate to have them contact me.
For my other blogs in this series or other topics visit here https://yourpickeringchiropractors.ca

Careers that benefit from regular chiropractic care: Part 2

Careers that  benefit from regular chiropractic care: Part 2

In my first blog in this series I described how after painting my house for several weeks I was feeling quite sore in the upper back, neck and shoulders and those tradespeople who perform a lot of overhead tasks are at risk for neck, upper back and shoulder pain. So what other careers benefit from regular chiropractic care?

The next group of occupations that can benefit from regular chiropractic care are other health care professionals. In my practice I see a good number of nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, massage therapists and medical doctors of all specialities.

Why would these individuals, already in the healthcare world require chiropractic care?

Let us take nurses for example; nurses are on their feet for their whole shift, standing on very hard surfaces often resulting in heel pain. They are often required to lift, move, restrain patients much larger than themselves; this can result in back, neck and shoulder pain.

Dentists and dental hygienists work for long periods of time in one hunched forward posture with their arms extended, this posture puts serious pressure on the joints of the upper and lower back and rib cage.

In my practice I see a number of medical doctors who just like anyone else can get back pain either from their profession, again long hours on their feet, operating in less than ideal ergonomic positions.

Massage therapists are prone to posture related back pain and repetitive strain injuries of the upper limbs.

Lastly are chiropractors themselves, this is a hands on physical job and often we may work on patients much larger than ourselves and as although we try to manage our posture we too can be in prolonged positions that are less than ideal.

All these professions can benefit from chiropractic care to reduce the pain and dysfunction associated with acute injury and regular ongoing care can help keep them performing at their best ensuring a long and healthy career.

So if you know of or are a healthcare professional who is not at their best, or who would like to continue to perform at their best tell them to give me a call, drop me a line, Facebook message or tweet me.

For other careers that benefit from regular chiropractic care, stay tuned.

Dr. K. Finn

For other blogs in this series go to https://yourpickeringchiropractors.ca

Heads Up

Heads up

This blog topic comes about as a response to a conversation with a patient who was recently in a rear end collision and wondered if there was anything she could have done to lessen the impact.

A rear end collision typically results in what most people know as “whiplash”, or in the literature, “WAD” ( whiplash associated disorder), technically whiplash is acceleration injury, in this case your body accelerating and decelerating rapidly. Your neck in this action performs a hyperextension ( bending backwards) followed by hyperflexion (bending forwards), this rapid action can injure the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints of your neck and upper back.

As far as what can be done to lessen the impact, not too much, things like tensing or relaxing prior to impact appear to have little effect. Being female in some studies indicates a longer recovery as does older age.

Headrests are in some studies a factor and not in others. In those where it is a factor most people do not have the headrest high enough to stop the head/neck’s hyperextension movement or their head was too far from the headrest in their normal driving position.

Therefore to err on the side of caution have the headrest up so the top of the headrest is at or above your head, your head should be as close as possible to the headrest when driving.

So, take 2 minutes the next time you get in the car and heads up for safety.

Headrest in this picture is too low, the top of the head is above the headrest, and the head is too far in front of the headrest.

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In this picture the headrest is in the correct position and the head is close to the headrest

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