Is Neck Pain Affected/Related To the Lower Back?
Absolutely, So Let’s Take a Look at How
Have you ever felt a nagging pain in your neck and wondered if it could somehow be linked to discomfort in your lower back? It might surprise you to learn that the answer is yes! Neck pain and lower back pain are interconnected. The human body is a marvel of connectivity, where different parts support and affect each other. Let’s take a look at how our physical therapists can help alleviate these issues and teach you how to prevent them from coming back.
Understanding the connection between neck pain and lower back pain can help you feel better for the long haul.
The Link
Imagine your body as a chain, with each link depending on the others to maintain strength and balance. Your spine runs down the middle of this chain, connecting the neck to the lower back. When one part of the chain is out of line, it can impact other parts.
Poor posture is a common culprit behind both neck and lower back pain. Slouching or constantly looking down at your phone can strain neck muscles. Sitting for long periods of time without proper back support or breaks can lead to lower back pain. Also, compensating for the pain in one area can put a strain on another.
Muscle Strain
Muscles around the spine work to support your body’s structure and posture. When muscles in the lower back are strained or weakened, the upper back and neck muscles can take on extra work to compensate. Similarly, tension in the neck can lead to adjustments in posture that strain the lower back. This cycle of compensation and strain highlights the importance of treating the body as a whole.
How Our Physical Therapists Can Help
The team at Joint Restoration Center is highly trained to find the root causes of your discomfort. We use targeted therapies that include:
- Postural Awareness: One of the first steps to breaking the cycle is understanding how your posture affects your body. Our PTs will teach you to recognize and correct poor postures, whether you’re sitting, standing, or moving, to reduce strain on your neck and lower back. We’ll work on:
- Body Mechanics to understand how to make conscious postural adjustments in daily life.
- Personalized Workplace Ergonomics, proper workstation setup and proper alignment during activities, and tips for maintaining your ideal posture.
- Forming Long-Term Habits to prevent pain and strain from returning.
- Manual Therapy: This hands-on approach helps to relax tense muscles, improve blood flow, and mobilize joints. Manual therapy can provide immediate relief and encourage the body’s natural healing process by addressing specific areas of pain and stiffness.
- Targeted Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises tailored to your needs can improve strength and mobility to support your spinal alignment. These exercises help alleviate current pain and prevent future issues by building a stronger, more resilient body.
- Alleviate pressure on the spine itself
- Improve flexibility and balance
- Preventative skills for future pain
By focusing on these areas, our physical therapists aim to provide a comprehensive approach to managing and alleviating neck and lower back pain. Our ultimate goal is to empower our patients with the knowledge and skills they need for a healthier, more active lifestyle free from pain.
Staff Spotlight: Vanessa Bishline
Vanessa has been a licensed Physical Therapist since 2016. She has worked in various areas of the physical therapy field, including Pediatrics, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), Inpatient Rehabilitation, and Acute Care in hospitals. She loves bringing movement back to its foundational elements to build the solid base necessary for the unique motions and movements required for efficient and safe mobility. Vanessa takes a highly individualized approach to therapy, tailoring her methods to meet the specific needs of each person.
Vanessa has a strong background in movement and a deep love for it, which began with dance at the age of 3. Over the years, she has explored numerous other movement arts that have further fueled her passion and expanded her knowledge, including dance, Pilates, Aerial/Circus Arts, Contortion, Handstanding, and Yoga. Vanessa continues to explore movement for her own personal learning, growth, and enjoyment.
Book an Appointment at Joint Restoration Center Today!
Don’t let poor posture and muscle strain create a domino effect. Let’s work together to strengthen your body’s chain and ensure each link is as strong and balanced as possible. Remember, a healthy posture and muscle strength are your best allies in the fight against pain.
Sources: https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-neck-pain, https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Therapy
Exercise of the Month
Cervical Retraction and Extension With Towel
Start by standing up straight. Wrap a towel around the back of your head and hold the ends with both hands in front of you. Tuck your chin, pushing your head back into the towel and then raise your chin up towards the ceiling against the towel. Return to start. Repeat 3 sets, 10 reps each.
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Roasted Root Vegetables
- 12 oz rutabaga, peeled & cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 8 oz celery root, peeled & cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz peeled baby carrots
- 8 oz fingerling potatoes
- 3 medium parsnips, peeled & cut into 1-inch-thick slices
- 1 medium fennel bulb, cored & cut into thin wedges
- 2 shallots, peeled & cut into thin wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine rutabaga, celery root, baby carrots, fingerling potatoes, parsnips, fennel, and shallots in a shallow roasting pan. Add oil, salt, and pepper; toss to coat. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Bake, uncovered, about 10 minutes more or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
