Integrative Health Blog

Text Neck - Is there Such a Thing?

Posted by on Fri, Apr 17, 2020

Definition: Text neck is a term commonly used for a repetitive stress injury where excessive texting or mobile device use is believed to be the primary cause.

Smart phones have really changed the way we live life.

With a tap and a swipe, we have more ways to connect and we have access to amazing amounts of information. Our ability to connect- with people, work and the world- has made our lives easier, yet at the same time harder.  As a whole,  people are spending an enormous amount of time on phones and computers. This can creates pain in the neck and upper back, headaches and, at times, jaw pain.  In combination with a society that is overworked, stressed out, has low physical activity and minimal body awareness- this creates an ideal situation for a body that is not healthy and more prone to pain.  As a chiropractor, “neck pain” is one of the most common complaints I hear from of my patients.

But we can’t escape the smart phone! So, with all this use of a smart phone and looking down more than we ever have, that must mean text neck is for real and the cause of neck pain, right?

Yes.... and no. Let me explain.

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Tags: neck pain, chiropractic

Understanding TMJ to Optimize Treatment

Posted by on Wed, Feb 11, 2015

Do you suffer from problems with your jaw or have pain when you chew or yawn?

Do you hear a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth?

Do you grind or clench your teeth?

People generally do not understand what TMJ Temporo Mandibular Dysfunction is about other than they have pain or poor jaw movement. The cause of TMJ may be difficult to determine. TMJ is comprised of 2 components: Temporo Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD) and Myofascial Pain (MFP).

The concept of TMJ should be understood because the two different components of TMJ must be treated differently.

TMD, Temporo Mandibular Dysfunction, occurs when the jaw joint  (left, right or both) is not functioning well.   The second component, MFP, Myofascial Pain,  exists when the muscles of the jaw are painful or not functioning correctly.

                      TMJ =  TMD  +  MFP

The two components may exist together or exist separately.

It is important to understand how the jaw functions normally to conceptualize how to treat Temporo Mandibular Dysfunction.                    

In a healthy TMJ the lower jaw (mandibular) moves within the bone of the head (temporal bone) to open and close.  The muscles of the jaw provide the force for the mandible to move within the temporal bone.

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Tags: neck pain, pain, holistic dentistry, TMJ, jaw pain

Boldy Go and Sit at Your Desk Pain Free

Posted by on Tue, Jul 17, 2012

Krista Merwede LMT

Patterns in the musculature of the body are defined by the movements that we do every day.  If we are spending 40 hours a weeks at a desk it is understandable that not just that the body will be affected, but that it will develop specific lines of tension.  The most common places for the desk worker to experience pain are in the back of the neck and around the shoulder blades.  Many patients come into the treatment room greatly concerned that there is something wrong with them because of the intensity of the symptoms.  This article will draw your attention to why the pain develops in these places and techniques that can be adapted to support the body's healthy structure. 
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Tags: neck pain, stress, massage

A Chiropractor Can Fix That Neck Pain

Posted by on Wed, Mar 14, 2012

Recently Dr. Mercola published an article, Chiropractors and Exercise are Better than Drugs Says New Study, which talks about neck pain.

I have been a chiropractor for over 12 years and have seen every type of chronic pain that a person can have, including neck pain.

What is amazing about the original article Dr. Mercola is referencing is that it was researched and funded by NIH (National Institutes of Health) and the medical journal, Annals of Internal Medicine.  Mainstream medical establishments are showing you that drugs work little to not at all with chronic neck pain! Unfortunately, the United States has become dependent on medications as our standard answer to most any pain problem. It is not surprising to see an elderly person on 10-12 medications, but are they getting better?  Not only are they taking a lot of medications but they are sedentary and not living full lives because of chronic pain.  Yet in China you see the elderly doing Tai Chi in the park and taking little medication.  Why? Different cultures, different mindsets, different medicine. 

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Tags: back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, chiropractic

Coy Roskosky, Doctor of Chiropractic in Washington D.C.

Posted by on Mon, Dec 05, 2011

Dr. Coy Roskosky  provides comprehensive chiropractic care using joint manipulation, soft tissue therapies, functional and sports enhancing techniques. As a Doctor of Chiropractic he treats and balances the nervous and musculoskeletal systems to help the body function at it's highest level.

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Tags: back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel, pain, chiropractic, TMJ