To understand neck pain is to understand how the neck is structured. 

The Neck

The neck is made up of vertebrae the runs the length of the back of your skull to your upper torso.  In between each vertebrae are cervical discs.  The cervical discs serve the purpose of absorbing shock.  In addition, there is a system of ligaments and muscles that work together to support your head and create motion.  If any part of this intricate system is injured, inflamed or shows any abnormality, it can cause neck pain and even stiffness.

Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can be caused by a number of contributing factors.  Some of the most common reasons neck pain occurs is:

  • poor posture
  • trauma due to accidents, injury, jerking motions
  • repetitive motion
  • improper exercise formation or movement
  • sleeping incorrectly

Good News!

Neck pain can be relieved and alleviated through natural and holistic remedies.  Here are some neck pain treatments and remedies you may want to explore:

Acupuncture:

acupuncture needlesAcupuncture treatment for neck pain may help to lessen discomfort, decrease spasms and may even improve range of motion in the neck.  Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to help balance the body’s energy flow or qi.  The body’s qi can be thrown out of balance or “clogged” due to things like stress, lack of sleep, injury, etc.  By stimulating specific points on the body, the qi can begin to flow again and return to a balanced or homeostatic state.  Once the body’s qi is back in balance, the person receiving treatment may become more energized and my experience less pain and discomfort.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a traditional healing technique, in which a practitioner applies repeated strokes over lubricated skin using a round-edged instrument. The application of the strokes causes small red spots to appear on the skin which will dissipate after a couple of days. The technique is most commonly used to treat fever, heat exhaustion, upper respiratory diseases, muscle and tendon injuries, poor blood circulation and pain.

Laser Acupuncture

Laser acupuncture although new to us westerners, has been used and studied for almost 30 years. At East West Healing Solutions, we use Class III B lasers to stimulate acupuncture points. Each point is normally stimulated between 30-60 seconds. For people who either have a phobia of needles or suffer from medical conditions that would make the insertion of a needle contraindicated, this is the best option.

At this time, low level laser therapy is considered investigational by the FDA therefore no medical claims of cure are permitted in the United States.

Beware of what I call “glorified flashlights”! Not all lasers are the same.

Myofascial Release

myofascial therapyMyofascial release consists of gentle targeted stretching techniques applied to the fascia (thin envelope surrounding organs and muscles). When injury occurs, the fascia becomes uneven, shorten and tight creating pressure up to 2000 lbs per square inch. By stretching the fascia, contracted muscles can relax, proper motion is then restored, an efficient blood and lymphatic circulation is reestablished, tissue healing is facilitated and pain relief is obtained.

Gentle Stretching

This class focuses on stretching to restore and maintain flexibility.  This class is appropriate for all levels from athletes to seniors and those recovering from illness or injuries. The class consists of flowing, non-strenuous movements designed to gently stretch skeletal muscles, deeply relax the nervous system and improve flexibility. Proper techniques and form results in “No Pain – Big Gain”. If it hurts you are going too far. Stretching incorrectly can actually do more harm than good.   Benefits of stretching include: improved range of motion and flexibility, improved balance and better posture, improved athletic performance, reduced risk of injury and increased muscle strength as well as reduced pain as part of a pain management program.

Gentle Yoga

ewhs-monday-10-24-16This class is applicable to all students but is particularly helpful to those dealing with lack of flexibility, recuperating from injury, or are new to the practice of Yoga. Instructors use props to protect sensitive areas to prevent injury or injury reoccurrence.  This restorative gentle class is an excellent opportunity to disconnect from the frenetic activity of daily life and let your speedometer return to 0 mph. It offers a welcome respite among all the turbulence of life and helps to prepare the mind and body for the inward stroke of meditation and deepened awareness. Moving slowly through the poses allows you to explore your mind and body at a steady and natural tempo.

Trigger Point Aqua Massage

dry-aqua-massageThe Aqua PT series is specifically designed for medical facilities for musculoskeletal pain management and related Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation applications. Aqua Massage PT provides benefits of Dry Hydrotherapy, Dry Heat Therapy, and Massage Therapy in a multi-functional unit.

Client Benefits

  • 20 minutes of aqua massage offers you the same health benefits as a traditional hour-long “hands-on” massage
  • You then save not only time but a significant amount of money!
  • Patients remain clothed and dry with no post-session clean-up of oils or contaminated water
  • The pulsating water jets can be adjusted from a relaxing 2 cycles per second up to an invigorating 10 cycles per second
  • The water temperature can be adjusted from approximately 90°F to 104°F using the electronic thermostat

Curious about what may work for you? Schedule a free consultation with us, where we can assess your situation and help you design the best plan for you!

marie pic 4About Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl.Ac.

Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist.

Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993.

Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004.

Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient.

Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!,” Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.

34876 US Highway 19 N
Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Phone: 727-216-3972
Fax: 727-216-3982

Email: drmarie@eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3 

Web: eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3