Stress and Back Pain

Stress and Back Pain

There are studies being carried out about the link between emotional state and back pain. But at the clinic we don't need to spend any money on that-we KNOW that the more stressed you are the more likely it is that you will suffer acute muscle tightness. Start to become aware of how tense your body is around the shoulders and neck when you drive at high speed or down county lanes that twist and turn. Be aware of how your upper body responds to having to work on the computer for a lengthy period of time. I notice constantly how I hunch over the keys and have to make myself sit properly. And I know all this stuff!

Working to deadlines, rushing from one place to another juggling, chores or kids (not literally I hope) can place huge stress on your body and you might find yourself saying how hard you find it to relax and you ache all over. This is the body tensing up and getting filled with adrenaline. This can lead to an acute injury or chronic pain. In the severest of cases you find yourself with an injury or pain requiring professional treatment.

Any time you would like a some advice or a second opinion call the clinic and ask for a Free chat with one of my Chartered Physiotherapists. They will be happy to advise you and reassure you where necessary. Why not take advantage of this during Back Care Awareness Week?

 Wokingham 0118 978 2409

A few more tips for preventing back pain on the web site 

http://www.warrclinic.co.uk/index.php?p=1/130/0

With warmest wishes for a good month

Jeannette Warr 

Back Pain - How's Yours?

Back In the Future

Back Care Awareness Week 8th- 12^th October 2012

Do you have a laptop computer, a tablet or a smartphone? Probably you have all three and use them constantly. Do you sit on the sofa or in an armchair and use your tablet whilst watching TV? Do you hold your phone to your ear whilst you type or something? Do you sit at a desk for extended periods without getting up?

If you answered 'yes' to most then you will inevitably be one of the 4 out of 5 people who suffer with back and/or neck pain at some point. Now that's good for me and my Physiotherapists, but not so great for you!

The technology revolution particularly in the last 20 years, has changed the way our bodies are expected to move dramatically. My youngest daughter sits on the sofa sideways with her legs up, with the TV at an angle across the room, her laptop on her thighs and her phone often clamped to her ear. Then complains of back pain! Does this sound familiar?

Our head weighs about 12lbs. Just imagine hanging 6 bags of sugar around your neck and moving around without pain for any period of time. Yet that is exactly what you do if you use a tablet or laptop on your lap. Your head bends forward at an unnatural angle to look at the screen. Try it now, just move your head to that angle and then straighten up. Feel how different that is as your neck fully supports your head as opposed to 'hanging on to it'.

Click on the link to take you to some easy prevention tips

http://www.warrclinic.co.uk/index.php?p=1/130/0

Take care of your back this month 

Jeannette