Have you ever twisted your back or neck suddenly causing a severe pain and then not been able to move?  “Throwing your back out”  is a common term often used.  When we have a sudden pain in a  muscle,  joint, or nerve resulting from a sudden twist or strain, the muscles around that injury often spasm or contract to protect the area. This results in a decreased range of motion and often a complete immobilization of the area.  It is common for soft tissue to impinge nerves.  The...

Stretching the neck muscles can be challenging and confusing.  Here is a simple, centering technique that can help alleviate neck pain.  It is called “The Clock.”  This is the same pattern of movement as used in the article entitled, Computer Eye Strain Exercises. Lay on the floor in supine position (face up) on a yoga mat or towel.  You want the surface to be firm but not too hard.  First, feel the muscles of your head on the ground beneath you.  The floor will be your guide ...

If you work at an office, you’re very likely to be glued to a chair for a good part of the day, which can make your body feel very lethargic and stiff. Here are 10 tips to help address those issues.  A few minutes of simple stretches throughout the day can be very effective in preventing severe health problems down the road. Your co-workers might look at you suspiciously at first while you’re doing this, but soon curiosity will lead to imitation! 1.  Gluteal stretch to help preven...

Supporting your joints with the right pillows is more important than you might think.  With good support as you sleep or rest on the couch, you can help retrain your body to be in better alignment.  You can also reinforce any training you are doing throughout the week.  Bolstering means to support or to strengthen.  A pillow that is not correct for your head and neck alignment can cause pain and discomfort down the road.  It can also lead to headaches.  This is so simply avoided by taking ...