Page 40 - Tracy Anderson Issue

Stress and its correlation to neck pain

By Saleena Kench, PT, DPT

various roles and research studies indicate a higher incidence of neck pain
among women and an increased risk of developing neck pain until the
35-49 age range. (1) During times of fatigue and/or stressful situations our
body goes into a shallow breathing mode. The intercostal muscles overact
and full expansion of the diaphragm does not occur. This exacerbates
tension in the anterior neck musculature. Furthermore, studies have shown
that stress causes clenching of the jaw. (2) There is overlap between
muscles that attach to the jaw and the upper cervical spine. Increased
strain in this area can result in what we describe as tension headaches.
The cervical spine has an original curve, which ensures that the vertebrae
are aligned well. Improper posture at work, anxiety or a whiplash injury
predisposes the spine to move out of that neutral curve. This increases
strain on the muscles supporting the spine and the head. Physical therapy
has been very effective in treating these symptoms - a detailed physical
therapy evaluation is performed to determine the underlying cause of the
problem. The therapist can address various other factors such as posture
during work and activities of daily living. I have had a lot of success with
manual therapy techniques addressing soft tissue and joint restrictions
coupled with breathing, stretching and postural strengthening exercises.
References:
1. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Dec; 24(6):783-92. Doi: 10.1016/j.
berh.2011.01.019.The epidemiology of neck pain. Hoy DG1, Protani M, De R,
Buchbinder R.
2. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2014 summer; 28(3):243-51. doi: 10.11607/ofph.1180.
"Grin(d) and bear it": narratives from Sami women with and without temporomandibular
disorders. A qualitative study. Mienna CS, Johansson EE, Wänman A.

For more information please contact
Most of us have felt tension in the neck and shoulders: Women are Saleena Kench, PT, DPT
emotional beings and we often tend to carry our stress in the neck and mid Physical Therapist at Nexus Physical Therapy Poway
40 back area. As a physical therapist, I constantly work with women who Specializes in Orthopedics, Spine and Sports Injuries
suffer from neck pain, tension headaches or generalized tightness poway@nexuspt.com
throughout the upper body. Women are constantly juggling between 858- 312- 6444

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