The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition April/May 2021

theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 18 We’ve all probably dealt with a stiff neck in our life. You may have awakened with one, or perhaps had a sports injury or an accident which caused it, or maybe you’ve just been at your computer for too long, usually with incorrect posture. While you most likely have experienced a stiff neck at some point, if you are experiencing them repetitively, it would be wise to be examined by a quali ed healthcare professional to establish the cause of your problem and learn what can be rec- ommended to reduce your pain and recovery time, and the likelihood of your neck pain re- turning in the future. Spending hours each day with our neck bent and head down, staring at our mobile device can put excessive pressure on the neck and spine, putting us at a much greater risk for neck pain, back problems, headaches, muscle tension and more. Even disc herni- ations and pinched nerves are commonly caused by this type of sustained posturing. Your head weighs about 11- 13 pounds, but by tilting your head forward by just 15 degrees it puts 25 pounds or more of pressure on your neck vertebra and spine. It is this signi cant muscle, joint and disc stress that will eventually cause tension, tightness, achiness, and pain. So, neck pain is not always caused by an injury or accident. Many times, it is constantly holding your head and neck in an improper position, be it working at the computer, a long commute or even while sleeping, that will gradually create muscle and spinal joint imbalances. And overtime, the persistent stress on those structures will create more signi cant problems such as herniated spinal discs, spinal arthritis, and pinched nerves. A thorough consultation and examination by a doctor who specializes in spinal care is par- amount. Numerous therapeutic modalities includ- ing spinal manipulation, soft tissue mobili- zation along with corrective exercises can be utilized to help improve your posture, strengthen the neck muscles; relieve pain and the risk of reinjury. For some suffering with chronic neck pain conditions, Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EPAT) may be an option. This non-surgical and non-invasive treatment helps speed up recovery by the utilization of high energy acoustic pressure to achieve faster healing, pain relief and mobility resto- ration. EPAT treatment greatly accelerates and intensi es the body’s natural healing pro- cess of soft tissue injuries by utilizing these powerful pres- sure waves to enhance blood ow, affect in ammation, and improve tissue metabolism which helps damaged tissue to regenerate and heal. The EPAT treatment is generally utilized in combina- tion with a personalized phys- ical therapy treatment plan but may be used as a stand- alone treatment to help pa- tients greatly diminish levels of pain and reduce the risk of reinjury. One of the physical medicine clinicians here at NMR can discuss what option may be best for you. This type of therapy is also helpful for many chronic musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, arthritis, ankle sprains, rotator cuff pain, knee pain, hip bursitis, tennis elbow, TMJ, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, along with other long-standing injuries that haven’t reha- bilitated properly. Our team of doctors specializing in chiro- practic care, physical therapy, and nutrition as well as stress and weight management will develop an individualized treatment plan to help you get rid of that pain in the neck. To relieve your neck pain, call 908-252-0242 or visit the Patient Tab of our website to request a FREE new patient consultation. Dr. Sferra is board certi ed in Chiroprac- tic Medicine and Chiropractic Neurology, a Certi ed Clinical Nutritionist and is a Certi ed Strength and Conditioning Specialist certi ed by the National Strength & Conditioning As- sociation. He is the founder and Clinic Direc- tor of Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation. For more information visit www.NMRNJ.com Your head weighs about 11-13 pounds, but by tilting your head forward by just 15 degrees it puts 25 pounds or more of pressure on your neck vertebra and spine. EPAT treatment greatly accelerates and intensi es the body’s natural healing process of soft tissue injuries by utilizing these powerful pressure waves to enhance blood ow, affect in ammation, and improve tissue metabolism which helps damaged tissue to regenerate and heal. WHAT A PAIN IN THE NECK EPAT treatment can greatly diminish your pain in the neck. By: Dr. Vincent Sferra Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation FREE new patient consultation to help you get rid of that pain in the neck. Neck Pain? EPAT Treatment can greatly diminish your pain in the neck. Somerset | 908-252-0242 NMRnj.com/appointment-request Powerful pressure waves enhance blood flow, optimize inflammatory response, and improve tissue metabolism to help damaged tissue regenerate and heal. $1000 OFF No insurance? No problem! Inquire about our affordable in-office subscription plan Following all safety Covid-19 guidelines Welcoming New Patients. New Patient Special Only $125 Reg. $295. Valid for 60 days