Year: 2016

Neck pain is not always just connected to the computer or office work. Many times, individuals are not always aware of what they are doing at home as well. Other electronics that you use on a regular basis, such as Televisions, tablets, and phones can cause postural issues creating neck pain or headaches.

As you are relaxing while watching Netflix on a tablet or looking at your smart phones multiple times a day, most people aren’t using the best posture. The majority are slouching, looking down with necks bent forward, or bringing their shoulders forward. These changes to posture put strain on different muscles in the bodies. When the neck comes down and forward, small muscles in the back of the neck just below the skull are being contracted and tightened for long periods of time. Over time, natural posture can be completely changed for the worse; vertebrae in the neck can get shifted forward which can potentially create even more issues for the muscles, nerves, and arteries in the neck and going down into the arms.

Changing your posture while using electronics can make a big difference for reducing muscle tightness and decreasing the chances of having neck pain or headaches. By simply lifting tablets or smart phones up to eye level while in use, pain and tightness can be avoided. Stretching can help along with massage therapy to help decrease muscle tightness in the neck and potentially eliminate headaches. If you have neck pain, book a massage today!

Women have been wearing high heel shoes since the Renaissance time period. Although they didn’t have the stilettos that modern day women sometimes wear, it was the beginning of an undying trend that has now begun to take effect on the feet and body of high heel wearers. Some women, today, may even complain that they are unable to wear high heels because of pain. But are heels still doing damage even if the wearer deems them comfortable?

High heels do damage not only to feet, but also to the rest of the body. Posture changes when wearing heels, no matter how well accustomed the woman is to wearing a pair. Knees bend a little more, backs aren’t as straight, and hips have more pressure on them in general. This all creates different strains on the body. The lower leg and foot definitely get the worst of damage. Your calf muscles tighten from being in a contracted position when walking in heels. Your metatarsal bones, ending at the ball of your foot, are what bear the majority of your weight when wearing high heels. This is what creates the pain in the ball of your foot when you wear heels, but there is potential for even worse damage; there have been cases where the metatarsals fracture due the strain of weight-bearing. Bunions can also form from wearing heels and can be extremely painful, causing the toes to curl in an unnatural position.

High heels are obviously not good for your body especially when wearing them for long hours. Unfortunately, many places of work require mandatory semi-formal wear for their employees and therefore, women wear heels as part of their business attire. To prevent damage to your body, make sure that if you have to dress semi-formal for work, switch off with flats every other day or bring an extra pair of flat shoes with you to work to give your feet a break. Massage therapy can also help with tight calf muscles and strained or achy feet muscles. Foot massages feel great and are great for preventing damage. If your feet are sore, book a massage today!