CAREFREE – Dr. Jay McFarlane of Carefree Acupuncture & Chiropractic is seeing and treating more “text neck,” due to an increasing reliance on modern technology. Text neck, a repetitive stress injury to the neck from looking down at a smartphone, tablet or computer for extended time, can lead to early degeneration, muscle imbalances, spasms, facet osteoarthrosis, loss of the natural curve in cervical spine and neurological symptoms (pain radiating into arms or hands).
McFarlane, along with Tony Koehler, DC, who recently joined Carefree Acupuncture, takes a three-pronged approach to combat text neck. First, manipulate stressed joints of the neck and upper back to regain proper mobility and nerve function throughout the spine. Second, soft issue mobilization to restore proper muscle balances. Lastly, proper posture coaching is essential for working at computers or using phones/tablets for extended periods.
Drs. McFarlane and Koehler stress that acupuncture and chiropractic care aren’t only for unexpected trauma. The therapies are instrumental in post-surgical recoveries in that they reduce scar tissue and aid in healing. Ideally, being mindful to avoid injury and illness is the best plan. “We should all consider supportive care,” McFarlane advised when it comes to living our best lives.
Patients also visit Carefree Acupuncture for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. This unexplained arm pain shows up either neurogenic or vascular. Neurogenic is the most common with roughly 95 percent of TOS sufferers having pain or numbness in shoulders, arms, hands; pins and needles in specific areas of arms, hands; decreased feeling in shoulders, arms, hands; muscle weakness in shoulders, arms, hands.
With the less common but typically more serious vascular TOS, a patient may experience pins and needles throughout entire arm, hand; swelling in fingers, hand, arm associated with a throbbing feeling in thoracic outlet (tunnel passing beneath collarbone and above first rib); feeling of early fatigue, heaviness, weakness in shoulder, arm, hand with activity; cold sensations/discoloration of fingers, hand.
Whether you hurt or want to keep healthy, if you have thoracic outlet syndrome or want to avoid text neck, Carefree Acupuncture & Chiropractic is available to help with two locations – 11030 N Tatum Blvd #102 (Mon/Wed/Fri) and 7518 E Elbow Bend Rd., Carefree (Tues/Thur), so phone 480-488-9647 or 602-494-3037 for appointments.
