Why Does Mental Stress Cause Neck Pain? – Dr. Lou – Portland, Maine
Why is the neck ground zero for tension from mental stress? You have probably heard me (Dr. Lou) mention that mental stress tends to accumulate as tension in the neck and shoulders first. Why the neck and shoulders? Why not the big toe, or the low back? Mental stress accumulates mostly in the neck and shoulders due to the body’s natural stress response, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response. When someone experiences stress or anxiety, the body releases various hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body to face a perceived threat. This preparation involves several physiological changes, one of which is the contraction of muscles[1][2][3][4]. Many of the most important muscles of the body are in the neck and shoulders! The neck and shoulders are common areas where muscle tension accumulates for several reasons: 1. Protective Mechanism: The tightening of muscles, including those in the neck and shoulders, is part of the body’s instinctive protective mechanism against injury or pain. In the context of the fight or flight response, muscle tension prepares the body to either confront the threat or flee from it. This response is beneficial in the short term but can...
read moreIt’s Coming! Shoveling Wet, Heavy Snow in Portland, Maine – April 4-6, 2024
Shovel Smart. Enjoy Your Weekend! Shoveling wet, heavy snow is an unusual winter chore for April…even in Maine. It can be both physically demanding and potentially hazardous because by April, you may be out of practice. At least in 2024 after one of the most mild winters we’ve had in a long time. Tomorrow’s storm is predicted to last 3 days. The weight of wet snow, combined with the repetitive motion and colder conditions, increases the risk of injury. With the right approach and precautions, you can effectively clear snow while minimizing the risk to your health. Here are some tips for shoveling wet, heavy snow safely and efficiently. I’ve been a chiropractor and acupuncturist here in Portland, Maine for over 22 years. I have a little bit of experience in this department… Choose the Right Equipment Selecting the appropriate shovel can make a significant difference. Ergonomic shovels with curved handles help reduce the amount of bending you need to do, which can decrease strain on your back. Lightweight materials like plastic or aluminum reduce the overall weight you have to lift. Additionally, a shovel with a smaller blade will encourage you to lift less snow at a time,...
read morePit Bulls and Guitars. Dr. Lou’s Guitar Raffle For Rescues – Maine, USA
Dr. Lou’s Guitar Raffle For Rescues What is it? How can you get involved? Dr. Lou’s Guitar Raffle For Rescues is the only guitar raffle to save rescue dogs in the state of Maine. Mixing two of Dr. Lou’s favorite things… Dogs and Guitars. The Reality of the specific number of pit bulls euthanized each year by state is not readily available. However, several sources offer insights into the broader context of pit bull euthanasia in the United States, which can help understand the dramatic scale of the issue. Why does Dr. Lou feel this fundraising for Pittie Posse Rescue & Sanctuary is necessary? According to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, nearly one million pit bulls are killed yearly due to misinformation surrounding the breed. The American Pit Bull Foundation estimates about 1,200 pit bull type dogs are still euthanized daily based on reporting and non-reporting rescues and shelters. Petpedia notes that around 800,000 Pit Bull-type dogs are believed to be euthanized in shelters every year, which accounts for about 40% of all dogs killed in animal shelters. Kennel to Couch mentions that studies estimate up to 1 million pits are euthanized per year, or 2,800 per day, with some estimates...
read moreSpring Sport Choices And Your Teenager – Southern Maine Sports
Most Popular Spring Sport Choices Among Dr. Lou’s Teenage Patients Spring marks the transition from indoor to outdoor sports. In many middle and high schools and local communities, a variety of team and individual sports will begin taking center stage. The most popular spring sports among Dr. Lou’s teenage patients include: – Baseball and Softball: These are among the most popular team sports played during the spring, with a significant number of children and teenagers participating in Little League and high school teams across the United States[1][11]. – Track and Field: This sport offers a wide range of events, from sprints to distance running, and field events like long jump and shot put, making it accessible to a large number of students[1]. – Soccer: While boys’ soccer is often a fall sport, girls’ soccer takes place in the spring in many high schools, contributing to its popularity[1]. – Lacrosse: This sport has seen growing popularity, especially in certain regions of the country, and is played by both boys and girls in the spring[1][3]. – Tennis: Offering both singles and doubles play, tennis is a popular spring sport for boys, with girls’ seasons typically in the fall[1]. – Sailing: What a privilege...
read moreDesk Job Pain Relief and Prevention in Portland, Maine
Is there any drug free help for “Desk Jockeys” and their pain and wear and tear? What is a desk jockey? A person who sits at a desk job all day, 4+ days a week is a desk jockey. Some sources say that sitting is the new smoking. Some experts blame sitting and inactivity with most of what ails America. Chiropractic care offers several benefits to individuals who work at a desk job, helping them combat the negative impacts of prolonged sitting and computer use. By improving posture, reducing pain, and enhancing overall health, chiropractic care can significantly benefit office workers. Here are some ways chiropractic care helps desk workers: 1. Improved Posture: Chiropractic adjustments can help correct postural issues that arise from prolonged sitting, leading to better spinal alignment and reduced strain on the body[1][2]. 2. Pain Management: Chiropractic care can help decrease pain, whether it’s chronic pain or discomfort from sitting for extended periods, by addressing musculoskeletal issues and promoting better nerve function[1][2]. 3. Enhanced Sleep: Chiropractic treatment has been linked to improved sleep quality by increasing blood flow, circulation, and relaxation in the body, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with sleep disturbances due...
read more