Many people suffer from headaches and pain in the neck and shoulders.  Some of the contributing factors include:

• job stress
• postural distortions
• TMJ
• whiplash
• improper work stations
• computer stress
• accidents/falls/injuries
• fatigue
• emotional stress
• effects of aging
• herniated / bulging discs

The end result is pain!

Most neck injuries involve soft tissue which can result in spasms, fibrous scar tissue, ischemia and build up of toxins in the tissues, pain in trigger point referral zones, and inflammation of tissues and nerves. Spasmed muscles and tightened connective tissue, overstretched or overcontracted soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves), and splinting of soft tissue to immobilize injured areas will also cause structural distortions resulting in pain.

As indicated by medical diagnosis, neck and shoulder problems normally involve a misalignment of the cervical spine.  The most common example of this is the head protruding in front of the shoulders due to a reverse curvature of the cervical spine. The position of every vertebra is affected by soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissue).   The SET protocols are designed to address and release these soft tissue restrictions to allow reduction of accumulated stress and a rebalancing of the structure to reduce or alleviate the painful conditions.

Headaches and Other Head Pain

Headaches, TMJ, sinuses, Bells Palsy, facial tics and neuritis of facial and cranial nerves are commonly associated with neck problems.  Soft tissues are tightened, nerves are entrapped, and the jaw is misaligned.  Cranial compressions can also impact other body structures resulting in local inflammation of soft tissue, nerve impingement, muscle spasms, and locked distortion of the sacrum.

All these painful cervical conditions can affect, and be affected by, the total body structure. Thus, the SET protocols will address the primary area of pain first, and then balance the supporting structure.

Description of the Stages of Rehabilitation and Therapies

The Structural Energetic Therapy® (SET) techniques developed by Don McCann effectively treat the symptoms of head, neck, and shoulder pain. Since the primary area of pain is the head, neck, and shoulders, the initial treatment will focus on the conditions causing this pain.  The cranial restrictions are released with Cranial/Structural therapy, the swelling is reduced by flushing excess fluid and toxins from the tissues, the spasms and tightened fascia splinting the injured neck are softened and released, the trigger points are cleared, and the energy in the acupressure meridians is mobilized.  Often emotional energy associated with the injury or stress will also be released at this time allowing for greater release within the soft tissue.

When the symptoms and the postural balance within the head, neck and shoulders have improved significantly, the focus shifts to balancing the rest of the body structure so that the improved alignment of the neck is supported.  When this is accomplished, the whole structure supports balance and improved function.

A body structure that is in a balanced postural alignment is able to function more efficiently with minimal or no pain, and will be better able to withstand the stresses and traumas of life experiences. All treatment in this office is rendered with this goal in mind.

You really can feel better!!