Working from home

Working From Home – How to Prevent Pain

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The most common complaint in my clinic now is neck and/or back pain due to working from home since the onset of the pandemic.

No matter how well a workstation is designed, we are not designed to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.

In this Blog you will learn why your office space may be causing you pain and what to do about it.  With a few simple modifications to your work space and work habits you can help prevent the onset of pain from working from home.

If you are already experiencing pain from working from home acupuncture treatments can rapidly relieve your pain along with following the easy steps below.

Why is working from home causing you pain?

Research shows that repetitive motion, poor posture and staying in the same position can cause or worsen musculoskeletal disorders.

1. Repetitive Motion

Repetitive motion is carrying out repetitive tasks for long periods without suitable rest breaks.  Examples of repetitive motion at your desk is; typing, using your computer mouse and writing.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common repetitive injury from working at a desk.  The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your palm where a nerve (median nerve) runs through it.  When the passageway narrows due to swelling from injury the nerve is compressed.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are: 

  • Tingling and numbness in palm, thumb, or first two fingers, especially during the night or in the morning.
  • Aching pain in the wrist and hand, with occasional shooting pains up the forearm.
  • Weakness in the hands and fingers and trouble gripping or holding objects.

How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

  1. Avoid bending wrists for long periods.
  2. Avoid leaning on the heel of your hand or your wrist.
  3. Reduce your force.  Strike the keys on the key board lightly.
  4. Relax your grip.  For prolonged handwriting, use a big pen with an oversized, soft grip adapter.
  5. Change your computer mouse and keyboard.  Many people benefit from using a split/V-shaped ergonomic keyboard. If possible, try one for at least a week.  Make sure that your computer mouse is comfortable and doesn’t strain your wrist.
  6. Improve your posture.  Incorrect posture rolls shoulders forward, shortening your neck and shoulder muscles and compressing nerves in your neck and shoulders.  This can affect your wrists, fingers and hands and can cause neck pain.  Start with arranging your work space using the ergonomic guidelines below.
  7. Take short, frequent breaks. Alternate tasks when possible.
  8. Do the below stretching exercises every 20-25 minutes.  Do not do any stretch or movement that is uncomfortable or painful.

Prayer Stretch

The prayer stretch
  1. Start with your palms together in front of your chest just below your chin.
  2. Slowly lower your hands toward your waistline, keeping your hands close to your stomach and your palms together, until you feel a mild to moderate stretch under your forearms.
  3. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

 

 

Wrist Flexor Stretch

The wrist flexor stretch
  1. Extend your arm in front of you with your palm up.
  2. Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.
  3. With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
  4. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

 

 

 

Wrist Extensor Stretch

The wrist extensor stretch
  1. Extend your arm in front of you with your palm down.
  2. Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.
  3. With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
  4. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

 

 

 

How to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

  • Acupuncture can provide immediate relief and treat CTS
  • Ice wrist and palm to reduce swelling
  • Wear a wrist splint at night to keep the wrist straight
  • Include the above wrist stretches in your breaks

2. Poor Posture

Poor posture leads to chronic strain and discomfort.  When working at your desk with an incorrect posture you develop excessive tightness in your shoulders and chest with weakness in your neck and mid-back. This combination of weakness and tightness forces your shoulders to roll inward and your head to project forward.

This postural problem, known as Upper Crossed Syndrome is exceptionally common in computer workstation users.

Believe it or not, the average human head weighs around 5kg or 11lbs!  That’s more than most new-born babies and all that is balanced on just 7 vertebrae in your neck and supported by about 20 muscles that are responsible for moving your head around and keeping that weight in place.

With the head projected forward significantly more effort is required from the muscles and joints of the neck trying to hold the head in that forward position.  Research has showed that by tilting the head forward, the forces acting on the head increase dramatically.  This effort results in strain of the muscles of your neck and upper back that becomes uncomfortable and may also lead to neck pain, upper back pain, headaches, TMJ pain, cervical nerve compression and ultimately arthritis.

text neck posture

This is what most of us look like when we are using our mobile phones!

How To Improve Your Posture or Prevent Upper Crossed Syndrome

Correction of Upper Crossed Syndrome is accomplished by stretching the tight muscles, strengthening weak muscles, and modifying your workstation.  Below are strengthening and stretching exercises for Upper Crossed Syndrome.

Cervical Retractions – Perform 1 set of 10 reps, 3 times per day.

Stand with your back against a wall.  Your buttocks and shoulder blades should be in contact with the wall, heels 1-2 inches from the wall.  Focus your vision on a spot on the wall to avoid neck flexion (head tilted down) or extension (head tilted up).

Tuck your chin to make a “double chin” until the base of your skull contacts the wall.  Hold this position for 3-5 seconds and then relax.

Return to the starting position.

To progress, place a finger on your chin, and apply backwards pressure at end range. Imagine that your head is on drawer slides. Keep your mouth closed.

Deep Neck Flexion – Perform 1 set of 10 reps, 3 times per day

Lie on your back with your head supported.

Perform a “chin tuck” by retracting your head to create a double chin.

Lift your head, bringing chin toward your chest without lifting shoulders, as though you are looking at your toes.

Hold this position for 3-4 seconds.

Lower your head and relax.

          Keep your teeth apart during exercise to decrease straining at the jaw.

 

Levator Stretch – Perform 3 sets of 10 reps, 2 times per day, each side

While sitting, grasp the seat of your chair with your left hand.

Rotate your head toward the right and look downward toward the floor.

Place your right hand over the top of your head and gently pull down and diagonally in the direction you are looking.

Against the resistance of your hand, contract your neck in an attempt to push your head backward/diagonally from the direction you are looking for seven seconds.

Relax and gently pull your head further toward the floor to increase the stretch.

Lock into this new position, and make sure that you continue to keep your head rotated in the direction that you are pulling.

Trapezius Stretch- Sitting – Perform 3 sets of 10 reps, 2 times per day, each side.

While sitting, reach down with your right arm, grasping the bottom of a chair for stability.

While looking straight ahead, place your left hand on top of your head, and gently pull your head sideways toward the left.

Against the resistance of your arms, attempt to bring your right ear and right shoulder together for seven seconds.

Relax and stretch further toward the left. “Lock-in” to each new position, and do not allow any slack.

 

Pectoral Stretch – Perform 3 sets of 10 reps, 2 times.

Stand in the middle of a door frame (door open)

Place palms, forearms and elbows on the door frame on either side.

Lean forward to stretch your chest muscles. Hold for 7 seconds.

 

YTWL Scapular Depression – Perform 3 sets of 10 reps, 2 times.

Stand with your straight arms raised above your head in a “Y” position. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and downward throughout the following sequence of movements.

Lower your straightened arms to shoulder level, into a “T” position.

Next bend your elbows so that your fingers are pointing straight up while slightly lowering your elbows to make a “W”.

Finally, while keeping your elbows bent 90 degrees, lower your arms to your sides so that your elbows are touching your ribs to form an “L” on each side and squeeze.

Hold each position for 1-2 seconds.

 

Low Row – Perform 3 sets of 10 reps, 2 times.

Attach the center of an elastic exercise band to a door knob or other sturdy object in front of you.

Grasp one end of the band in each hand and with straight arms at your side, stretch the band backwards.  Squeeze your shoulder blades together and downward throughout the following sequence of movements.  Keep your palms facing backward and arms pointed straight down throughout the exercise.

Return to neutral and repeat

 

Brugger with a band – Perform 3 sets of 10 reps, 2 times

Begin sitting or standing with an elastic exercise band wrapped and secured around your palms.

Begin with your arms at your side, elbows bent, forearm’s pointing forward.

Move your hands apart from each other to maximally stretch the band while simultaneously rotating your palms out, straightening your arms, and pinching your shoulder blades together as your hands move behind your hips.

Return to the start position and repeat.

 

Work Station Ergonomics for Good Posture

Work station ergonomics can help a person be more comfortable at work.  It can reduce stress on the body and reduce injuries caused by prolonged awkward positions and repetitive tasks at a workstation.

Laptop computers are not ergonomically designed for prolonged use with the monitor and keyboard so close together. For prolonged use it’s recommended to add a separate monitor and/or keyboard. The laptop can be placed on books so that the top of the screen is at eye level, then use an external keyboard so that your elbows can rest at 90 degrees by your side.

3. Prolonged Stationary Sitting or Standing

Working at a computer often involves very few changes in body position.  This lack of movement can lead to muscle pain and strain.  It doesn’t take long to develop muscle pain and strain, the process has already started at the first sign of discomfort.

Even if you’re comfortable, you should never sit in one position for a long time.  Every 20-25 minutes take a short break to stretch.

Also look away from your screen occasionally and focus your eyes on an object far away to reduce eye strain.

Stretches For Your Breaks – Every 20-25 minutes

Don’t forget to add the wrist stretches above into your routine.

Click on this link if you would like to download this poster (sourced from Barbre Ergonomics) and print it for your workstation.

 

 

In the meantime enjoy all the perks of working from home; hanging out with your furry friend, dressing comfortably, avoiding rush hour traffic and enjoying your morning coffee in your favourite cozy spot at home. 

Wishing you all safe and joyous days ahead.

Alfie and I working from home.

 

Liver Stagnation – The Start To Disease

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When the function of the Liver is harmonious, there is never stress or tension.

Too much fat, chemicals, intoxicants and processed food all disrupt the hundreds of intricate biochemical processes of the Liver.

The Liver is also easily damaged by chronic emotional imbalances such as greed, anger and resentment.

Unresolved emotional issues are stored physically as residues in the Liver – the release of emotional obstructions unlocks and releases these residues.  Therefore, as you improve your diet it is necessary to release stored emotions.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine there are several Liver Syndromes (liver disorders/diseases), all of them start with Liver Stagnation and can develop into more harmful diseases.  All Liver Syndromes affect the whole body in various ways.

 

THE FUNCTION OF THE LIVER

The Liver has many important functions, one of which is ensuring the smooth movement of Qi throughout the body.  The basic disorder of Liver Stagnation is the obstruction of the free flow of qi energy.

If the flow of energy is impeded ALL physiological processes in every organ and every part of the body is affected.

Another important function of the Liver is storing Blood.  Liver Blood is very important to nourish the sinews (muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage etc), allowing physical exercise.  The Liver also stores Blood for the Uterus, ensuring a regular menstruation.

All the major organs of the body house a psychic aspect of our selves.  The Liver houses the Hun (the Ethereal Soul).  The role of the Hun is very important to our mental and spiritual life by providing the Shen (Mind) with inspiration, creativity, life dreams and a sense of direction in life.

Signs of Liver Stagnation mark the early signs of disease.

SIGNS OF LIVER STAGNATION

Physical Signs:

  • Nervous system disorders
  • Allergies
  • Lumps, swellings, lump felt in the throat
  • Distended abdomen, chest or breasts
  • Chronic indigestion
  • Menstrual problems, PMS
  • Stress, neck and back tension
  • Fatigue
  • Rigid, inflexible body
  • Eye problems
  • Impure blood, skin disorders (such as acne, eczema, boils)
  • Finger or toenail disorders
  • Slow rising in the morning
  • Muscular pain
  • Tendon problems
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Excessive sighing

Emotional Signs:

  • Emotional repression
  • Anger
  • Frustration
  • Resentment
  • Impatience
  • Edginess
  • Depression
  • Moodiness
  • Impulsiveness
  • Emotional attachments
  • Poor judgment
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Mental rigidity
  • Negativity

HOW TO RELEASE LIVER STAGNATION

Lifestyle:

Emotional repression is at the root of Liver Stagnation, resolving resentment, anger and frustration is essential.

Stagnation requires movement and exercise.  That is why so often we feel better for exercising.  Expressing yourself creatively or artistically may be required if your Hun has become stagnant.

At least 20 minutes a day of deep relaxation is essential for clearing up Liver Stagnation.

Avoid rigid rules or guidelines around diet, lifestyle and exercise.  Avoid “shoulds”.  It is essential to incorporate into your day something fun or playful, even if it means watching a funny movie.  “Laughter is the best medicine”.

Acupuncture is a very fast and effective means to freeing the energy of the Liver.

Diet:

AVOID

  • Foods high in saturated fats, the majority come from animal sources, including meat and dairy products
  • Large quantities of nuts and seeds
  • Hydrogenated fats, found in margarine, fast foods, commercial baked goods (donuts, cookies, crackers), processed foods, and fried foods
  • Poor quality oils, such as processed seed oils (soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil).  Choose cold pressed fresh oils.  Avocado and coconut oil can be used for cooking (some oils at high heat release free radicals that can harm the body)
  • Hot spices, alcohol, intoxicants and refined concentrated sweeteners

BENEFICIAL FOODS

  • Kelp and other seaweeds
  • Vitamin B6, B12 and zinc (they are abundantly found in a varied diet of whole foods)
  • Chlorophyll foods (green vegetables, spirulina, chlorella)
  • Pungent herbs and spices; turmeric, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, marjoram, cumin, fennel, dill, ginger, black pepper, horseradish, rosemary, mints, saffron, lemon balm, all members of the onion family
  • Nuts; chestnut, pine nut
  • Vegetables; cabbage, kohlrabi, cauliflower, broccoli, watercress, turnip root, beets, taro root, mustard greens, brussel sprouts.
  • Raw Foods; sprouted grains, beans and seeds
  • Fruits; strawberry, peach, cherry

 

Short Term Remedy:

1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in some water with a little honey

Take while experiencing stress/tension/depression, 3 times daily

Use unrefined apple cider, brown rice, rice wine or other quality vinegars.

 

Do You Have Back Pain?

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Back pain is a very common complaint and one that I treat daily in my clinic.  The source of back pain is extremely varied, but all my patients have this in common; pain and a disruption to their work and lifestyle.

If you have back pain and it’s affecting your day to day activities, sleep, mood and recreational activities, Traditional Chinese Medicine and classical acupuncture can truly treat your back pain to get you back to work and doing what you love to do FAST.

With classical acupuncture and a treatment plan that may involve Chinese herbs, some lifestyle modifications and simple homework your back pain can be treated and a reoccurrence of your back pain can be prevented.  Towards the end of this Blog I explain how classical acupuncture actually heals your back.

Acupuncture not only treats your pain but also treats the source of your pain.

THE BACK PAIN PROBLEM

  • 50% of all current drug addicts get hooked when they are prescribed Western pain medications
  • Every 18 minutes an American dies from an overdose of pain medications
  • Pain is an epidemic and western medicine does not have many solutions
  • Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide
  • Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work
  • Back pain is the second most common reason for visiting the doctor
  • Pain medication is used to manage pain, it does not totally relieve it or cure it.

For most medical doctors and pain clinics a pain level of 7/10 is expected to drop to a 4/10 when a patient uses pain medication.  If I cannot get such a patient with a pain level of 7/10 below a four after their FIRST treatment with me I feel I have failed in my treatment that day.

As an acupuncturist treating pain is one of the most rewarding and most important diseases to treat.  Acupuncture can treat any type of pain (chronic, acute, nerve pain, inflammation, numbness and tingling, radiating pain, stiffness etc) anywhere in the body (organ, bone, skin, joint etc).  Of course there are exceptions such as genetic disorders and cancer etc, but those are not the norm for the majority of pain disorders seen in the clinic.

COMMON CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

Muscle strain or ligament sprain

Commonly from heavy lifting, a sudden awkward movement, poor physical condition or posture that puts chronic strain on the muscles and ligaments of the back.

Disc problem

Often from poor lifting technique and turning and twisting whilst lifting.

Discs act like “cushions” between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine.  When a disc is injured the soft material in the disc can bulge or rupture placing pressure on a nerve (that is exiting the spine) which will cause pain.

As people age over time the disc wears down and no longer effectively “cushions” forces.  In a degenerative disc forces instead are transferred to the disc wall that can lead to a bulging or ruptured disc.

Arthritis

Arthritis is degeneration of the joints in the spine.  As the cartilage between the joints slowly breaks down inflammation and pain develops.

Joint dysfunction  

The low back area consists of the lower spine (lumbar), sacrum and pelvis.  These bones are connected by joints that can cause pain if there is too much or too little motion of them.

 

HOW ACUPUNCUTRE TREATS YOUR BACK PAIN

Acupuncture stimulates nerves and subsequently triggers a response from the brain.  As a result acupuncture can affect change in all systems (circulatory, respiratory, digestive etc) and areas (back, knee, shoulder, neck etc) of the body.

Acupuncture stimulates the body to increase blood flow to the site of pain and stimulates the body to release natural painkillers.

Increased blood flow facilitates and hastens the natural healing process.  This increased blood flow brings a host of substances that control the damage, repair the injury and removes wastes that cause pain and inflammation.

Acupuncture also simulates the release of endorphins.  Endorphins are natural pain killers produced by your body. They work by binding to receptors in your brain to block the perception of pain.  Acupuncture is very effective at treating pain and thereby reducing your need for pharmaceutical pain killers.

Acupuncture treats the whole body, not just your pain.  This means I address underlying health issues that may be contributing to your back problem AND I treat the source of your back pain.  By doing this the reoccurrence of your back pain can be prevented.

Classical acupuncture can actually heal muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and nerves – the actual root cause of your back pain.

A TYPICAL BACK PAIN TREATMENT IN MY CLINIC

Traditional Chinese Medicine and classical acupuncture is a complete system of medicine.  Acupuncture is the best modality for treating back pain but depending on the person and because I like to treat the whole person I often incorporate into your treatment plan:

  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Dietary recommendations
  • Chinese herbs
  • Stretches and exercises

In addition to classical acupuncture I may use; tui na massage, gua sha, cupping, moxibustion, electro-acupuncture stimulation and ear seeds to treat your back pain.  All of these are used to heal your back, eliminate your pain AND treat any underlying health conditions you may have.

I mostly practice distal acupuncture, a classical style of acupuncture with great clinical efficacy.  I place needles away from your area of pain or discomfort.  My patients experience enhanced benefits from this style of acupuncture as they can relax and enjoy their treatments more as they feel the immediate relief of their pain.  They also feel much more involved and proactive during their treatment as I rely on their feedback to fine tune my treatments to further relieve their pain.  Look out for my future Blog on distal classical acupuncture, the theory and the results are astonishing.

Any type of chronic pain can be a profoundly life changing – and often lonely – experience.  If this is you, please come and see me, I’m Evelyn, and I practise in Canmore and Calgary.