Back and neck pain relief

By Patrick Foye, L.Ac Sarah McKay Counseling + Acupuncture

According to WebMD, nearly eight of 10 Americans will suffer from low-back pain at some point in their lives. Understandably, it’s one of the most common reason people seek relief through acupuncture. Addressing chronic pain, particularly back and neck pain, is a specialty of mine.

Today’s sedentary lifestyles can cause pain just as much as over use during exercise or manual labor. Sitting for long periods causes blood stagnation and muscle cramps, so movement and exercise is important to staying healthy.

When I first meet with patients, we go over their lifestyle and medical history. That, plus range of motion tests, gives me a sense of where their issues come from and how to address them.

The insertion and manipulation of thin needles at specific points regulates the body’s nervous system and triggers the release of beneficial pain-killing chemicals. Cupping therapy stretches and manipulates soft tissues. Both techniques invigorate the blood and promote healing.

I also make suggestions for addressing sources of pain. Some are:

•For every hour sitting down, walk briskly for five minutes. At the least, do jumping jacks, lunges and spinal twists

•Set up your workstation with proper ergonomics.

•Yoga poses specific to a patient’s problems.

In addition to acupuncture, the Sarah McKay Counseling staff of seven counselors and two therapy dogs, Chiko and Hopper, helps people overcome mental health struggles. Come meet them and myself and try a little acupuncture at our free Summer Sun Market on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the practice.

Sarah McKay Counseling + Acupuncture is located at 19444 Progress Drive, in Strongsville. Visit SarahMcKay.com for an overview of the practice. Patrick Foye is a diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. To schedule an appointment with him, email elementalacucle@gmail.com or call 512-663-3270.