As students get back into their studying routine this back-to-school season, they may find that the increased time spent reading and doing computer work, in addition to higher levels of stress, may cause neck pain.
Neck pain is a common problem with many possible causes. Poor posture, hunching over a computer, arthritis, whiplash, and muscle strain from simple things like reading in bed or grinding your teeth can all trigger neck pain. When your neck muscles become tired and strained, pain may be the first symptom.
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to help. Self-therapy is just one method, and it is often best practiced in combination with manual therapy. Here are three forms of self-therapy techniques your chiropractor might prescribe for you to do at home to help relieve your neck pain:
1) Stretch: There are a few muscles that are commonly associated with pain in the upper back and neck. Here are a couple of stretches that you can do throughout the day to help decrease your pain.
Stretch #1: Sitting or standing with a relaxed posture, keep your shoulders down and bring your left ear to your left shoulder. You should feel the stretch on the right side of your neck. Repeat the stretch on the other side and hold the stretch for 10 seconds, for a total of three repetitions per side.
Stretch #2: Sitting or standing with a relaxed posture, keep your shoulders down and tilt your head as far forward as you can, then align your right eye with the outside of your left knee. Use your left hand on your head to create more of a stretch. You should feel this stretch on the right side of your upper back. Repeat the stretch on the other side and hold the stretch for 10 seconds, for a total of three repetitions per side.
2) Strengthen: A simple exercise you can do at home to help with your neck pain is chin tucks. Chin tucks work on strengthening the deep neck muscles. This exercise can be performed standing or laying down. If you are standing, ensure that you are standing with a neutral posture, then actively pull your chin back, as if to create a double chin. If laying down, gently press the back of your head into the pillow, creating a double chin. Hold either of the variations for 10 seconds and repeat three times.
3) Most importantly…keep moving!
It is important to make sure that you don’t stay in one position for too long; sitting or standing. If your day involves prolonged sitting, make sure to stand up and take walking breaks. If your job involves prolonged standing, try to take sitting breaks throughout the day and also ensure that you take walking breaks. Movement is key! You can also download the Straighten Up Canada app for daily exercises to help keep you moving.
In rare cases, neck pain can be a sign of something serious. Seek immediate attention and tell your chiropractor if your neck pain is accompanied by severe headache, shooting pain in your shoulder, or arm, numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands, trouble speaking, swallowing or walking, blurred vision, or loss of balance.
When should I consider chiropractic care?
If you experience neck pain, consult a chiropractor for an assessment. Your chiropractor will recommend a course of treatment specific to you which may include spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, muscle release techniques, muscle stimulation, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle advice. Most people respond well to treatment and get back to their regular activities faster than waiting it out.
For more information, please consult with your local chiropractor
Dr. Viola Cheung is a diversified practitioner that provides an evidence-informed practice, centered around patient goals – whether it's a return to function, a reduction of pain, or to improve mobility and overall health. Through a “hands-on” treatment approach, Dr. Viola also offers acupuncture and rehabilitation exercise programs.
As a sports enthusiast, Dr. Viola has enjoyed opportunities as a medical therapist for the Pan Am Games and a field therapist for the Toronto Rush. She holds a Doctor of Chiropractic with clinic honours from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto.
Dr. Ashley completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Kinesiology University of Guelph-Humber before completing her Chiropractic degree. After a family member was in a severe car accident, suffering from intense neck and back pain, she was inspired to pursue her Doctorate of Chiropractic (DC) at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto.
She completed additional certifications in Functional Integrated Acupuncture (CMCC). Ashley is currently furthering her knowledge in concussion management and low back pain during pregnancy to better serve her patients in the Peterborough area. She is a member of both the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) and Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA).
Ashley utilizes the best research evidence, her clinical expertise, and individual patient values and preferences to practice evidence based care.
Ashley is proficient in the use of diversified and drop-piece manipulative techniques, myofascial release and instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative and strengthening techniques. In addition, she has successfully incorporated methods such as acupressure for headaches, mindfulness meditation for stress, mirror-box therapy and nerve-flossing techniques for neurodynamic-related pain.
Ashley is a former ski instructor, and swim instructor, using her sports experience to aid rehab. She is committed to helping her patients lead a healthy lifestyle.
When Ashley isn’t practicing you can usually find her enjoying the great outdoors or spending quality time with her family and friends.
I have been working as a children’s physiotherapist for over 20 years, first in Ireland and the UK and then in Canada. I relocated to beautiful Kawartha Lakes, with my family a few years ago after spending a number of years in Toronto. Over the years I have developed my philosophy of PEP – Play * Explore * Participate as key principles guiding all that I do.
You don’t have to live with pain.
Palak, a dedicated physiotherapist who graduated from McGill University. She brings extensive experience in sports injuries and various musculoskeletal conditions from diverse clinical and international hospital settings. With a strong foundation in physiotherapy, Palak offers personalized care, tailoring treatments to meet individual needs.
Experience evidence-based therapy and achieve optimal wellness under her expert guidance.
Avani Patel is a highly skilled Registered Physiotherapist with a focus on specialized care in Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) rehabilitation, orthopedic and sports injuries, neurological conditions, and post-operative rehabilitation. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy in 2017, Avani brings over seven years of comprehensive experience to her practice.
With a deep understanding of manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise prescription, and patient education, Avani is committed to guiding individuals towards reclaiming their mobility and embracing pain-free living. Her dedication lies in empowering clients to achieve their optimal physical potential, thereby restoring independence in their daily activities.
Demoli Shah is a registered physiotherapist with a focus in treating
musculoskeletal and orthopaedic injuries.
Her expertise also includes targeted and customized care for but not limited to sports injuries, lower back pain problems, radiculopathy or rotator cuff injuries.
Demoli brings over a decade of experience in large healthcare providers,
private and government hospitals, and sports clinics that serve multiple
disciplines. She discerns the root cause and its nuances to devise an
effective treatment plan.
Her approach integrates detailed assessment, manual therapy, Mulligan techniques, Mckenzie techniques, Neurokinetic techniques, soft tissue release and rehabilitative exercises.
Having served a wide spectrum of patients, she has gained an
understanding of their varying needs and staminas, which she utilizes to reduce the emotional toll of their injuries, always encouraging and motivating them to do their best. It is her belief that genuine empathy is crucial for achieving the best doctor-patient relationships and results.
In her effort to continually hone her craft, Demoli has completed several certifications, such as McKenzie Lumbar and Cervicothoracic, NKT Level 1 and Level 2, Lumbosacral Mobilization/Manipulation, and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and level 2 manual therapy courses from orthopedic division.
She loves nature and is always up for biking, hiking and camping adventures! Believes that exercise and attention to fitness can go a long way.
I’m Manmeet Sekhon, a dedicated physiotherapist with expertise in musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular rehabilitation. I have a passion for helping patients recover and improve their quality of life. I provide personalized treatment plans, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes. Whether it’s managing pain, restoring mobility, or enhancing performance, I’m here to guide and support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to achieve your health goals!
Ryan Plumpton graduated from the Massage Therapy program at Algonquin College with an Advanced Diploma. His curiosity lends itself to the problem-solving nature of both orthopedic testing and manual therapy. He always seeks the best possible treatment, whether you aim for better performance or a little relaxation.
He thinks of himself as a Swiss Army Knife of RMT’s. He cultivates experience in as many forms of treatment as he possibly can. Knowing that sometimes a knot is caused by a fascial binding, or that numbness is secondary to swelling further up a nervous pathway; it never made sense to have a limited focus. Instead, Ryan ensures he has done the best to make sure he could treat anything put in front of him. Ryan has had success in treating across a range of conditions; from improving range of motion and reducing swelling following a knee replacement, to provide some badly needed pain relief to those that suffer from fibromyalgia or chronic headache.
Ryan continually updates his massage and believes strongly in health care partnership; for you to best take care of yourself, he incorporates large amounts of home-care and remedial exercise into treatments. These athletic endeavors have given Ryan a wide range of activities to draw from when providing the coaching that will help you help yourself.
Ryan has found a like-minded practitioner in working with Dr.J who shares a passion for optimizing health and offers skill sets and techniques that he doesn’t have access to.
As a Registered Massage Therapist, Alyssa has grasped and has been exposed to a variety of experience in her field of work.
Her treatments address your pain as effectively as possible. She values key components like stretches and exercises to improve your journey to wellness.
To achieve the client’s goals, she incorporates proper alignment and use of breath in order to deepen the mind and body connection, all while applying a broad range of pressure to soft tissues.
The home care provided will complement the massage treatment and client goals. This creates a well rounded treatment plan and sustainable results. Alyssa will communicate pain management techniques specialized for each individual patient.
She is looking forward to sharing her passion for health with you and working toward your wellness.
Hi! My name is Brianna Moynes. I was born and raised in Lindsay Ontario. Prior to working at Adelaide Clinic, I was a PSW for 9 years. After my daughter was born, I decided to go back to school and complete the Office Administration program at Fleming College.
When I’m not working at the clinic, I like to spend time with my family at my in-law’s dairy farm just outside of Lindsay. We milk 50 cows and we also are raising 40 sheep.
I really enjoy working as an Administrative Officer at Adelaide Clinic because I enjoy the busy atmosphere of the clinic. Answering phones, scheduling appointments, assisting patients, and managing new tasks as they come up makes me look forward to the versatility and excitement of working at Adelaide Clinic.
BROOKLYN GASSIEN
Administrative Officer
Brooklyn is a part time Administrative Officer and started at the Clinic as a Co-op student. Brooklyn is an Honour roll student in her final year of High school, which also awarded her the title of Ontario Scholar.
Brooklyn has planned a post-secondary education for Practical Nursing as she loves to help others, and is eager to work in a heath care setting.
When not at work, Brooklyn loves being around family and friends, travelling and exploring the world.
SARAH BROWN
Admin Officer
Born and raised in Lindsay, Ontario Sarah was an outgoing kid from the start. A natural in customer service and a true people person. Passionate and driven, she is an entrepreneur and a small business owner herself.
With over 10 years of exotic animal experience, she founded Browning Reptiles in 2019. Browning Reptiles is an Exotic Animal Educational Entertainment business. Sarah is a Master Herpetologist, and owns over 50 individual exotic animals. Her dream is to bring a better understanding and appreciation through education to people about animals that are highly misunderstood and often feared, such as reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. She provides the opportunity to interact and learn through in-person, hands-on or virtual experiences.
Sarah is very family orientated. She is the wife of City of Kawartha Lakes Police Detective Constable Ken Downing and the mother of 2 VERY energetic and outgoing little girls Lily and Violet.
BOBBIE GAYLOR
Admin Officer and PTA
Hello! I’m Bobbie, a new addition to Adelaide Clinics admin team!
I am a current high school student who is highly interested in the practices of physiotherapy and chiropractic therapy which is what led me to taking a high school cooperative education program for a semester at Adelaide Clinic before I started working here as a student and I loved it so much!
Some things about me are, I have really enjoyed my high school experience so far. My favorite classes are by far physical education, physics and English. I love being outside, hanging out with friends and listening to country music.
I am so excited to be a part of the Adelaide Clinic team and can’t wait to see what new experiences working here will provide me!