Computers Are a Pain in the Neck

 

by Kelly Mantovani,

Massage Therapist

 

Sitting at a computer for eight hours a day puts enormous tension on the body, especially on the shoulders and neck. By the end of the day, the muscles are burning, aching, and begging for relief.

 

A common condition called Forward Head Posture Syndrome is one reason for the pain associated with prolonged computer use. In FHPS, the neck cranes forward, pushing the head farther away from the shoulders, which caves in the chest and rounds out the upper back. This postural misalignment commonly occurs as people peer into their monitors, oblivious to the changes taking place in their bodies. For every one-inch the head moves forward, 10 lbs of weight is added to the original weight of the head (Kapandji, Physiology of Joints, Vol. 3).

 

The muscles of the neck strain to hold the head upright, becoming tight and contracted as they fatigue. This sets off a pain-spasm-pain cycle, which can cause a wide array of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Some of these symptoms include: migraines, facial pain, TMJ syndrome, tingling and numbness in arms and hands, and painful trigger points in between the shoulder blades.

 

Massage can help relieve many of the issues created by Forward Head Posture Syndrome. NMT can be used to address trigger points set up in the neck and shoulders, myofascial therapy can release fascial contractures that limit range of motion, deep tissue can be applied to ischemic muscles, and Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques can be used to specifically address the muscle imbalances that pull the body out of alignment. Massage, combined with client awareness of the body throughout the day, are key to keeping a balanced posture and reversing some of the common complaints seen in the modern workforce today.

 

Out, darn Spots!

 

by Jennie Wallace,

Spa Director

Summer may be gone, but for some it has left its mark in the form of sun spots. These pesky leave-behinds are also referred to as age or liver spots and commonly crop up on areas of the skin that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, shoulders, hands, upper back, and the tops of feet. The sun's rays cause increased pigmentation that appears as small, freckle-like spots that are darker than your normal skin tone.

 

While sun spots won't cause any specific medical problems, they definitely show as a sign of aging. If you want shed your spots and enjoy younger looking skin, follow these steps:

 

Prevention

The best way to combat sun spots is to prevent them from happening in the first place! Try to minimize your skin's exposure to the sun by avoiding the outdoors between 10 am and 3 pm, when the sun's rays are most dangerous. When you do spend time outside – no matter the season –lotion up with a sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher and blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Center MedSpa carries several different sunscreens year-round. Check out our product lines with this link, and stop by the spa or call us about which formula will be best for your skin type

 

Treatment

If you are already plagued by sun spots don't fret—there are effective treatments. A variety of creams and lotions are available that can be used to fade the discolorations and make them less noticeable.

One of the best on the market is EpiQuin Micro, a prescription moisturizing fading cream that reduces the impact of mulitple conditions, including melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and sun spots.

 

Natalie Johnson, one of our expert physicians, says, "Hydroquinone 4%, an ingredient found in EpiQuin Micro, is used throughout the world to treat melasma, however when used improperly or without the supervision of a doctor it can produce unwanted results. Prescribing EpiQuin Micro with Microsponge technology provides a gradual release of treatment throughout the day, which usually helps minimize skin irritation. We insist you test for skin sensitivity in order to ensure you achieve the best results possible from your hydroquinone therapy." 

 

Benefits of EpiQuin Micro:

• Good for all skin types
• Steroid-Free
• Formulated with retinol and antioxidants
• The only hydroquinone with MicroSponge technology
• Results in as little as four weeks

 

This product normally retails for $125, but for a short time you can purchase EpiQuin Micro and receive a $35 dollar rebate. There is no appointment necessary! Just call 423.643.1980 and one of our doctors will write you a prescription.

 

If you would like to learn more about EpiQuin Micro or any of our products and services, stop by Center MedSpa during our Client Appreciation Event on October 28-29. Our experts will be on hand to answer any questions you might have, as well as show you our wide selection of specials.

 

Call 423.643.1980 for more information.