Neck pain is most commonly caused by injury to the tissues or bone structures in the neck. However, certain degenerative conditions can also lead to neck pain. Some common conditions that can compromise your neck include automobile or sports injuries, whiplash, muscle strains, nerve compression, illnesses and, joint degeneration. Neck pain can cause debilitating and extremely uncomfortable sensations, especially if the pain stretches from your neck down to your shoulders. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately one-third of the population will experience neck pain in any given year. It can get worse if left untreated, and in severe cases, surgery may even be needed.

Our comprehensive approach can help get you back to a normal, pain-free function. Many people can find relief from their neck pain every year through the help of our treatments. Our practitioners will conduct an initial evaluation to analyze your posture, the motion in your neck, as well as any limitations you have due to your pain. We will then create a diagnosis that will determine your treatment plan. When you participate in our comprehensive approach Vineyard Complementary Medicine practitioners will provide you with targeted exercises that will strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues in your neck.

Don’t let your daily discomfort be a pain in the neck any longer. Contact Vineyard Complementary Medicine today and schedule your initial consultation! We will help you get started on the road toward long-lasting neck pain relief.

Why does my back hurt?

The cause of your back pain can result in various functional impairments, such as limited mobility, impaired posture, reduced work performance, and sleep disturbances.

Lower back pain symptoms can vary from a dull ache to severe pain. Often people will notice muscle tension, and some will experience spasms. In most cases, some stiffness or loss of mobility affects normal daily activities.

At Vineyard Complementary Medicine on Martha’s Vineyard, we take a holistic approach and focus on the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our team will use a combination of techniques that are proven to provide relief and restore function.

Back pain can be a perplexing and frustrating experience, but our holistic approach to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and, acupuncture at Vineyard Complementary Medicine will help you find relief and restore your well-being. We’ll identify the root cause of your pain and empower you to take control and seek effective relief.

The most common conditions responsible for back pain include the following:

• Muscular Strain: Overexertion or improper lifting techniques can lead to muscle strains in the back, resulting in pain and limited mobility. A holistic physical therapy, occupational therapy, & acupuncture program can alleviate discomfort and prevent future strains by addressing muscle imbalances through targeted exercises that strengthen and stabilize the lumbar region and embracing proper body mechanics.
• Herniated Disc: When the soft, cushioning material between the vertebrae ruptures or bulges, it can pressure nearby nerves, causing pain and discomfort. We will employ a combination of manual therapy, stretching, and core-strengthening exercises to alleviate pressure, relieve pain, and restore normal function.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: As you age, the discs in our spine can lose their flexibility, resilience, and shock-absorbing properties, leading to discomfort and pain. Treatment focuses on restoring spinal mobility, enhancing muscle strength, and improving posture to minimize pain and slow the progression.

By uncovering the root cause of your back pain, our team can help you embark on a transformative journey towards healing and improved quality of life!

Can Vineyard Complementary Medicine help my back pain?

Physical therapy, occupational therapy & acupuncture at Vineyard Complementary Medicine offers a personalized, holistic, and evidence-based approach to alleviating back pain and restoring optimal function. We incorporate the most effective treatments tailored to your unique needs so that you can embark on a journey toward healing.

Our physical & occupational therapists use hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore function. This targeted approach addresses muscle tightness, joint stiffness, and spinal alignment to promote lasting relief.

Customized exercise programs designed by skilled physical therapists, occupational therapists, & acupuncturists focus on your spine’s key muscles. By addressing muscle imbalances and improving mobility, our exercise selection contributes to pain relief and reduces the risk of recurrence. We’ll design targeted core-strengthening exercises that alleviate back pain and improve posture, balance, and overall functional ability.

Embracing a holistic approach to healing means addressing the whole person, not just the symptoms. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and acupuncturists provide personalized advice on posture, body mechanics, and even how nutrition and stress management can help to foster overall wellness and complement the effects of other treatments.

What are the common causes of sciatica?

Sciatica can be the result of conditions that compress or irritate the sciatic nerve. In some cases, sciatica may also be caused by pregnancy, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or poor posture. Depending on the underlying cause, the severity of sciatica symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life.

Here are the common reasons for sciatica our physical therapists, occupational therapists & acupuncturists see at Vineyard Complementary Medicine:

• Lumbar Herniated Disc: The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the soft, cushioning material between the vertebrae ruptures or bulges, compressing the nearby sciatic nerve.
• Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock region, can become tight or spasm, irritating the sciatic nerve.
• Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when a vertebra in the lower spine slips forward, potentially compressing the sciatic nerve. Although rare, if the slippage progresses past a certain level, surgery is required to stabilize and prevent a worsening of the condition.
• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Irritation or inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, where the spine meets the pelvis, can lead to sciatic-like pain.
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of where the nerves exit the spinal canal; spinal stenosis can compress nerves, including the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort similar to sciatica symptoms. Stenosis often affects both lower extremities, whereas sciatica is typically one-sided.

By understanding the common causes and engaging in holistic, evidence-based physical therapy, occupational therapy, and acupuncture you can find lasting relief and reclaim your freedom of movement.

Ready to embrace a pain-free, active lifestyle?

Vineyard Complementary Medicine is committed to providing you with the necessary tools to alleviate your sciatica pain and prevent future recurrences. We want you to walk away empowered to regain control over your well-being and embrace a pain-free, active lifestyle. With expert guidance and customized care, you’ll be well on your way to a pain-free, active lifestyle!