Physicians Say Anxiety Is Leading Cause of Back Pain

Anxiety disorders are not solely classified as emotional responders. In fact, anxiety can cause an array of painful ailments that disturb patients emotionally and physically.

According to the North American Spine Association, four out of five American adults experience significant back pain during the course of their lifetime. Although back pain can develop due to underlying disease, acute injury or chronic illness, anxiety is the top cause of back pain development.

Stressed young mixed-race woman sitting alone on sofa, holding head in hands, feeling anxious

How does anxiety correlate with back pain? 

There is an intricate relationship between anxiety and physical health. Whether you sit at a desk during working hours or fret about daily events in your life, the tension and stress you’re experiencing can cause your body to react negatively. Anxiety causes the body to stiffen, tightening not only muscles, but joints, too. When prolonged stiffness occurs, pain develops. The pain is essentially sending a signal to your brain saying that the body needs to rest and heal.

Unmanaged anxiety also takes a toll on emotional well-being. It can increase your perception of emotions and feelings, including a more intense pain sensation. When the sufferer feels new bodily issues developing, it can often become hard to cope with the pain, resorting in elevated levels of anxiety and ultimately a continuation of physical ailments. This is a vicious cycle that threatens to take hold of your mental and physical well-being. Without the proper treatment, pain and anxiety can be hard to control or eliminate.

How can natural treatment assist with healing back pain and managing anxiety? 

When desperate to find healing, sufferers often resort to medications, such as opioids, to alleviate their pain. Not only can these unneeded medications cause other issues to arise within the body, they can also become highly addicting. Becoming addicted to pain medications can ruin one’s life while only temporarily numbing the pain.

Other times, patients experiencing pain resort to heeding their doctor’s advice for surgery. Physicians across the Nation push surgery that is unnecessary. Back surgery can potentially place the patient at high risk for unwanted, life altering outcomes.

However, the medical world has evolved greatly in ways that lean toward healing the body naturally. More and more physicians are recommending natural treatment to nourish the body emotionally and physically, without surgery or chemically infested and addictive medications.

Acupuncture has become a world-wide healing measure and is a preferred treatment over pharmaceutical medications, such as opioids. The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommend acupuncture treatment first. Fast Relief Acupuncture is the leading acupuncture treatment office in Northern New Jersey, specializing in treating and healing back pain caused by unmanaged anxiety. While following closely with the ACP’s guidelines, Fast Relief Acupuncture aims to put your health first by providing thorough and successful back pain treatment.

 

Fast Relief Acupuncture does not provide temporary relief like that of a drug. Rather, our office’s main goal is to proactively heal the body by diminishing pain while  fully managing anxiety symptoms.

When should I visit Fast Relief Acupuncture? 

Although our office can work for you as a preventative treatment, our acupuncturists specialize in helping heal ailments that you are currently suffering from, such as a back injury. There are several physical symptoms to look out for when you think you may have a back injury. These symptoms can include:

  • Sharp, localized pain
  • Chronic ache
  • Inability to perform daily tasks such as bending, walking or sitting for long periods
  • Inability to perform exercises
  • Disrupted sleep due to pain
  • Feelings of tingling or numbness in the arms or legs

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is always recommended to first consult your physician. Your physician can properly diagnose the ailment and recommend proper treatment. When natural treatment, such as acupuncture, is discussed, it is always important to remember to continue other treatments that your doctor has prescribed or recommended such as physical therapy or anxiety medication. Acupuncture works best when treatments harmoniously combine to provide the greatest possible outcome for the patient.

When you are ready to schedule an acupuncture treatment, please call our office to set up a consultation appointment. An acupuncture specialist will discuss your needs and create an appropriate, unique treatment plan for healing.

We look forward to hearing from you!

https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illness/other-related-conditions/chronic-pain

https://www.spine.org/knowyourback/conditions/other/back-pain-emotional-distress-stiffness

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

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Anxiety Generates Teeth Grinding, Posture Issues

Also called “Bruxism,” teeth grinding is a main symptom in patients who experience forms of anxiety and stress, either mentally or physically. When stressed, specific muscle groups in the face tense, causing the jaw to tighten and clamp down. Acute and chronic teeth grinding can cause painful symptoms that can become hard to manage.

What are the symptoms of teeth grinding?

Many different symptoms can stem from anxiety, especially when patients are grinding their teeth, whether mostly at night or during the daytime. The most common symptoms experienced are,

  • -Tenderness and pain to the touch or while moving the jaw
  • -Mild to severe headaches, typically called “tension headaches”
  • -Restricted movement of the jaw
  • -Stiffness of the jaw
  • -Weakness of muscles in the face
  • -Tight muscles that can affect the neck, shoulders, and posture
  • -Nerve compression
  • -Constant clicking noise or grinding sound when moving the jaw muscles
  • -Sensitive teeth

Patients can experience various levels of pain, depending on how much they are grinding and how their body reacts. Some will feel a gradual increase of symptoms over years of untreated Bruxism, and others can feel the effect right away.

How can teeth grinding be treated?

A dentist is the first place that many patients visit when having issues with grinding their teeth. Often, a night guard (retainer) will be molded to fit the patient’s teeth and provide cushion, so the teeth do not become further damaged. Retainers do not always correct the root cause of the problem, however.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that acupuncture may help ease chronic pain associated with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or TMJ, which is directly associated with prolonged teeth grinding.

Since the symptoms of teeth grinding indicate a functional disorder within the bodily systems, specifically the muscular system in the face, treating the root cause is more productive to achieve healing. Acupuncture targets the area in which is directly causing the issue, such as an anxiety or stress disorder. When visiting Fast Relief Acupuncture for the first time, our highly trained Acupuncturist, John Kim, will perform a thorough evaluation of your symptoms to determine exactly how the deviation is occurring. A treatment plan will be correlated for your specific needs.

During treatment, Acupuncture techniques will be used to balance the bodily systems, which is most important for reducing anxiety or stress symptoms and promoting relaxation and emotional stability. As the body produces Relaxin and Endorphins, the hormones responsible for de-stressing, the Myofascial Muscles can relax, reducing the occurrence of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This process triggers the loosening of neck muscles and shoulder muscles, which will also correct posture and alleviate tension throughout the back.

As patients experience symptoms of teeth grinding from anxiety, they may not realize that getting to the root cause of the issue is most important. As the body reacts to outside factors such as stress and anxiety, issues arise such as teeth grinding that can lead to TMJ. At Fast Relief Acupuncture, we know that our bodily systems are all beautifully intertwined, which means that jaw pain can cause neck pain which can cause posture issues which can cause back pain … and so on! It is so important to treat teeth grinding right down to the beginning, that way, the entire body can find relief and healing.

John Kim specializes in treating TMJ and posture disorders. He has received multiple certifications in these practice areas and has seen hundreds of patients during his tenor as an Acupuncturist. To find fast relief from your jaw, teeth, or muscle pain, visit Fast Relief Acupuncture today!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:
•    Headache/ Migraine
•    Arthritis/ Stenosis
•    Nerve pain
•    Neck/Back pain
•    Fibromyalgia pain

•    Allergies

•    TMJ

Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Flying into Health: Acupuncture for Travelers

The last year has brought forth much uncertainty, especially when it comes to traveling. You may have found yourself cancelling your vacation or rescheduling family visits due to the pandemic. With many airlines now opening for travel around the country, travelers are finally getting back into their routines, but with a few stipulations in place to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Traveling, with new mask and social distancing rules, may come with elevated anxieties beyond the typical ones experienced such as motion sickness, dehydration, jet lag and bodily aches and pains. Popular natural therapies enable travelers to feel more comfortable, healthier, and overall satisfied with their flight and traveling adventures. Acupuncture, a safe and affordable treatment, can aid frequent or new fliers in maintaining an elevated level of health while enjoying their business or vacation trips close by or around the world.

Fast Relief Acupuncture has compiled a list of the top seven most important things to do when preparing to fly. These tips will make you feel your best and enjoy your trip at the highest level!

  • Eat healthy- Our office promotes healthy eating daily, but it is extremely important to watch what you eat during the days before your trip leading up to boarding the plane. Eating lots of vegetables and taking vitamin C supplements can boost your immune system. Not only is this important for remaining healthy in this current world state, but it also can protect you from daily viruses that contaminate high traffic areas, such as airports and planes.

 

  • Drink lots of water- Just like eating healthy, it is vital to stay hydrated, especially when a long travel day is involved. Drinking lots of water keeps your bodily systems, including your organs and digestive system, working properly. It also enables your muscles to recover quicker from jet lag. 

 

  • Take herbal supplements- There are many immune boosting herbal supplements at your local drug store or acupuncture office. One of the most popular is Elderberry Syrup. Elderberry Syrup contains great immune boosting nutrients that enable you to feel your best and keep from getting sick. Plus, it is all natural!

 

  • Do not drink and fly- We know that you may feel braver with a little alcohol in your system, but we also highly recommend staying away from the taps before and during your flight. Alcohol can make you extremely dehydrated, contributing to jet lag. It is also a major cause of motion sickness. You do not want to start your trip off leaning over the toilet, especially on a plane.

 

  • Make sure to stretch- Stretching before taking off is a fantastic way to loosen your muscles, ligaments and tendons and trigger relaxation. When sitting for extended periods of time, your muscles tighten which cause unwanted aches and pains. Make sure to stretch those legs underneath the seat in front of you and stretch your arms high toward the ceiling often during your flight.

 

  • Bring a neck pillow and lumbar support- There is nothing worse than waking up in your seat, your neck throbbing and stiff because your head fell over in an abnormal position. A neck pillow provides amazing support for when you want to take a quick snooze or while enjoying a free movie!

 

  • Get acupuncture before you fly- Fast Relief Acupuncture highly recommends an acupuncture appointment, or several, before your trip. Not only will our treatments get you in tip-top shape for your business trip or vacation, but it will also provide you relaxation. Our appointments are always anxiety and stress-free and bound to give you exactly what you need before boarding.

Are you planning a trip soon? Do not forget the above tips when preparing for your flight. Most importantly, schedule your acupuncture appointment today to receive the best benefits of health that will travel alongside you to your destination.

Fly with Fast Relief Acupuncture to your superior health destination!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

 

Anxiety Subdued by Fast Relief Acupuncture Specialists

Anxiety is a crippling illness; one that not only wreaks havoc on your emotions, but also creeps into the activities of your daily life. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 40 million American adults suffer from a form of mental illness, such as anxiety. An even staggering number suggests that approximately 1 in 6 adults cope with their mental illness by turning to prescription medication or illegal drugs. Many anxiety sufferers seek a cure within the depths of a pill, yet many will only gain temporary relief from their pain.

Fast Relief Acupuncture specializes in a safe, natural, and clinically tested proven treatment that aims to permanently heal the mind and body from the effects of anxiety.

Acupuncture is Physician-tested

A physician reviewed study concluded that acupuncture is helpful in treating generalized anxiety disorders.

Subjects within the study were offered acupuncture treatments once a week for the course of one year. Each subject had similar degrees of an anxiety disorder and was subjected to the same type of treatment. At the end of the year, 94.5% of the subjects agreed that they had less anxiety than when they first started the study.

What happened during the study?

Subjects were given repeated acupuncture treatment in order to combat generalized anxiety disorders. During the treatment, specific areas of the ear were stimulated as labeled below:

Picture courtesy of Journals.lww.com

The acupuncture treatment received by the subjects greatly impacted their bodily systems, specifically calming of the sympathetic “fight or flight” response. The “fight or flight” response is often related to chronic stress and responsible for anxiety-like symptoms such as high blood pressure, excessive sweating, increased heart-rate, and sudden adrenaline rushes. These types of symptoms will often be felt during anxiety episodes, especially panic attacks because the body reacts as if it is in danger, causing fear and adrenaline to take over. 

After the results of the study were closely examined, it was determined by Jacqueline Somerville, PHD, RN; Matt Quin, MSN, RN; and Dian Tsitos, MSN, RN, that acupuncture is an effective intervention for the relief of anxiety.  In fact, it can potentially replace prescription medication intake and provide greater results over a period of time.

I’m interested. How can I prepare for an appointment?

Before your first appointment, it is best to be prepared by gathering knowledge about yourself. The more you know, the better our acupuncturists are able to treat your unique situation. You can be best prepared by knowing:

  • Your medical history
  • Current medications that you are taking
  • Any health concerns that you may have
  • Questions that you wish to ask

It is also important to remember to consult your doctor before receiving treatment. Do not stop any current medications without consulting your physician.

You are well on your way to better days.

You have made a great first step by simply seeking out help for your anxiety. Fast Relief Acupuncture is dedicated to providing specialized treatment for generalized anxiety disorders. We pride ourselves in introducing a safe, cost-effective and natural way to not only provide relief, but to heal your ailments. We look forward to getting you on the road to complete recovery!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Subscribe

Submit your e-mail address for future specials, offers, and news for my loyal patient base and to share with your friends!

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