By Dr. Alyssa Musgrove

Neck pain is a common complaint and, when you take a moment to consider the anatomy of the body, it’s easy to understand why.  The neck is comprised of a relatively small muscle group whose main purpose is to hold and support the head.  Depending on a person’s frame, the head can weigh anywhere between 10 to 16 pounds — about as much as a bowling ball.

Imagine holding a bowling ball above your head all day long.  It would be natural – and expected – for your muscles to get fatigued. Now imagine holding that bowling ball above the head, but slightly in front of your shoulders. If you actually tried maintaining that position (which mimics the poor posture we exhibit when the neck moves forward of the shoulders), you would quickly notice a tremendous amount of tension and stress in the neck and upper back.

Poor posture is one of the biggest causes of neck pain and tension, and it has become an epidemic in today’s society – especially with the widespread use of computers, tablets and mobile phones. When we stand or sit correctly, our ear should line up with the center of our shoulder. Any time the ear moves forward of the shoulder, such as when you look down, it strains the muscles and increases stress to the neck and spine.

Chronic poor posture can lead to problems with discs, muscles and joints in our neck, as well as cause constricted blood vessels and pressure on the nerves. Slouching also results in 30 percent less oxygen intake, leading to poor energy and fatigue.

Taking steps to improve our posture can help relieve neck and back pain, while also helping us look younger and more confident. Studies have also shown that adopting an upright posture helps improve mood and self esteem, allowing people to more effectively manage their stress.

To practice good posture, use a door or wall as a guide. Place your back against the wall with your heels and the back of your head against the wall. Your ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle should all be in alignment. This is the proper postural alignment to maintain once you step away from the wall. It may feel awkward at first because your muscles have become accustomed to poor posture, however, the more you practice this alignment the more natural it will become.

Here are a few more simple fixes for common posture problems that lead to neck pain.

1. Sleep posture. Sleeping on your stomach is one of the worst postures for your neck and back. The best sleeping postures are on your side with both knees bent (some people like to put a pillow between their knees) or on your back with a pillow under your knees. Make sure you have a pillow that properly supports your neck while sleeping. The key is to ensure the head stays level when you are lying on your side. The spine should be in proper alignment, without the head tilting up or down. If you are on your back, your chin should be in a neutral position.
2. Slouching. People often sit this way because they feel it is more comfortable. In this position your muscles do not work as hard, but your back and neck muscles, as well as your discs and nerves, are under tremendous stress. To correct this, you must adjust your posture and learn to sit up straight. Exercises to help improve this posture include core, back extension exercises and exercises that strengthen your buttocks/glutes. Planks, back extensions and bridges are all helpful.
3. “Text Neck” or Hunched back. This posture results from sitting at a computer, using a tablet for long periods of time, or texting on your mobile phone. It can also develop in those who spend a lot of time reading, quilting or doing any type of work that requires looking down. This posture leads to tight chest muscles, weak upper back muscles and a forward head posture. To help correct this posture, it is important to stretch the chest and neck muscles on a daily basis. Try these exercises to strengthen the upper back and neck muscles:

• Neck range of motion exercises. Slowly turn your head from left to right, looking over each shoulder. Do this 10 times in each direction. Next, tilt your ear toward your left shoulder and then your right shoulder. Do this 10 times slowly to each side. In addition to tilting your head toward your shoulder you can then slowly rotate your chin toward your armpit to increase stretch in back of neck and then rotate chin toward ceiling to further stretch the front of the neck. Finally, jut your chin forward and then tuck your chin backward (like a turtle). Do this 10 times in each direction.
• Chest stretch. Stand in an open doorway and grasp the doorframe on each side. Lean forward while holding on to the doorframe. This will help stretch your chest muscles.
• Exercise on a rowing machine, making sure to use good form. This will help strengthen your back muscles and the rear shoulder muscles helping to reduce the hunched back posture.

So, sit up straight, stop slouching and utilize the recommended exercises. The more you practice good posture, the more it will become second nature, while helping you to finally get rid of that pain in your neck.

Pathways to Healing specializes in holistic chiropractic care. Dr. Alyssa Musgrove draws on a variety of techniques, including chiropractic, kinesiology, nutrition, food allergy testing and lifestyle counseling to assist clients in achieving optimal health and wellness in one setting. Pathways to Healing is located at 1022 Founders Row, Lake Oconee Village, Greensboro. The office can be reached at 706-454-2040.

By: Dr. Alyssa Musgrove

With the gorgeous summer weather in Georgia’s lake country comes mosquito and bug bites, especially since most of us reading this article reside near water. Pests usually leave you with a red bump and an annoying itch but some can also lead to more serious conditions. The good news it if you do end up coming in contact with undesirable pesky bugs there are home remedies that are natural, simple and effective. This article will also cover excellent ideas for bug repellent that is not harmful for the human body. Stinky store bought spray is not your only option.

Mosquito’s have many different species (more then 3,000 in the world) and not all mosquito’s have the potential to carry parasites, pathogens and diseases like Zika and Malaria. DEET is a common chemical based repellent that has potential health and environmental harm. You might choose to avoid using products that are harmful to your body unless you are visiting places that have high risk for disease carrying insect bites. Some countries are more effected then others such as Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa and Ethopia. If you are doing things like hanging out in your back yard, taking a hike, or going camping, natural repellent remedies might be a better option. Children are more sensitive to chemicals, going all natural can be especially important for them.

First we can go over how to avoid getting bug bites in the first place. Bugs love to harbor in free standing water. Take a look around your house to investigate and eliminate areas that hold water. For example check water drains, buckets, tires, areas around the pool and try to get rid of unnecessary items. If water sits from four to seven days, it gives a chance for bugs like mosquitoes to infest. Other areas that can collect water are flowerpots, clogged gutters, trash cans, and bird bath (change water weekly). Next tip is keeping the lawn mowed as tall grass and weeds are one of mosquito’s favorite hang outs.

If you do go out after sunset it is best to cover up and wear long sleeves or pants that are thick enough for mosquito’s not to bite through. Mosquitoes are most active after sunset until sunrise. If you are susceptible to bug bites and want to avoid getting bit then plan outdoor activities at the appropriate times. Bugs are also attract to bright clothing, lights and perfume so avoid those.

Read below to see which natural repellent best suites you and your family needs. First I will mention different essential oils to use. Essential oils should never be put directly on the skin. They are best used with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil (liquid at all temperatures), almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, sunflower and avocado oil. Generally speaking the recipe is usually 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil. It is always in your best interest to do a spot test on a small section of your skin and wait an hour to make sure there is no irritation or allergic reaction. 

Lemon eucalyptus oil has been used since the early 1900’s as a natural repellent, it smells a lot like the well known citronella. The Center of Disease Control has approved this oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent. You can create your own batch of repellent using 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil and 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel.

Citronella is more common essential oil used to make candles to work against mosquitoes. Citronella is made from a mix of herbs and when you are outside citronella candles can actually provide up to 50% extra protection. Using citronella topically can protect you for up to two hours and once the oil evaporates it will leave you unprotected.

Tea tree oil or also known as melaleuca oil is popular for properties like antimicrobial, antiseptic, antimicrobial and also many wound healing benefits. Research also shows it may be effective as insect repellent.

Lavender has a fragrance that can repel mosquitoes with a more calming and enjoyable or tolerable smell. Lavender also has an analgesic (pain relief) qualities that can calm and soothe the skin.

Peppermint oil is not seemed to be liked by most bugs especially mosquitoes and spiders. You can mix peppermint oil and water in a spray bottle and use it in the corners of your home or ceiling to deter spiders and insects. You can use a few drops of peppermint oil with carrier oil and rub it on the bite topically to stop itching and cool the area to keep you from scratching and getting inflamed. 

Cinnamon oil can be used to kill off mosquito eggs and oddly enough snakes also hate this oil. A plant store manager once told me to cut up the cinnamon stick brooms and sprinkle in areas outdoors where you would like to fend off snakes. I also got a recipe for fending off snakes with the following oils; mix 4-8 drops of cinnamon oil and clove oil to a gallon of water and spray liberally. I have had people tell me it is helpful to spray around their dock area and pine straw. Keep in mind cinnamon and clove oil is toxic to pets.

The old remedy of putting a tea bag on your bee sting is a true natural remedy for mosquito bites as well. Ingredients in white tea specifically help reduce inflammation and a cold tea bag can soothe the itch and act as a poultice right on the bite to pull out venom and potential toxins. Chamomile tea is a great topical treatment for many skin issues and irritation.

Even with using mosquito repellent you may get an itchy, annoying, painful, red, raised mosquito bite. There are many ways to treat mosquito bites at home, some smell better then others! You can try onions, garlic and bananas can help stop itching. Rub a piece of raw onion, freshly cut garlic or banana peel on the bite itself to help soothe the irritation. Apple cider vinegar can be put on a cotton ball and rubbed on the bite to reduce inflammation and annoyance of bug bites.

Dr. Alyssa Musgrove

Many Americans reach for mouthwash as part of their daily morning routine, but over the last few years, more and more people have been swapping that dental hygiene mainstay for something a little more unconventional: oil. The ancient practice of oil pulling has been steadily growing in popularity as people seek to reap its many associated dental health benefits.

Rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic healing system developed thousands of years ago in India, oil pulling  was first used to boost oral health before the advent of the toothbrush. Oil pulling is the act of swishing oil (usually coconut or sesame) in the mouth for up to 20 minutes.  Advocates say oil pulling can help loosen and remove plaque, while also helping to extract toxins and harmful bacteria from the mouth. As such, it helps balance the microorganisms in the mouth, which can help prevent cavities, and promote healthy teeth and gums. Specifically, oil pulling can help:

• Prevent bad breath
• Prevent tooth decay
• Reduce plaque-related gingivitis
• Improve bleeding gums
• Whiten teeth 
• Reduce inflammation
• Heal cracked lips
• Boost the immune system
• Strengthen gums
• Reduce plaque
• Decrease tooth sensitivity

To date, there are only seven studies on the health benefits of oil pulling. One source calls oil pulling a “powerful detoxifying technique” with “the ability to purify the entire system” because each section of the tongue is connected to different organ systems such as the kidney, lungs, liver, heart, small intestine, stomach, colon, and spine, similarly to reflexology. According to research from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, oil pulling reduces Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which is found in saliva and is a significant contributor to tooth decay. There have been no reports showing that oil pulling has any negative or ill effects on dental fillings. 

Most people recommend using a tablespoon of oil and swishing for 20 minutes upon waking in the morning. You do not have to oil pull in the morning, but the best time is before eating. 

I prefer coconut oil because I enjoy the taste, and it has many natural antibacterial healing benefits. (You’ll get the most health benefit from organic virgin coconut oil, so it is best to avoid any coconut oil that has been processed or refined.) 

Initially, it may be difficult to swish for a full 20 minutes. If you find that to be the case, begin gradually — use a teaspoon of oil and swish for 5 minutes to start. You can increase the amount of oil and length of time as you get accustomed to the process. You can also melt the coconut oil before putting it in your mouth. Many people find it is easiest to oil pull in the shower, since they do not have to talk to anyone or do anything else. 

Adding essential oils can help improve the taste and increase healing. Make sure that any oil you use is safe to use internally. For everyday use you can add a few drops of lemon, peppermint or wild orange. When battling an infection or sickness, you can mix cinnamon, tea tree, and clove as a homeopathic remedy. 

After you gently swish the amount of oil you can handle in your mouth, be sure to spit the oil in the trash (not the sink or drain because it will solidify and clog the plumbing). It is critically important that you do not swallow the oil because, as you swish it around in your mouth, it draws toxins out of your teeth and gums that you do not want to ingest. After spitting out the oil, you can rinse with warm water and use sea salt for added antimicrobial properties. Then, brush and floss as normal. For best results, you can oil pull 3 to 4 times a week. You should notice a difference with your breath, teeth and mouth within a week. 

Oil pulling can be an effective tool to help maintain, and even improve, your oral health. I encourage you to try it, as it is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums.

Pathways to Healing specializes in holistic chiropractic care. Dr. Alyssa Musgrove draws on a variety of techniques, including chiropractic, kinesiology, nutrition, food allergy testing and lifestyle counseling to assist clients in achieving optimal health and wellness in one setting. In addition, the practice is committed to being a valuable source of information so that people can learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and prevent future illness. Pathways to Healing is located at 1022 Founders Row, Lake Oconee Village, Greensboro. The office can be reached at 706-454-2040.