After being successfully treated herself, one of our clients referred her daughter for chronic neck, shoulder, and wrist pain. She had been diagnosed with chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS). After the sEMG evaluation it was suggested that perhaps there were a combination of factors contributing to this young woman’s pain, not just CRPS. It was postulated that much of the pain had been triggered by over-use and poor computer posture. Sitting at the computer for hours at a time can cause chronic neck, shoulder, arm, and back pain. Increasing numbers of people are sitting with a forward head posture and a slouched position that puts extra stress on the spine. Weak or shortened muscles as well as fatigue can contribute to poor posture.

Our client received education on posture and neuromuscular re-balancing through muscle biofeedback. After applying the new postural information into her work habits, she needed four sessions of muscle biofeedback. At the conclusion of her treatment, her neck and shoulder pain were gone. She was able to turn off the deep arm pain after learning to shut down her wrist extensor muscles. Because we could not decrease the surface pain, she was referred to physical therapy for further evaluation and treatment.

BWB © 2010