Do you dread shaking hands with people because your hands are always cold? Have your fingers or toes ever turned white or blue? If so, you may have a disorder known as Raynaud’s (ray-NOHZ).

According to the Raynaud’s Association, Raynaud’s is a disorder that affects about 5-10% of the U.S. population and is more common in women than in men. Raynaud’s causes vasospasms, a narrowing of the blood vessels in response to cold temperatures or stress.

As a physical therapist, I know that neck injuries, whether caused by something as severe as an accident or as seemingly innocuous as a simple at-home task, are no laughing matter and can cause neck pain and strain that interferes with your daily routine.

When you injure your neck, the pain can present itself in many ways.  Symptoms may range from a dull ache to a sporadic sharp pain located anywhere from the base of the skull to the shoulders and upper back. 

Arthritis.  We hear the word and typically think of elderly people who are experiencing aches and pains in their joints.  The truth is that this is only a small part of the story.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis affects 52.5 million adults, more than 1 in 5. It is a leading cause of disability in the United States and one of the most common chronic conditions in the nation.