Directions to the beautiful 310 Happ, Northfield studio.

Well, hello there. I hear you’ll be visiting me at my Northfield studio. FAN-tastic!

I don’t know about you but I can get a little lost or confused the first time I go somewhere. To minimize any first-time anxiety, I’m going to give you step-by-step details on how to find me. This way, even your pre-treatment moments will be as stress free as possible. Also, I like to show off the lovely property where we get to do our work. OK - let’s check it out….

The address is 310 Happ Road, Northfield.

Some GPSs call us N Happ, other GPSs call us S Happ. 310 Happ is south of Willow Road and north of Winnetka Rd. Here’s a map:

 

OK great. Now let’s talk about where you turn in and park.

I am located in Northfield Village Center. You’ll want to look for parking on the north side of the plaza, which means after pulling into either of the lot entrances go to the right.

You can either park by the Ballroom Dance entrance…

…or continue around the corner to park by the cleaners and Children’s Gift Shop. ⬇️ So many choices for parking!

From the Ballroom Dance Studio you will walk across the courtyard toward the Tapas outdoor patio. From the Children’s Gift Shop you will go through the building underpass toward the Tapas outdoor patio. From here you’ll see a green awning labeled “Office Building” for our entrance.

You’re almost here!

Once inside, go down the hall to the elevator. Take the elevator up to the second floor, which you can see below.

You’ll get off the elevator and go to the left, following the hallways around to my suite, #218. Here you will find the key hanging to the bathrooms, which are back by the elevators. If the door is closed, I’m in session and you can have a seat in the seating area just past my office door.

You’ve arrived!

Welcome to my office. When you come in, you can hang up your coat and sit on the entry stool to leave your shoes by the door.

Then we can sit down in comfy chairs to chat for a moment or get you right up on the table to start your Craniosacral treatment.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this pictography journey to my office. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Aimee

Expanding Your Window of Tolerance: Guided Craniosacral Therapy for Stress Relief and Resilience

As the new year dawned, Jane felt a mix of optimism and uncertainty. The first week brought a sense of renewal, like a clean slate ready to be filled. Though she was okay, a lingering fog seemed to envelop her thoughts, making things slightly unclear. The routines of regular life began to emerge slowly, initially feeling manageable. But as the days passed, responsibilities piled up, like a snowball rolling downhill. At first, Jane found herself handling things with relative ease, but gradually, the weight of it all started to feel overwhelming.

One day, Jane hit a breaking point, the edge of her “window of tolerance”.  This term refers to the range of emotional and sensory experiences that an individual can manage without feeling overwhelmed or shutting down. When life seems quiet, Jane's window of tolerance appears wide and accommodating. However, it can be deceiving. Challenges, stressors, or sensory triggers can quickly fill up the window, leading to feeling overwhelmed, stuck or hyperfunctioning.

The mounting stress led her to withdraw into a state of shutdown. It was as if she couldn't process anything more, and she retreated from the world, seeking solitude and silence. Alternatively, on another occasion, she entered a phase of hyperfunctioning, becoming a whirlwind of activity, trying to control every aspect of her life. Both states, whether in shutdown or hyperfunctioning, were her ways of coping with the overwhelming demands of regular life. In shutdown, she withdrew and sought refuge from the chaos, while in hyperfunctioning, she attempted to regain a sense of control by doing everything possible. Jane's journey through these states was a reminder of the delicate balance between managing life's challenges and finding peace within herself.

Jane tried various methods to cope with the stress brought on by life's challenges, but nothing seemed to provide the relief she desperately sought. It was frustrating; she couldn't tell if her efforts were making any difference. Maybe she wasn’t doing the self-care correctly? Jane longed for a solution that would not only allow her to draw on her past healing experiences but also offer effective results and tangible relief. She craved a sense of community with like-minded individuals, but without the need for personal sharing. Jane needed guidance, a way to ensure that her time invested in self-care would guarantee results and help her stay on track.

The good news is that guided biodynamic Craniosacral therapy can help Jane. This therapy releases tension and sensory triggers or "charges" from her system. These charges are residual, unresolved emotional or physical sensations that get stored in the body, making it harder for Jane to stay focused or calm. They can even make Jane, hypersensitive. Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy (BCST) releases these charges from their source, the nervous system. It is here that Jane’s sensory and electrical messaging ignites stress responses in the muscular, endocrine and related body systems.  

But unlike massage and other healing modalities, BCST doesn’t stop at releasing the tension and blockages. It also realigns Jane with her body's inherent health, balance and original flow state. With increased resilience and a wider window of tolerance, Jane becomes better equipped to handle distractions, think flexibly in the face of challenges, and problem-solve in ways that align with her needs and responsibilities. This compassionate support extends not only to herself but also to those around her, creating harmonious balance and feeling regret-free about how she showed up in her life.

Alleviating Back of Neck Pain: How Forward Head Posture Affects Your Cervical Spine and How Craniosacral Therapy Can Help

In today's fast-paced digital age, where we spend an increasing amount of time hunched over screens and devices, forward head posture has become a common issue. This posture not only affects our appearance but can also lead to various health concerns, including chronic pain in the back of the neck. In this blog, we will delve into the relationship between forward head posture and neck pain, focusing on how it impacts the cervical spine and neck muscles. Furthermore, we will explore the potential benefits of craniosacral therapy as an alternative approach to alleviating this discomfort.

Understanding Forward Head Posture

Forward head posture, often referred to as "text neck" or "tech neck," is a condition where the head and neck protrude forward, away from the body's natural alignment. Instead of maintaining a neutral position with the ears aligned over the shoulders, the head juts forward, placing extra strain on the cervical spine and associated muscles. This misalignment often occurs due to extended periods of poor posture, such as slouching over a computer, texting on a smartphone, or working at a desk without proper ergonomics.

The Cervical Spine and Its Role in Neck Pain

The cervical spine, which comprises seven vertebrae (C1 to C7), plays a crucial role in supporting the head and facilitating its movements. When we maintain proper posture, the cervical spine remains in a balanced, neutral position, distributing the weight of the head evenly and minimizing strain on the neck muscles. However, with forward head posture, the natural curvature of the spine is disrupted, leading to several issues:

1. Increased Pressure: The head, which typically weighs about 10-12 pounds, can put excessive pressure on the cervical spine when it leans forward. For every inch that the head moves forward, an additional 10 pounds of pressure is placed on the neck. Over time, this can lead to chronic discomfort and pain.

2. Muscle Imbalances: The muscles of the neck and upper back must work harder to support the head when it is in a forward position. This constant strain can cause muscle imbalances, leading to tightness, weakness, and discomfort in the neck, upper back, and shoulders.

3. Altered Biomechanics: Forward head posture alters the biomechanics of the cervical spine, potentially causing wear and tear on the discs, ligaments, and joints. This can contribute to conditions such as herniated discs, cervical spondylosis, and degenerative disc disease.

Back of Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture

One of the most common complaints associated with forward head posture is pain in the back of the neck. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain, and it often results from the following factors:

1. Increased Muscular Strain: As the head moves forward, the neck muscles, particularly the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, are forced to work harder to support the weight of the head. This constant muscular strain can lead to tension, knots, and pain in the back of the neck.

2. Pinched Nerves: The altered alignment of the cervical spine can also lead to nerve compression. When nerves in the neck are pinched or irritated, it can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the back of the neck, as well as radiating pain down the arms and into the shoulders.

3. Reduced Blood Flow: Poor posture can reduce blood flow to the muscles and tissues in the neck, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. This can result in muscle fatigue, stiffness, and discomfort in the back of the neck.

The Role of Neck Muscles in Forward Head Posture

Understanding the impact of forward head posture on neck muscles is crucial in addressing back of neck pain. Several key muscles come into play in maintaining proper neck posture:

1. Suboccipital Muscles: These small muscles at the base of the skull are responsible for maintaining head alignment. In individuals with forward head posture, these muscles often become tight and strained, leading to pain and discomfort.

2. Upper Trapezius: The upper trapezius muscles run from the base of the skull down to the shoulders and upper back. They are heavily involved in supporting the head and neck. In cases of forward head posture, these muscles can become overactive and tense, contributing to pain in the back of the neck.

3. Levator Scapulae: The levator scapulae muscles, located on the sides of the neck, connect the neck to the shoulder blades. They are responsible for lifting the shoulders and tilting the head. When overworked due to poor posture, these muscles can become painful and stiff.

4. Sternocleidomastoid (SCM): The SCM muscles, which run from the base of the skull to the collarbone and sternum, allow for head rotation and tilting. In individuals with forward head posture, the SCM muscles can become shortened and tight, contributing to discomfort in the back of the neck.

Craniosacral Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Alleviating Neck Pain

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork that focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid. In a hands-on session, CST practitioners use subtle, manual (biomechanical) techniques to release restrictions and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, promoting relaxation and balance throughout the body. CST practitioners who are also trained in biodynamic CST, working with the 'fluids' of the body where our reservoir of inherent health resides, will simultaneously be supporting your body in building health from within versus just treating from the outside.

So, how can craniosacral therapy help alleviate back of neck pain caused by forward head posture? Let's explore its potential benefits:

1. Improved Postural Awareness: One of the primary goals of craniosacral therapy is to enhance body awareness. Through gentle touch and manipulation, CST practitioners can help clients become more aware of their posture and the areas of tension and imbalance in their neck and upper back. This awareness can be a crucial first step in addressing forward head posture.

2. Relaxation of Neck Muscles: Craniosacral therapy involves subtle, hands-on techniques that can release tension and tightness in the neck muscles. By encouraging relaxation in the suboccipital, trapezius, levator scapulae, and SCM muscles, CST can help alleviate the pain associated with forward head posture.

3. Balancing the Nervous System: CST has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, it can help reduce muscle tension and pain in the back of the neck. This is especially beneficial for individuals who experience neck pain due to stress-related muscle tension.

4. Enhanced Circulation: Improved circulation is essential for the health and healing of muscles and tissues. Craniosacral therapy can facilitate better blood flow to the neck and upper back, providing oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and helping to alleviate discomfort.

5. Release of Cranial Restrictions: CST practitioners also work on releasing restrictions in the cranial bones and the membranes surrounding the brain. This can have a positive impact on the alignment of the head and neck, potentially reducing the severity of forward head posture.

6. Holistic Approach: Craniosacral therapy takes a holistic approach to well-being. It considers the interconnectedness of the body and aims to address not only physical but also emotional and energetic imbalances that may contribute to neck pain. This comprehensive approach can lead to a deep, more complete and lasting relief.

What to Expect During a Hands-On Craniosacral Therapy Session with Aimee

If you're considering craniosacral therapy to address your back of neck pain caused by forward head posture, it's essential to understand what to expect during a session:

1. Consultation: Since one of the unique advantages to CST healing is allowing the session to be guided by the body, there is limited conversation prior to the session to avoid developing preconceived opinions. A brief conversation will address major health concerns and the specific issue(s) you'd like addressed in the session.

2. Comfortable Attire: You will be fully clothed during the session, so wear comfortable clothing that allows the therapist to access the areas needing attention.

3. Gentle Touch: Aimee will use light, non-invasive touch to assess and address restrictions in your craniosacral system. This touch is usually applied to various areas of your body, including the head, neck, spine, and sacrum - even if the issue you're looking to address is in only felt in one of those areas.

4. Relaxation: All CST sessions are known for their calming and relaxing effects. Many clients report a deep sense of relaxation during and after the treatment. When biodynamic CST is also used you might even be able to notice when your nervous system goes from settling the relational fields into holistic shift, where inherent healing processes from within begin to emerge.

5. Duration: Aimee offers 45, 60 and 75 minute hands-on (biomechanical and biodynamic) sessions. If you're not local to Chicago, you can also book a guided biodynamic CST session. Not sure what's right for you? Book a free fitting call to find out.

6. Follow-up Sessions: Depending on your condition and progress, you may require multiple sessions to experience the full benefits of craniosacral therapy.

Combining CST with Other Strategies

While craniosacral therapy can be effective in addressing the symptoms of forward head posture and neck pain, it is often most beneficial when combined with other strategies for postural correction and muscle strengthening. Here are some additional approaches to consider:

1. Posture Awareness: Paying attention to your posture throughout the day is crucial. Use ergonomic furniture and devices, take frequent breaks, and perform neck stretches and exercises to maintain proper alignment.

2. Strengthening Exercises: Engage in neck and upper back strengthening exercises to improve the endurance and support of your neck muscles. Consult a physical therapist or fitness professional for a personalized exercise plan.

3. Ergonomics: Ensure that your workspace is ergonomically designed to support proper posture. Adjust your chair, monitor, and keyboard height to reduce strain on your neck and upper back.

4. Regular Stretching: Incorporate daily stretches to counteract the effects of forward head posture. Gentle stretches for the neck, shoulders, and upper back can help alleviate tension.

5. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Stress and tension can exacerbate neck pain. Consider mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, or yoga to reduce stress levels.

6. Chiropractic Care: Some individuals find relief from neck pain through chiropractic adjustments, which can help realign the spine and improve posture.

Your Neck's Next Move

Back of neck pain caused by forward head posture is a common issue in today's digital age. Understanding the relationship between posture, the cervical spine, and neck muscles is essential for addressing and preventing this discomfort. Craniosacral therapy offers a holistic approach to alleviating neck pain by promoting relaxation, improving postural awareness, and releasing tension in the neck muscles. When combined with other strategies such as posture correction and muscle strengthening, CST can be a valuable tool in achieving lasting relief and improved overall well-being. If you're struggling with neck pain due to forward head posture, consider exploring craniosacral therapy as part of your journey toward a healthier, pain-free neck.