Talk on natural methods to treat head and neck pain set May 3

A pain in the neck. As sufferers know, it's much more than an occasional annoyance. Musculoskeletal disorders have the potential to restrict daily activities, cause work absences and result in the loss of active, healthy years. Dr. Uday Jani and licensed massage therapist Sheri Jones will explore natural ways to ease pain at a free community presentation at 3 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, at the Lewes library.

As one of America's most common ailments, head and neck pain are reported by between 30 percent and 50 percent of patients each year, with many going on to deal it with as a chronic condition. The pain threatens quality of life and is the unfortunate cause of frequent missed work days, loss of employment and up to four years of healthy living forever gone. While most people turn to prescription or over-the-counter analgesic drugs to ease the pain, are there better solutions? According to Jani, a Delaware internist with a fellowship in integrative medicine, the answer is a definite yes. He and Jones offer natural and effective methods that go well beyond the pill bottle to deal with musculoskeletal pain.

"Although we're used to relying on a pill to alleviate our pain, every condition doesn't require one, and in fact, can be much better treated in a more natural way," says Jani. "Proven methods such as massage, reflexology, Reiki, certain foods and supplements, essential oils and mind-body techniques should be considered and strongly encouraged as the first line of treatment."

Jones points to mounting evidence from numerous research studies showing the pain-relieving effects of massage. For instance, in a study conducted at New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 50 percent of patients surveyed reported a decline in pain, fatigue, stress, anxiety, nausea and depression after receiving massage therapy, an effect that lasted up to 48 hours later.

"Massage is a very special form of touch, and allows the painful area to be warmed, stretched and gently worked, while also reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure," says Jones. One of the earliest and most primitive tools for pain, massage - a therapeutic manipulation using the hands or a mechanical device - includes a number of techniques such as effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading) and percussion. Most commonly known is Swedish massage; additional types are Rolfing, myofascial release (to loosen, broaden or stretch connective tissue) and craniosacral therapy.

Jones will also explore reflexology, a form of compression massage using mainly the thumbs, which relieves pain by stimulating pressure points on the feet and hands. These predefined points correspond with body organs and glands, and when they are stimulated, the energy flow is restored and the pain diminished.

Additional discussion will focus on Reiki, in which the therapist channels energy to the client through the laying of hands to activate the natural healing processes of the body, and restore physical and emotional well-being. Acupressure, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is used to facilitate better circulation of blood to an affected area. Pain is relieved by applying pressure to specific points to release the flow of energy. Mind-body techniques include including meditation, biofeedback, tai chi, breathing exercises, hypnosis, music therapy, yoga and visualization. Essential oils such as peppermint, marjoram, basil and lavender provide relief and loosen up aching muscles,.

Jani, a board-certified internist, completed a two-year integrative medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona, taught by Dr. Andrew Weil, the renowned founder of integrative medicine. Jani is in private practice at Shore View Personalized Medical Care, where he blends the best of traditional, integrative and functional medicine. For more information, call 302-684-0990 or go to www.udayjanimd.com.

Jones is a licensed massage therapist with over 25 years in the healthcare industry as an MRI technologist. As owner of Inner Peace Massage & Wellness, located in Jani's Shore View Personalized Medical Care practice, she offers Swedish massage for relaxation, deep tissue massage, reflexology, Reiki, and therapeutic and medical massage treatments. To reach Jones, call 302-740-1348.