5 ways to help your freaked out Neck and Shoulder Pain

Don't be freaked out by your sore neck and shoulders. 5 ways to schedule appointment here help your freaked out pain.

  Practice good posture. Posture has more to do with neck pain than people realize. The head and spine balance in relation to gravity. When poor posture pulls the curve of the lower back forward, the upper back curves farther backward to compensate. In response, the neck curves forward, in a strained position. So do what your mother told you and sit up straight!

  Relax. Emotional stress can trigger muscle tension. Pay attention to what stresses you: your drive to work, your rush to get dinner on the table each night, meetings with your boss, and so on. After you've identified your common stressors, think creatively about ways to reduce your stress. One way to manage stress is through relaxation techniques, such as progressive relaxation or abdominal breathing, a glass of wine, 2 glasses of wine(just kidding),video games,etc...Just whatever works for you.

  Heat it up. Heat increases circulation and can be effective for easing stiff muscles. Use a wet towel or a hot water bottle, or stand in a hot shower. But don't keep it up for too long. Too much heat can aggravate symptoms and cause more pain. You might even want to try following up your heat application with a few minutes of cold treatment.

  Ice it. Ice effectively numbs pain and decreases inflammation. Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and cover the bag with a pillowcase (a terry towel is too thick to effectively transmit the cold). Apply the icepack to your painful neck for 15 minutes at a time.

  Use massage. Massage can help ease tense muscles and give lasting relief, and it may help you sleep better. First, take a hot bath or shower to relax the muscles. Then, have your partner use oil or lotion and rub your neck and shoulders using the fingers to apply gentle pressure in small circular motions. Next, have your partner rub your neck and shoulders using firm pressure and long, downward strokes. Don't forget the upper chest area. If you don't have a willing partner, try rubbing your own neck and upper chest area with oil or lotion for 10 or 15 minutes. Or even better call me! Bonnie Haldeman, Licensed Massage Therapist. I am educated to identify issues in soft tissue and help relieve and heal..... Get rid of your freaky pain today!schedule appointment here