Overcome Neck and Shoulder Pain

During my years of practice two of the most common areas that cause a great deal of discomfort and pain for people is neck and shoulder pain.

I would like to go through here with you some of the common causes and how they can be most effectively treated.

You have a nine to five job or even longer, sitting at a computer all day.

Then the chances of your suffering from annoying neck and shoulder pain are very high.

You may feel discomfort ranging anything from mild to severe.

When the pain becomes severe you may well also be suffering from headaches and lower back pain.

Let's have a look at these common causes and what can be done!!!

Stress and Distressful times: Feeling that things are all going wrong, with no real resolution. Taking on more than we are able to handle. Lack of sleep leads to us feeling more stressed about our situation. Not eating properly also leads to stress. Learn more: How to cope with Stress.

Infection: Often if your glands are swollen in your neck area this may well be a viral infection. In this case things such as garlic, ginger, lemon juice and herbs such as echinacea will be helpful. Including rest and lots of water.

Constant or Overuse of a muscle or tendon: This is quite common when playing sport. It is important here to remember to always warm up and cool down effectively with stretching exercises. So stretch the muscles and tendons, this includes your neck, shoulders, arms and legs. You could also include a gentle jog on the spot before and after your sport event. Moving only seems to aggravate the problem causing further pain and discomfort.

This is not only a problem for the nine to five employee, sitting at a computer. I treat many trades’ people out there working on the tools as well.

The conventional way of treatment used such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are what are most commonly prescribed. However, as with most medications there are unfavourable side effects, especially when taken over a long period of time. Probably even worse still their effect diminishes very quickly, as our body overrides the medication in an attempt to correct the problem.

Many of the medicated crèmes that are purely chemically based also come with their fair share of problems such as skin irritation and unwanted side effects from the crème being absorbed into our bloodstream.

You can start with ensuring that you have correct posture. This is relevant even if you are doing physical work.

Hot and cold compresses: alternating with hot and cold compresses for 20 minutes several times a day.

Warm bath: Either in the morning before work or at the end of the day: Maybe even both add ½ cup of Epsom salts and a couple of drops of lavender oil and RELAX

Stretching and Rotating: Throughout the day you will find it helpful to stretch your neck and shoulder area with firm but gentle stretches. Rotating your shoulders both clockwise and anti- clockwise is helpful

Massage: If you suffer constantly with this problem, one of the best ways to keep at bay, whilst incorporating the above support, is to have regular professional massage treatments. This is especially beneficial if you have a pinched nerve that is causing the problems. Massage will serve you in two ways as a preventive and also as a treatment. Assists with reducing inflammation, bringing movement back to the joint or area. Whilst helping to reduce swelling. However if there is swelling massage should be gentle not deep tissue.

Herbal medicine and Nutrition (implementing a diet with the majority of foods being alkaline forming) play a vital role in helping the body to overcome pain and inflammation without causing any further harm.

Empowering You to Optimal Health Julie Doherty N.D