Neck and shoulder pain can be caused by a number of things, some of which are out of your control. The most common cause of neck and shoulder pain is trauma. Whether it be from a car accident, a sports injury, lifting something heavy, or simply having poor posture, neck and shoulder pain are sure to follow. Other, more unavoidable, sources could be: degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or heart attack.
Dealing with neck and shoulder pain can make life pretty difficult, so here are some ways to find relief:
Take It Easy
That’s right, doctor’s orders. It’s important to use the injured area as little as possible for the first 2-3 days, and then slowly integrate in some site-specific exercises.
Apply Ice
Place some ice in a plastic bag, then wrap it in a towel, and apply it to your sore neck and/or shoulder for 15-20 minutes every hour.
Medicate
Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can not only alleviate some of the pain, but they can also reduce swelling.
Stretch
There are a ton of effective stretches that you can do right from your office chair! Regular stretching can make a huge difference when searching for pain relief.
Sit Up
Making a concerted effort to improve your posture can have a huge impact on your neck and shoulder pain. Many of us hunch over a desk all day, and it makes it difficult to realize what we’re doing to our bodies. Using a lumbar support can improve posture and alleviate pain. Also, try utilizing headrests whenever possible. If you can, get a desk chair that offers a headrest. Using a headrest will force you to practice better posture.
Visit A Chiropractor
Chiropractic care can not only relieve pain, but it eases pressure on your nerves, corrects spinal alignment, and allows your body to heal itself.
Try Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical procedure that can relieve pinched nerves in your back. Pinched nerves can often cause neck and shoulder pain, and this process provides gentle relief.
Visit Envista Medical
We would love to help you find the neck and shoulder pain relief that you so desperately need. We offer spinal decompression, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and interventional medicine. Call us today to make an appointment!