Neck and Shoulder Pain: 5 Indispensable Tips for the Busy You

Is your week packed with work tasks like product launches, meeting with top executives, attending conferences, or proposing the latest marketing budget? Are you a working mom who juggles everyday office tasks with household chores and the constant tantrums of toddlers or perhaps a rebellious teenager? 

When your weeks are filled with all sorts of errands and responsibilities, dealing with a painful neck or shoulder is the last thing you want to do. But sadly, if you dodge the issue, it could lead to significant physical impairment and long-term issues. So, why wait for the problem to worsen when you can take advantage of quick and easy tips to relieve an achy neck and shoulders? 

As your go-to source of Plano TX, neck pain relief, HealthWorks hopes to outline some of the best ways to cope with the pain and address the root causes. Read on to learn some of the most valuable tips!

#1. Start by Retracing the Cause of Your Neck and Shoulder Pain

Every health problem has a beginning and an end. It’s a story waiting to be unveiled. As someone affected by a recurring health concern, you must try your best to retrace your steps. This way, you can determine the source of your miserable symptoms. Here are a few questions you can use to assess the issue:

• How long have you had tenderness or soreness in your neck and shoulders? 
• Do you have a history of injuries to the neck or head? 
• Do you have signs and symptoms of a degenerative disc disease? 
• Is the pain muscular (cramp-like, dull, and steady) or neuropathic (tingling, searing, and stabbing)?
• Do you have accompanying symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vertigo?
• Do you wake up to a painful neck and shoulders?
• What type of pillows do you use? Do they provide ample support to your spine while you sleep?

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and neck pain, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below. 

#2. Gauge The Intensity Of Your Physical Activities And Make Necessary Adjustments

Many people seeking Plano, TX neck pain relief assume that muscle soreness and stiffness only stem from physical overexertion. In truth, neck and shoulder pain can also develop among people who follow a sedentary lifestyle. Hence, it’s crucial to listen to your body, pay attention to red flags, and identify key lifestyle improvements you must apply. Aim to strike a balance in your lifestyle choices to avoid overwhelming the body.

Additionally, we suggest taking advantage of gentle neck and shoulder stretching exercises like head tilts, shoulder rolls, and chin tucks. These are easy to include in your usual weekly exercise routine. You can also gradually increase your workout intensity and frequency as your body becomes more accustomed to the movements. 

#3. Check Your Workspace (Especially The Chair, Table, and Screen)

Contrary to popular belief, office workers are also prone to chronic neck and shoulder pain. Even without carrying a bulky item or working with heavy machinery, desk workers can have tense neck and shoulder muscles because of prolonged seating and poor-quality chairs and tables. Computer or laptop screens positioned at an awkward angle also put immense stress on the cervical spine and increase the risks for neck bone misalignments. 

#4. Manage Your Stressors

We hate to break it to you, but studies have long proven that a hectic and demanding work schedule often leads to recurring neck and shoulder pain. That’s because stress can do a number on the human body. Here’s a quick overview to help you understand things: 

• Muscle tension is a natural reflex of the body to guard against injury during stressful situations.
• Stress can impair your body’s natural ability to heal from injuries and manage painful symptoms.
• Heightened pain sensitivity is common among highly stressed individuals.

To cope with these things, we strongly suggest managing your stressors. For example, if you frequently experience heightened emotions because of urgent deadlines, you can try adjusting your work timeline or speaking with your immediate supervisor. Additionally, you can explore scientifically proven relaxation techniques like deep breathing, aromatherapy, exercising, and forest bathing.

#5. Experience A Unique Level of Plano, TX Neck Pain Relief Through Upper Cervical Care

Chronic neck and shoulder pain is often a sign of spinal misalignments. That’s why if you have this symptom, we strongly suggest looking into Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for relief. You may have hurt your neck and head sometime in the past and developed “undetected” postural misalignments in the topmost section of your cervical spine. 

Take note that no matter how seemingly “insignificant,” the changes to your atlas and axis bones can contribute to massive structural issues along the spine and increase your risks for chronic health concerns like long-term neck and shoulder pain. Hence, it’s important to consider consulting with a cervical chiropractic professional. 

Several studies attest to the potential of Upper Cervical Care in addressing recurring health complaints. 

And many who have received gentle neck bone adjustment can agree with the following things:

• Upper Cervical Care can make a huge difference in your neck and shoulder pain.
• It can help you avoid long-term pain medication use.
• It’s also handy in improving your posture and addressing risks for other crippling health problems like headaches, sciatica, vertigo, and chronic fatigue. 

It’s an effective remedy that works wonders for any age, sex, or profession. You can also use it in conjunction with other proven ways to ease neck and shoulder pain, like heat and cold therapy, physical therapy, and oral medication management. Contact Dr. Jennifer Taylor today so you can have your atlas bone assessed and adjusted!

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Taylor, call our Plano office at 972-818-5993. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.