Don’t tell me, you have neck and shoulder pain right? That pain can be hard to cope with but you don’t have to cope.
Neck and shoulder is known for being a persistent and troublesome challenge. From dull aches to sharp pains, it’s always bringing unwanted trouble.
This is where we here at Oklahoma Hand and Physical Therapy comes into play.
We’ve put together this blog to breakdown the in’s and out’s of neck and shoulder pain such as causes, treatment options and strategies.
Understanding Neck & Shoulder Pain
Neck and shoulder pain is typically caused by poor posture and sleeping positions, injury, pinched nerves and a variety of conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff injury.
More importantly, neck and shoulder pain can be resolved and there are effective ways to do so.
Common treatments include plenty of rest, ice or heat application, exercises, physical therapy and medications.
But the best most effective out of all these methods is Natural Relief and below is the reason why.
Effective Prevention Techniques for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Dealing with neck and shoulder pain can be a significant hindrance to your daily activities and overall quality of life.
Fortunately, there are several proactive measures you can take to prevent pain from arising or to manage and alleviate it if it does occur.
Here are four key prevention techniques that are both simple and effective:
1. Application of Moist Heat and Ice Packs
Using moist heat or ice packs can provide relief and prevent pain in the neck and shoulder areas. Here’s how each method helps:
- Moist Heat: Applying moist heat, such as with a warm towel or a heat wrap, can increase blood flow to your neck and shoulders. This helps to relax sore muscles and decrease stiffness, making it particularly useful for chronic pain that isn’t associated with a recent injury.
- Ice Packs: For acute injuries, such as a recent strain or sprain, applying an ice pack can reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain. Use ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time several times a day during the first 48-72 hours after the injury.
2. Change of Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position can greatly affect your neck and shoulder health. Consider these tips:
- Use a supportive pillow: Ensure your pillow supports the natural curve of your neck and keeps your spine in alignment. Memory foam or specially designed orthopedic pillows can be effective.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach: This position can strain your neck and shoulders. Instead, try sleeping on your back or side.
- Adjust your mattress: A mattress that supports your whole body and keeps your spine level can also help prevent pain.
3. Regular and Thorough Exercise
Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can strengthen the muscles around your neck and shoulders, increasing flexibility and reducing the likelihood of pain:
- Stretching: Regular stretching can maintain or improve the flexibility of your neck and shoulder muscles, helping to prevent stiffness.
- Strengthening exercises: Building the strength of your neck and upper back muscles can support your spine better, decreasing the burden on any one part of your neck and shoulders.
- Low-impact aerobic activity: Activities like walking or swimming can increase blood flow to your muscles and help maintain a healthy weight, reducing stress on your cervical spine.
4. Consider Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a highly effective method for preventing and alleviating neck and shoulder pain. Here’s how it can help:
- Personalized Assessments: A physical therapist can conduct a detailed assessment to identify the specific causes of your pain and tailor a treatment plan that addresses these issues.
- Targeted Exercises: Physical therapists can teach you specialized exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles around the neck and shoulders, improving your posture and mobility.
- Pain Management Techniques: Physical therapists use techniques like manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation directly in the affected areas.
- Education on Body Mechanics: Learning proper body mechanics and posture for daily activities can prevent the recurrence of pain and reduce the strain on your body.
By implementing these four prevention techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing neck and shoulder pain or manage existing discomfort more effectively.
Remember, consistent practice and incorporating these strategies into your daily routine are key to long-term relief and prevention.
For more personalized strategies or if you experience persistent pain, consider consulting a professional at our clinic.
We can help tailor a prevention and treatment plan that suits your specific needs and lifestyle
Why Natural Relief?
You might be thinking – why would natural relief be a better remedy than exercising or medications?
That’s because Natural Relief is non-invasive, meaning it doesn’t require any medical or surgical procedures.
Throw in the low risk factor and natural relief is already a promising route to recovery.
Natural Relief is also self empowering therefore allowing you to take control of your own healing process.
And finally, it features fewer side effect as opposed to medications and surgery.
What Do I Do Next?
Are you tired of dealing with persistent neck and shoulder pain?
It’s time to take control of your health and explore natural relief options that can make a real difference.
At Oklahoma Hand and Physical Therapy, we believe in holistic approaches that address the root causes of pain, not just the symptoms.
Take the First Step with a Free Neck and Shoulder Pain Assessment!
Don’t let neck and shoulder pain control your life. Take this chance to understand your pain and discover the most effective ways to manage it.
Call us today at (918) 645-3143 to schedule your free assessment, or visit our contact page for more information.
Start your journey to natural relief and a healthier, pain-free life with Oklahoma Hand and Physical Therapy!