Tips for Getting Relief From Neck & Shoulder Pain

Most people will experience some form of neck pain at least once their lifetime. The cause of neck and shoulder pain ranges from stress and poor posture to serious injuries or disorders. It is important to consult your doctor if you experience neck and shoulder pain for several weeks without any relief.

Overcoming Stiffness

• Most people experience neck and shoulder pain because of poor posture. Being hunched over a desk or standing up for extended periods of time coupled with stress is one of the most common causes of neck pain. If you are experiencing pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders, get up and stretch. Raise your arms above your head and rotate your neck in little circles. Arm circles will help to release tension in both your neck and shoulders as well. Check you posture to make sure you are not hunching or slouching. Also give yourself ample opportunities to rest where you can lie down or sit comfortably.

Reducing Pain

• You may need to reduce employ more than just stretches and rest in order to reduce the pain. You can use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. You can also use sports creams or gels with menthol or camphor that penetrate the muscles to help release tension.
  Ice and heat are also effective methods to reduce pain. Ice will also help reduce any swelling that may be causing tension and pain from minor injuries. Heat relaxes and loosens muscles. Use heat with caution, however, since it can increase inflammation.

Persistent Pain

• If you experience pain for more than a few weeks and there are no major spinal issues, your doctor may prescribe a course of physical therapy. The goal would be to use exercises and stretches to improve the strength and endurance of muscles. Electrical stimulation of the nerve can help alleviate pain. Some people with arthritis or chronic problems around the spinal column may benefit from cortisone injections. If the over-the-counter pain medication is not providing any relief, your doctor may also prescribe stronger muscle relaxers or opioid analgesics.
  Severe cases may require immobilization or traction to help support and pull the muscles to provide relief. In rare cases, surgery may be required if there is compression on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.