The head is supported by the neck, which is made up of seven bones (vertebrae) stacked one on top of the other. The vertebrae are cushioned by disc's of cartilage and bound together with ligaments.
Muscles provide movement and additional support. The neck is very mobile, which means it is less stable than other areas of the body and more susceptible to injury. Trauma, poor posture and degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, are the most common causes of neck pain. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with a large range of movement.
Once again, a mobile joint tends to be more susceptible to injury. The shoulder joint relies heavily on the shoulder muscles for stability. Any dysfunction of these muscles or other anatomical structures such as the collar bone, shoulder blade or joint itself can cause pain and mobility problems. Both neck and shoulder pain can be successfully treated with physiotherapy.
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Posture problems and neck pain |
Poor posture can cause neck pain by putting extra strain on ligaments and muscles. Standing with the shoulders slouched and chin jutted forward, working with your head down for long periods of time, slumping while seated and sleeping face-down are common postural problems that affect the neck. Suggestions on how to prevent posture related neck pain include:
Correct your posture when standing or sitting, lift your chest, drop your chin slightly and relax your shoulders.
Ensure your workstation is set up to help you sit properly.
Stretch and change position frequently while you are working.
Try not to sleep on your stomach, which overextends your neck.
Choose a urethane or down pillow for neck support while you sleep.
Combat the muscle tightening effects of stress with relaxation techniques.
Exercise regularly to improve muscle tone and posture
Some of the conditions that commonly cause shoulder pain include:
Strains, due to overexertion
Tendonitis, due to overuse
Shoulder joint instability
Dislocation
Collar or upper arm bone fractures
'Frozen' shoulder
Pinched nerves.
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Treatment depends on the cause, but may include |
Soft tissue massage
Mobilization to stretch tight muscles and ligaments
Special exercise programs
Relaxation therapy
Various treatments such as electrotherapy, heat, laser or ultrasound treatment
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How Can We help your pain? | Massage Session consist of general warming of shoulder and neck muscles, soft tissue lengthening and gentle traction, locating and deactivating trigger points, stretching shoulder and neck muscles. Working with a massage therapist experienced in working with these muscle groups can get you out of pain quicker.
Massage Therapy is able to aid in rehabilitating physical injuries by acting directly upon the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems and it works extremely well together as adjunctive therapies, with each serving different functions. Our Center provides Cusomize Massage or Relief of muscle pain massage therapies, schedule your appointment today.
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