Concurrent pain in the neck and shoulders is very common and typically a result of a sprain, strain, overextension, injury or general wear and tear. The neck is responsible for the big job of supporting our head—which is already a sensitive area of the body— this makes it extra susceptible to injury. The shoulder contains some of the most mobile joints in the body, which also means it’s more prone to injury. No wonder so many people are dealing with neck and shoulder pain conditions!
Whether you’re dealing with chronic or acute pain, the Benbrook pain doctors (clinics also in Bedford & Lewisville TX) at the Comprehensive Pain Institute are here to help you find the right treatment method. Let’s get into the finer details of neck and shoulder pain and some techniques for coping.
Common Neck & Shoulder Pain Conditions:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Soft tissue injuries
- Whiplash
- Cervical spondylosis (cervical osteoarthritis)
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated disc
- Frozen shoulder
- Shoulder tendinitis
Check Your Posture
Many of us spend large chunks of time sitting in an office, commuting or watching TV. It’s easy to adopt bad posture habits which put excessive pressure on our neck and shoulders. Practicing good posture can help relieve pain and prevent future problems. Check out this informative article about improving posture in your work environment. Below are a few posture tips to keep in mind:
- Sit and stand up tall
- Hold your chest high
- Keep your shoulders relaxed and in a neutral position
- Keep your feet flat on the floor (crossing your legs leads to muscle imbalance which can affect the alignment of your lower back)
Exercise and Stretching
Stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve some forms of neck and shoulder pain. Create a regular stretching and exercise routine that you can stick to. Talk with our Benbrook pain doctors (clinics also in Bedford & Lewisville TX) to get suggestions and tips for the most effective pain relief exercises.
Heat & Ice Therapy
Ice therapy helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in the neck or shoulders by decreasing blood flow, while heat treatment promotes blood flow which helps to relax muscles. When used in combination, heat and ice therapy help reduce pain over time. Ice packs, heating pads and warm compresses are all great tools to conduct heat and ice therapy from the comfort of your home.
Sleeping Environment Changes
Just like having good posture while you’re sitting at work is important for the health of your neck and shoulders, so is your sleeping position! Many patients find that sleeping on their back or side gives them the best pain relief. Along with sleeping posture, the quality of your mattress and pillow may also play a part. Pillows and mattresses made with memory form are often recommended as they help to support the neck and the curve of your spine.
Visit a Pain Management Specialist
It’s important to seek help if your range of motion becomes limited, if you’re in significant pain or if your pain is not getting better within a few days. Pain management specialists can help properly diagnose your condition and treat you for long-term relief. The Comprehensive Pain Institute offers a suite of treatments which may include [one or a combination of] the following:
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Medications
- Surgery
- Much more!
Benbrook, Bedford & Lewisville TX Pain Clinics
The health of your neck and shoulders are fundamental to a comfortable life! The pain doctors at the Comprehensive Pain Institute understand how debilitating neck and shoulder pain can be. We work with each patient to address the source of your pain and provide a customized treatment plan.
Give us a call today at 817-786-8238 to learn more.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice, nor does reading or accessing this information create a patient-provider relationship. Comments that you post will be shared with all visitors to this page. All comments are not governed by HIPAA and you should not post any private health information.
