Neck and shoulder S.O.S – Modern times, modern afflictions: Back, neck and shoulder pain affect many working in office jobs. Find out what to do about it.

Neck pain is a common problem. Quite often it is associated with a lack or underuse of neck muscles (yes, you do have muscles there!). Additionally, stress and a (physically) monotonous work situation can play its role, too.

In most cases, the reason for pain in the neck is simple: it results from untrained muscle groups and strain, especially if you spend large amounts of time sitting at a desk in the same position. Psychological factors such as working under a lot of stress and tension can also be contributing factors.
Even athletes can suffer from neck pain, due to weak muscles, as upper thoraic training is not a neck training. Neck muscles need to be addressed specifically!

Problems in the lower neck can radiate to the shoulders or upper arm regions. Pain in the high cervical region of the neck can lead to headaches or other symptoms such as dizziness or even reduced range of motion.

Heat therapy is a simple and effective method that can offer pain relief for neck and shoulder tension and mechanical pain. Heat plasters will provide intense lasting heat and will stick conveniently on the neck and shoulders. Plenty of rest can also alleviate neck and back pain.

HEAT PLASTERS RELEASE HEAT TO RELIEVE PAIN AND RELAX YOUR MUSCLESSelf-medication with muscle-relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs should not exceed a few days. If pain radiates to the lower arm for more than a few days, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

The best way to prevent pain in the neck and shoulder area is to exercise in order to strengthen muscles - check our video library for specifically designed exercises. Also, if having to sit in an office all day, try to change habits and move around frequently. This way much pain and time spent “fixing” the pain can be avoided.

What really matters in preventing neck pain is using your own potential in order to strengthen your muscles.

Work out in order to counterbalance your monotonous or non-use of muscle groups in the neck.

Watch out for psychological stress (pressure at work) ouching and try to avoid it. Factors such as stress or loading yourself with too much work or responsibility can greatly contribute to tenseness.

Find out what personal triggers of tension (stress, conflicts etc.) are, what role they play and what you can do to reduce them.

TENSE MUSCLES ARE OFTEN THE RESULT OF STRESSIf you work in an office environment, use any chance that you get to move around and get seome exercise. Walk or bike to the office, take the lift... Getting enough oxygen also helps to relax muscles and can prevent stress from building up in the muscles of the neck and shoulders.

“When we do not use our neck and upper back muscles as much as they are meant to be, these muscles weaken and shorten, others become very tight.

“YES, ALL OF US HAVE NECK MUSCLES AND WE CAN TRAIN THEM TO REDUCE NECK PAIN VERY EFFICIENTLY.”After a while, this tightening may manifest itself in pain and discomfort around the neck and upper back area. Applying heat to the area can alleviate the pain by increasing blood flow.”

You might also want to try the specifically designed neck exercises in our video library to strengthen neck muscles and prevent further pain.

Please note that none of the above given tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Important: consult a health professional in case of an injury or if you suspect overuse of joints or a medical condition such as a fracture. A physician should be consulted in those acute cases when the condition is accompanied by reddening, swelling or hyperthermia of joints, ongoing joint trouble or severe pain and/or are associated with neurological symptoms
(e.g. numbness, tingling, loss of motion).

For further information regarding Elastoplast products, please contact us via email on phc@beiersdorf.com. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages.