Come on you lot, and no rude answers now.
I am suffering from headaches which seem to be caused by stress and I am constantly waking up at 2 or 3 am with all the muscles in my neck and shoulders tense. It's like someone has been hitting me over the back of the neck with an iron bar. This lasts all day. I'm aware this is probably stress related but what's the most effective exercise to help relieve this muscular tension? Normal means of relaxation not presently being availabe to me.... ( I'm at work)....
2006-09-01 01:30:15 · 11 answers · asked by Not Ecky Boy 6 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
don't do neck rolls, it will aggravate neck, and do nothing to release shoulders.
First, you should see a good osteopath or physiotherapist, to check why your neck is going into spasm, and to give you some exercises to improve your posture.
You could also try lying on a tennis ball - let it sink into the area between your shoulder blade and spine - NOT IN THE NECK AREA - and around middle and lower trapezius. You'll feel the points. Move the scapular away from the spine and go in underneath, always paying attention to how you feel. sink into it, don't push, and if the discomfort doesn't begin to fade, or feel good, then don't do it.
Try some yoga, check your bed, your desk, and your lifestyle for potential stress inducers. Eat properly and don't bottle up your tensions - tell people if they are annoying you, change your job if necessary. And learn how your body works - yoga and/or pilates are good.
2006-09-01 05:43:17 · answer #1 · answered by caty m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I get this too and I don't think that there is an easy answer. Check how you sit at your desk, feet flat on the floor and square on to a computer screen, keep your shoulders down and try and relax your back and definitely do not do the phone thing where you hold the phone to your ear with your shoulder!
Jacuzzis work great for me or try some Radox in a hot bath just before bed, and maybe a glass of wine... or two.
2006-09-01 01:41:23 · answer #2 · answered by Nimbus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really an exercise....but stretch....three times a day at least, and stretch all the muscles in the area - front and back, as they are joined.
You could also go for a massage, which would relax the whole are and allow you to start stretching from a better starting point.
And finally, to release tension - go for a long walk or a run, it works.
2006-09-01 01:35:00 · answer #3 · answered by Josh W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about purposely tensing up the muscles that bother you the most, and holding the tension for a bit, and then, you pay attention to each part of your body and let the muscles relax? I think you could get away w/ this at work, if it's a sit-down job.
2006-09-01 01:38:43 · answer #4 · answered by Crystal L ™ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This definitely is stress related. For relief do the following.
1. follow Hiden Hotty's valuable advice
PLUS
2. Use a hard bed
3. Use these four neck exercises very slowly four times each. Use only 60 % of ur capable effort. Keep neck muscles relaxed.
a. Bend head towards chest, slowly life up as far it goes.
b. With head straight, turn right and left.
c. Tilt head towards right and left towards the shoulders.
d. Let head fall forward towards chest. Rotate head in clock wise and anti clock wise directions with neck as fulcrum.
4. ABOVE all, practise SHAVASANA every day for ten minutes.
2006-09-01 02:14:50 · answer #5 · answered by cheyuta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to look at your body mechanics at your desk or work station to ensure your monitor and keyboard/mouse are directly in front of you at the right height, your chair is supportive and at the right height, and that you maintain good posture. many people at desks all day suffer the same problems as you. especially watch out for "head forward posture" where your head is out in front of your body, putting extra strain on all those neck muscles. get up and move and stretch throughout the day to keep from getting your muscles overly "set." use a miscrowave hot pack (at work if possible) and definately before bed to relax those muscles. it's pretty hard to describe the stretches and exercises that relax and strengthen the neck without pictures, so i recommend getting a good book on stretching and/or neck problems/rehab. and visit a massage therapist, try yoga or a stretching class. good luck.
2006-09-01 01:39:17 · answer #6 · answered by hiddenhotty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may actually need a new bed.
Seriously , I had this problem for years, I always noticed it was better when I stayed at a friends house ( she had new ish guest bed with a really good mattress) . I bought myself a new bed and the problem went away!
2006-09-01 01:44:45 · answer #7 · answered by ragdoll 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a small battery operated vibrating cushion which can strap to your chair and massage your shoulders and neck.
Also try drinking water more, and stop having coffee and tea if they are caffeinated.
2006-09-01 01:41:31 · answer #8 · answered by James 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
circle arms round and roun from front to back whilst standing still, then side to side.
2006-09-01 01:34:36 · answer #9 · answered by flikapotamus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
smoke a cigarette, have some wine.. get drunk snd u wont notice the pain
2006-09-01 01:39:11 · answer #10 · answered by tariq k 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋