How to Get Rid of Neck and Shoulder Pain

Finally! Get to the SOURCE of your nagging neck and shoulder pain! Pain is NOT normal, so those knots you've had in your muscles CAN be alleviated, however the solution may surprise you!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Comfortable Floor Surface for Kneeling on
• Physio-Ball
• Awareness of Posture

1. Set a timer to stand up and stretch out every 45 min (max.) Sitting with poor posture for hours on end an evil culprit of muscle tension.
2. Lay backwards over a Physio-Ball (you know, those big inflatable ones) and keep the ball under your upper back and head for support. With feet shoulder width apart, keep the hips up so they are level with the head. Open your arms to the sides with palms facing the sky (think airplane pose) making sure your head is resting on the ball. Relax into this stretch but keep the eyes open! *This does require some balance so make sure there is someone to help or a wall near by to steady yourself on.
3. From a hands-and-knees position on the floor, raise the opposite leg and arm to be parallel with the floor. Square up your hips and shoulders to the floor. Work up to holding for 20 seconds each side. This helps to strengthen the back side of the body.
4. Sit up straight! (Your parents had the right idea)

Tips & Warnings

• The first reaction for many is to pop some anti-inflammatory pills and keep on trucking. However, a better choice is to search out pain relief through other methods that may cure the CAUSE of the pain and not just the SYMPTOM.
• Every BODY is different. Those who stand all day may have the same type of pains. It is important to realize that the solution takes time and consistent effort.
• If you feel unstable, do not use the Physio-Ball. Stack up large cushions or pillows on the floor and lay over those.