Neck and shoulder pain is the discomfort in any structures in the neck and shoulder region, which include muscles, nerves, vertebrae, joints, and the discs between the bones. Experiencing pain simultaneously in the neck and shoulders is common, especially for working-age people. The pain can start in the neck and radiate down to the shoulders and arms. These discomforts are generally harmless, but suffering from musculoskeletal pain in the neck and shoulders for long periods can be troublesome and, at times, disabling. Given its potential to affect your day-to-day activities, knowing what caused it, its symptoms, and neck and shoulder pain relief options can do wonders in terms of pain management.

THE COMMON CAUSES OF NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN

You sit by your desk at work, and your neck is sore, making it difficult to move your head. Was your stiff neck caused by sleeping on your wrong side the night before? Or was the reduced range of motion triggered by that rock-climbing session you had? As mentioned, neck and shoulder pain can involve a range of tissues, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. This includes other seemingly irrelevant anatomical sites to which the pain can spread. As such, its symptoms and causes can vary, ranging from trauma to muscle strain. However, neck and shoulder pain is generally linked to sprains and strains due to intensive physical activity, overexertion, or incorrect posture.

Neck pain, for example, can be a result of poor posture, overuse, or sleeping in an awkward position. The same applies to shoulder pain—strains from overexertion or tendonitis from overuse are common causes. However, neck and shoulder pain is also often associated with occupational-related physical activity, such as awkward postures and leaning over computers for too long. In addition, hunched posture can lead to spinal compression, which can bring about several neurological symptoms, including pain and sensory and motor changes.

Some risk factors like arthritis, muscle inflammation, and disc degeneration can also increase the chances of developing neck and shoulder pain. In rare cases, neck and shoulder pain can indicate meningitis or even cancer.

THE SYMPTOMS OF NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN

Neck and shoulder pain can vary in intensity and duration. More often than not, the pain is sudden (acute) and lasts for a couple of hours or days before eventually subsiding. In other cases, the pain can become long-lasting (chronic). However, regardless of its severity and duration, there is no denying that both mild and intense neck and shoulder pain can interfere with activities and daily living.

Neck and shoulder pain symptoms include a stiff neck or sharp pains in one localised area. If neck and shoulder pain is caused by pressure placed on the root of a nerve or by a herniated disc, symptoms may also be observed in other parts of the body. For example, pain, numbness or weakness in the arms, or tingling in the fingers and hands can all result when the neck and shoulder pain radiates throughout the body. In these cases, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional.

NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN RELIEF SOLUTIONS

As mentioned, most neck and shoulder pain tends to resolve after a few days. While a doctor should inspect symptoms that persist for more than a week, there are other options for relief for the milder ones. Some of these include:

1. REDUCING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Whether you frequently travel long distances or have to work at a desk for long hours at a time, be sure to get up and move around. Stretch your neck and shoulders to relieve any built-up pressure in those areas. If strenuous activities or certain exercises are known to cause or aggravate the area, take a break from these activities and give your body time to recover.

2. USING GOOD POSTURE

Since one of the leading causes of neck and shoulder pain is poor posture, be sure to practise good posture when standing and sitting. This means taking active steps to ensure that your shoulders align with your hips and that your ears are directly over your shoulders. When working on tablets and other small screens, avoid looking down at the device or leaning forward to use them. To ensure that your head is kept up and your neck is not leaning forward, adjust your desk, chair and computer so that everything is at eye level.

3. SHOULDER AND NECK PAIN RELIEF PRODUCTS

You can also apply topical pain relievers to your neck and shoulders to manage the pain. From shoulder pain relief rubs to pain relief patches, there is a long list of options for effective neck and shoulder pain relief. At Tiger Balm, we aim to offer quick and effective relief for body aches and pains through our neck and shoulder pain relief solutions. Some of the Tiger Balm muscle pain relief topical treatment options you can consider include:

• Tiger Balm Ultra Strength: This pain relief ointment contains the strongest concentration of Tiger Balm’s signature herbal ingredients to provide you with fast, warm, comforting relief for joint and muscle pain and other aches brought about by overexertion. With soothing heat that penetrates deep into the muscles, this is the perfect solution for those looking for temporary relief from stiff muscles and minor aches. One application is all it takes.

Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch: Ensuring a clean and simple application, Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches offer strong and targeted muscle pain relief in areas like the back, shoulder, and neck for hours.

FIND RELIEF FOR YOUR NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN WITH TIGER BALM

Neck and shoulder pain can do everything from making the most mundane tasks tedious to complete to affecting your ability to carry out certain activities optimally. While there are several causes of neck and shoulder pain, dealing with it can be much easier with Tiger Balm. From ointments for muscle pains to shoulder pain patches, we have them all. Find your ideal Tiger Balm products in a retailer near you, or buy them online today!

JANUARY 01, 2023 BY FIRSTPAGE