Ever wonder why your shoulders and neck hurt so much? The muscles in steady use or overuse get trigger points, that refer pain to other locations. Sitting at your desk, leaning into your tablet or smartphone, getting into an accident and playing an instrument are among the causes for neck and head pain. The Xs in the photo are the trigger points, the blue areas are where the pain is referred. Take a break 2-3 times an hour to stretch, and give those muscles a rest. If the issues persist, a massage may be a great way to relieve the trigger points! Make sure if the area is sore, and you do get a massage, let the therapist know if the pressure is too much; they can always adapt to help you feel better. (Photo source: Real Bodywork app)
I had no idea that the pain was referred like that. That would explain a lot of headaches
Take breaks every 20 minutes or so from looking at your monitor, to look at something further away. It gives your eyes a break. Check to see if your shoulders are hunched up in the air, near your ears. Roll your shoulders to give them a rest, too!
I’ve been trying to find the best place to work on my laptop. My desk is too low and I think that contributes to my neck pain.
If you’ve ever been to 200 Office when it was around, they had these laptop tables that the feet slid under the couch, raised and lowered, and the table tilted to fit the job. I have one, and it works for me. Check out the Svartåsen – http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40242177/
Great post!! I do a lot of these. Minus the accident. I’m learning a lot from reading your posts
Thanks Katherine! What other things you’d like to know about? Let me know! 🙂