Dealing with neck and shoulder pain isn’t easy. From strains due to overused muscles to ‘wear and tear’ to arthritis, various conditions can trigger pain in the neck and shoulders. Additionally, since the two are connected, aches can travel from the neck to the shoulders and vice versa. The pain can also travel to other areas of the body, such as your back and knees.
Understanding the cause of your neck and shoulder pain is just as crucial as finding pain relief solutions. This blog covers some of the common causes of pain and how you can get rid of the discomfort.
1. Poor posture
Those seated at their desks all day are prone to developing poor posture. For example, slouching in a chair causes your back to round and your head and shoulders to slump forward, putting stress on the cervical spine. To compensate, your neck and back muscles must work against the pull of gravity — for every inch the head is held forward, an additional 10 pounds of force is applied.
As such, the muscles in your neck, back, and shoulders become susceptible to strains. One of the ways to avoid this is to maintain an upright posture, with your upper arms parallel to your spine. Keep your forearms and hands on the table, and ensure your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle. Depending on your height, this may require some adjusting to your workspace.
Also, refrain from sitting cross-legged on your chair or crossing your legs under the table. Such sitting positions can rotate and tilt your pelvis, ultimately affecting your lower back and the alignment of your spine. Therefore, an improper posture will push your muscles to work harder to compensate for balance, causing back pain, which could lead up to your shoulders and neck.
Incorrect posture during manual labor can also trigger pain in the neck and shoulders, especially when bending or carrying items. Maintaining a correct posture can go a long way in keeping the pain at bay. For example, always remember to keep your back straight and your knees bent when lifting bulky items for a start.
Aside from poor posture at work, your sleeping position can also cause neck pain. Resting your head on a stack of pillows, for example, positions your neck at a sharp bend throughout the night. The resulting pain can also travel to one or both shoulders.
Relief for neck and shoulder pain caused by poor posture
For a quick remedy to your neck and shoulder pain, try a Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch. By effectively targeting specific pain areas, these muscle pain patches provide you with long-lasting relief while you work through your daily tasks or sleep. Plus, these flexible hydrogel patches contour to your body and aren’t greasy, making it convenient to wear underneath any clothing.
2. Injuries
Injuries from falls or sharp movements, such as those experienced during contact or rigorous sports, can damage your soft tissues, culminating in neck and shoulder pain. For instance, a sudden movement in your neck can tear your muscles, tendons, or ligaments, causing neck pains and strains. This type of injury is commonly known as whiplash. Similarly, a fall or even repeated arm and shoulder use can cause a tear in your rotator cuff – the tendons that connect your upper arm to your shoulder blade.
Hoisting heavy loads over your shoulders can strain your neck, so using transportation equipment, such as a hand truck, dolly, or cart, is a better option. In addition, wearing protective equipment at all times can help prevent unexpected falls that may cause pains in the neck and shoulder.
Shoulder blade injuries, separation, and dislocation can also cause pain that can lead to the neck.
Relief for injury-triggered neck and shoulder pain
In addition to our neck and shoulder pain patches, those who experience pain after participating in sports or other strenuous activities can use Tiger Balm Active Muscle Gel. The cooling sensation of menthol and methyl salicylate helps reduce swelling and inflammation. If your aches and pains require more potent relief, check out Tiger Balm Active Muscle Spray.
3. Arthritis
The smooth cushion between our joints responsible for frictionless motion, known as the cartilage, can wear down with age or be damaged by disease. When this occurs, the bones grind on each other, which leads to restricted movement, pain, and swelling. Deterioration of the connective tissue can also result in an inflammation of the joints, causing pain. This condition is known as arthritis.
There are two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is the most common and occurs over time. The latter, however, is caused by a reaction of the body’s immune system that attacks the membrane enclosing the joint parts. This leads to inflammation and swelling, consequently destroying both the cartilage and bone.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common in the shoulders, resulting in discomfort and difficulty in movement. Posttraumatic arthritis, a form of osteoarthritis, can also occur in the shoulders. It often develops after an injury, such as a fracture or dislocation. Untreated rotator cuff injuries can also gradually develop into arthritis.
Arthritis in the neck is commonly referred to as cervical osteoarthritis or cervical spondylosis. It manifests after the intervertebral discs degenerate, causing the bones to rub against one another and eventually irritating the lining of the joints.
Relief for neck and shoulder arthritis pain
Those experiencing neck and shoulder aches due to long-standing arthritis can relieve their pain with Tiger Balm’s variety of safe, effective, and fast-acting topical pain relief solutions. An application of Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment offers soothing comfort. It also reduces swelling by increasing blood flow to your neck and shoulder joints. If your pain levels require something stronger, the potent ingredients in Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Ointment will deliver comforting warmth to your overworked joints.
More commonly preferred for arthritis pain, however, is Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub. This pain relief cream quickly eases discomforting pain in your shoulder and neck joints so that you can go about with your daily routine hassle-free. For application on larger surface areas of your neck and shoulder, choose Tiger Balm Liniment.
See a doctor if neck and shoulder pain persist
While topical applications like patches, creams, and ointments provide pain relief in the neck and shoulder, muscles, and joints, they do not cure the underlying issues. If the pain becomes unbearable, persists for more than seven days, or recurs after a few days of clearing up, visit your doctor as soon as possible to address the source of your aches.
To purchase any of the Tiger Balm products mentioned in this article, shop online or find a store near you.