Managing Neck and Shoulder Pain - A pain in the neck

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Because your neck and shoulders are so mobile, they’re susceptible to strains and injury. Anything from physical trauma to poor posture can cause pain and inflammation.

NECK PAIN
Your neck has the weighty job of supporting your head, which is quite heavy. Your neck is also very flexible with a complex anatomy of muscles, bones and ligaments, making it vulnerable to accidents and sporting injuries.

Neck pain can be caused by muscle and ligament strains. Injury, repetitive activity and poor posture are usually to blame.

SHOULDER PAIN
Shoulder pain is often caused by muscle strains due to overuse or over-exertion from everyday activities, sport and exercise, and poor posture.

Shoulder pain can occur due to tendonitis. This is inflammation in a tendon or tendon covering, usually resulting from repetitive activity at work, or from sports, such as swimming, tennis or golf. Symptoms range from tenderness or stiffness through to pain, which is worse with movement.

MANAGING NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN
If repetitive activity is causing the pain, you should take 2-3 days break from that activity to allow tissue recovery to begin.

If the pain is the result of an acute event, such as a sports injury, then cold therapy can be effective. It’s important you start this as soon as possible, and continue for 2-3 days after the injury to help reduce further tissue damage and limit inflammation.

VOLTAREN, SPECIALISED MUSCLE PAIN RELIEF
Where you have both pain and inflammation, there is a specialised treatment that targets both.

Voltaren Emulgel is a medicated anti-inflammatory rub, formulated to help temporarily relieve pain and reduce swelling in soft tissue injuries.

Voltaren Emulgel contains the active ingredient diclofenac, which penetrates the skin to reach the source of pain.

It’s cool to apply and can be used as a first-aid treatment daily for up to two weeks in managing acute pain.

PREVENT PAIN WITH BETTER POSTURE
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times – watch your posture!

Poor posture really does put unnecessary strain on bones, joints, muscles and ligaments.

You should first avoid slouching (especially when sitting) and make some minor changes to your lifestyle:

If you work at a desk, make sure it’s at elbow height; your monitor is at eye level and you’re sitting with your knees slightly lower than your hips.
Avoid wearing heavy shoulder bags and high-heeled shoes.
If your job involves repetitive activity, be it typing, building, or working in a factory, take regular breaks and do safe stretches to keep your neck and shoulders from cramping and seizing.

Voltaren Emulgel, diclofenac diethylammonium 1%. For short term treatment of acute inflammatory conditions. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Always read the label and use only as directed. Do not use if you have a stomach ulcer. Incorrect use could be harmful. If your symptoms persist or you have side effects, consult your healthcare professional. Novartis Consumer Health, Australasia. TAPS PP5347

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Ask your pharmacist about Voltaren Emulgel or visit www.mybodypain.co.nz for more information on managing body pain

PLEASE NOTE: The information on this website is not a substitute for the advice you receive from your family doctor, who should have a complete and detailed account of your personal medical history. If anything in Family Health Diary leads you to suppose you may be suffering from any of the serious conditions described, you are urged to see your doctor without delay. ©2012 Copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. Family Health Diary® is a registered trademark of BrandWorld Limited.