Are you constantly suffering with tight shoulders, neck pain or headaches? Then this is for you.
T’is the season and therefore it is getting a little chilly. When this happens we tend to raise our shoulders, sinking our necks into our upper torso like a 
tortoise, trying to keep any drafts out. Not a good look and can increase upper body muscular tension and increase pain (1). This is a common posture when someone is experiencing increased stress (2) and let’s face it, who isn’t right now? It is also a very commonly held posture. I often will tell patients ‘they are wearing their shoulders like earrings.’ Sound familar?
Now this short video isn’t going to solve all your problems but it is going to make you more aware of your posture; always a good first step and also it will help release your upper trapezius muscle which wil help relieve your suffering from tight shoulders, neck pain or headaches.
If you would like a more comprehensive explanation to relieve the pain caused by poor posture, with additional exercises, please follow this link. I am sure you will find it helpful to explore what you can do to improve your posture.
I also suggest you have a hot epsom salts bath. The high magnesium content in the epsom salts will relieve the tension in your muscles and help to improve your sleep, along with many other benefits. The link will give you more information.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas and that the New Year brings us all improved health, joy and freedom.
Anne French Chiropractor and Functional Medicine Practitioner
Referrences
(1) The role of myofascial trigger points in musculoskeletal pain syndromes of the head and neck. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17894927/
(2) Exploring perceived tension as a response to psychosocial work stress. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12718498/
