There are many muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, veins, ligaments and other supporting structures in the neck and shoulders. Certain medical conditions or injury to the soft tissues can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area.
However everyday tasks such as working long hours behind a desk, driving long distances or carrying small children or heavy items around, will certainly cause neck and shoulder pain and muscular tension. The same discomfort could be experienced by sportspeople such as cyclists hunched over their handlebars and athletes running with elevated shoulders.
According to Russell Looms, Deep Heat South Africa’s Sports Scientist, bad posture is the leading cause of neck and shoulder pain. By correcting this, pain and discomfort can be alleviated or avoided. “Ensure you hold your chin back and down as this will ensure that your head aligns with your spine like a ‘column’. Open the chest, pull shoulders back and down, and be aware of your core (i.e. pulling your navel into the spine)”, he says.
Neck and shoulder pain is also commonly associated with exercise. When exercising people often push themselves too hard, resulting in an overload on the body. Taking shortcuts, e.g. walking with small weights in your hands, also puts too much strain on the shoulders and pulls them forward. “I would recommend getting advice from a professional before starting a new exercise programme to minimise the chances of injury, aches and pains”, says Russell.
Warming up before a workout will minimise strain. Dynamic stretching which includes a range of motion such as shoulder rolls, arm swings and circling of the arms is advised.
“When you do suffer from neck and shoulder pain, Deep Heat’s Muscle Rescue Neck & Shoulder Cream is a convenient and quick treatment to soothe everyday muscle tension”, says Russell. “It not only warms the muscles, allowing for better muscle functionality, but will also relieve pain”.
The cream contains a gentle, herbal aromatic blend of Rosemary Oil and Vanilla Extract which is calming to the senses. An easy-to-use, non-messy sponge applicator rubs and massages the cream directly into sore and tense muscles. Heat generated from the product penetrates through the muscle to provide relaxing, soothing warmth and instant relief.
The ideal size to pop into a handbag, office drawer or your car to re-apply throughout the day, Deep Heat’s Muscle Rescue Neck & Shoulder Cream is an instant and convenient alternative to a neck and shoulder massage.
Article written by EPT – The Ultimate Sports Recovery Experts