Neck pain can be caused by all of the muscles in your neck. When they “push” or “pull” on your spine the muscles can cause pressure on the nerves in your neck. But wait! There’s more!
Your neck is also attached to the rest of your body.
That means that muscles as far away as your feet (!) can cause neck pain. Your whole body is one unit; all of the muscles act together. Even when you are not aware of it, the muscles in your lower body affect your neck and your posture.
This means the more ways you use your body–all of the muscles instead of only the same ones over and over–the less pain and more “balanced” you will be.
This may sound strange but how about starting off by rotating your feet? When you’re laying in bed, roll/rotate them both in one direction until your lower leg muscles start to get tired. Then rest for a few minutes and feel the nice sensations in your feet and legs. Then reverse the circles and do it again in the opposite direction. Why am I suggesting this? Because your feet are attached to your neck, of course! 🙂 Honest!
With your upper arms supported on your bed, you can also rotate your hands at the same time as your feet. Just be sure to pay attention and try to make circles. If this aggravates anything in your feet, legs, hands or arms, then don’t do it. That’s why you need to pay attention to how it feels so you can know if you should continue right then or not.
Remember, I’m not a doctor or a physical therapist. I’m the Pain Relief Coach.
Bodies do heal and can get better. We just have to keep our backsides strong and use ALL of our muscles. You can find more information at Simple Strengthening that will help you strengthen the muscles of your back side (which is usually one of the weakest muscle groups when you have neck pain).
How great to read this today when my neck was killing me! I rotated my feet and my hands and thought, “What a smart woman she is.”
Judy Helm Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and speaker
Hi Judy, Thank you for writing. I’m glad your neck is feeling better. Do this every morning and you’ll feel the difference. (At night, too, if you wish.)
What a concept, huh? The whole body–every part–is attached to every other part. That is what most doctors miss in medical school because they learn PARTS instead of BODIES. Natural medicine is the way to go, in my book.
Kathryn
Thanks for the idea Kathryn. I have started the exercises already. Your header image conveys such a feeling of calm and tranquility, I almost feel it.
Thank you, Rob.
You will have long term benefits if you will take some time every day to do these movements. You are worth it!
Kathryn
I so love your practical, clear, helpful insights and advice … not to mention your humor. Looking at the whole, rather than the parts in isolation … what a concept! Thanks, Kathryn – I will keep your advice in mind the next time my neck bothers me!
Paula, thank you for your comments. I appreciate you.
If you start these movements first, maybe your neck will never bother you again? 😉
Seriously, bodies want to move and these tiny movements can make a big difference. I do them every morning but a few times a day would not be too many.
Kathryn
What a great idea! I am adding this to my morning practice.