Your Neck and Shoulders

Tips to Save Your Neck and Shoulders

If you have pain or discomfort in your neck and shoulders, try these tips at work to reduce pain and prevent possible injury. Try these out and see which ones you like. Then focus on those for a week or two until they become habit. After mastering those, you may want to add another “good” habit.

1.   The keyboard should be close enough to you that you don’t have to stretch forward to reach the keys.

2.   Avoid reaching far forward or twisting behind you to reach for things. Stand up, or turn and move close to the article you need.

3.   Your mouse should be close to the keyboard where you don’t have to reach to use it.

4.   Keep your upper arms close to your sides, hanging straight down. Let your shoulders remain relaxed, not rigid.

5.   Keep your head aligned with your spine. Relax your neck and imagine your head floating toward the ceiling.

6.   Don’t forget to take frequent rest and stretching breaks.

*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.