You know how you share a story and usually someone knows someone who also has a similar experience?

Well I’ve been sharing, somewhat quietly, that I have had severe neck and shoulder and back pain over the past month. I don’t like to talk about it too much, because I don’t want to be defined by my pain and I don’t want pity. It’s just something I have and it’s limiting my abilities and I don’t like it. I want a solution and I want to know what’s causing it and how to fix it. What I hear from doctors is that it will take awhile and to be patient. But I want to know what is causing it and why and how long, specifically, will it take to repair. There doesn’t seem to be an easy solution.

But the reason I am sharing this story, is because I am not alone. As I share my story and also see the number of hits to my old post about dry needling and headaches, I know there are many more of you in chronic pain. Why?

Is it our computers and smart phones that have us hunched over and compacted, typing furiously? Is it from over use and perhaps repetitive stress? I don’t know exactly. What I do know is that as I bring it up, I’m hearing from more of you that you’re also trying to figure out what feels good and what doesn’t and trying to heal yourself.

Here are some partial solutions and I’m still waiting for the holy grail.

1. Dry needling – this really helped in Amsterdam and it provided relief for about a week or more.

2. Therapeutic Massage – probably my favorite treatment, loosening the muscles.

3. Acupuncture.

4. Cupping.

5. Chiropractic Adjustments. My least favorite and most scary treatment. Does provide some relied.

6. Yoga. My second favorite treatment.

7. Physical Therapy. Focused on core strengthening exercises and using the foam roller to loosen up tight spots.

8. Ibuprofen – to reduce swelling.

9. Ice packs and heat – whichever one feels good at the time.

10. Internet exercises – found some neck relief strategies and core strengthening basic exercises that I loved.

11.Drugs- flexoral – I think that’s how you spell it. It’s a prescription muscle relaxer.

12. Posture alignment – I haven’t tried this one yet, but supposedly there is this 70 Year old woman in Palo Alto who will teach you proper posture that should help us to use our bones properly to support our bodies. So very interesting and I bet she’s spot on. She teaches how to stand in alignment, how to sit on a chair, and will also teach you how to lay in alignment.

13. Hot baths and hot showers.

14. Hot yoga.

15. MRI – haven’t done this yet either.

These are a few of my favorite things that I’ve tried or learned about from all the 40+ men and women who have been sharing their stories and experiences with me. I wish we didn’t have to share this connection.

The problem with back and neck pain is that it is all connected and we don’t always know where or how to treat it and it moves! It calms and it flares. It is debilitating and I wish there was a a cure!

I wish you well and hope your pain goes away. Tell me what works or has worked for you.

Namaste and be well.
xo