Protect your neck in the cold

OK, so the chill factor has kicked in now! Are you wearing your shoulders like earrings? It seems to be instinct to brace and raise our shoulders to shorten our neck when we are feeling cold. Unfortunately, we’re not turtles who can pull our heads into our shells for warmth. This action causes undue extra tension to our already loaded neck. I say “loaded” because, with our typical lifestyles, we all spend many hours with our necks bent forwards and down, which places extra stress on our necks. When we feel cold and tense our neck and shoulder muscles. we actually create more compression, which is certainly no help!

So being prepared by following these few suggestions can help you avoid extra pain and discomfort:

1. Wear a scarf! So simple but it can make a huge difference. I know patients who have even presented to me with a “wry neck” due to their neck muscles spasming after being caught in a chill. The bonus is with a scarf you can turn it into a fashion item, show your unique personality (or sports team allegiance), and easy to remove if you get hot. Just remember to leave your favourite scarf next to your favourite warm jacket.

   Heat bags - they need to be used with caution so you don’t inadvertently cause your skin any damage. We stock a wrap-around style called “Wili heat bags”. They are $41.50 and available at the clinic. They have lupins inside instead of wheat (just make sure you follow the heating instructions). They are designed to sit beautifully around your neck without slipping off so you can use them even while you’re sitting at the computer or in the lounge relaxing.

2. Make sure you keep moving. I have many clients who love doing various forms of art or craft as a de-stress activity. However, it’s similar to if you have been sitting at a desk intently studying, or working on the computer- that you can get so involved in what you are doing you lose track of time and end up in the neck-flexed position for a long period. Sometimes it’s easy to get chilled around the neck too from being still. So set a timer and make sure you move positions every 15- 20 minutes, take your neck through a gentle range of movements to break up the static posture, that gets your blood moving through your muscles again and helps reduce the built-up tension.

With 50% of my clients presenting with neck pain in any given week, it’s a timely reminder of simple strategies you can do to help yourself. But remember, if the pain persists, come see me for some extra help and advice