When you lead a busy life, shoulder and neck pain can interfere with all kinds of activities, including driving, cooking, and playing with the kids. The neck and shoulders contain complex networks of muscles, joints, and ligaments that are particularly prone to injury. Here are a few ways you can alleviate discomfort and enjoy an active life.

How to Prevent Shoulder & Neck Pain

1. Focus on Ergonomics

At work, it's easy to become so fixated on daily tasks that you forget about comfort and health. For instance, you may crane your neck or perform repetitive motions that can harm the upper back or shoulders. 

To prevent issues, focus on ergonomics, regardless of what you do for work. If sitting at a desk, make sure the monitor is an arm's length away and that the elbows and knees can rest at 90-degree angles. Both feet should be flat on the floor, and the screen should be bright enough that you can see it without squinting. 

When completing repetitive work in a factory, listen to the shoulder muscles and take breaks when necessary. Stop working anytime you feel shoulder pain, and consider switching to a different responsibility to take the load off the muscles. For instance, if you typically lift products from a conveyor belt, ask a manager to switch to a light-duty task if the shoulders feel tight or sore.

2. Exercise 

During exercise, the body releases endorphins that act as natural pain relievers and alleviate discomfort. Stretching can lengthen muscle fibers to release tension, and resistance training can increase strength and stability.

When exercising, always pay attention to the body, and stop if you aren't comfortable. Yoga is recommended, as it takes a gentle approach to increasing movement, and cardio can promote blood flow to the neck and shoulders.

3. See a Chiropractor 

Subluxations, or small air pockets, can form in the neck or shoulder joints and limit normal movement during everyday activities. Fortunately, a chiropractor can help by using manual adjustments to relieve subluxations. 

After conducting a movement exam, the chiropractor will use special physical adjustments to release subluxations, reduce pain, and improve range of motion. Regular chiropractic adjustments can also prevent pinched nerves and avoid ongoing neck or shoulder pain. 

If you experience frequent shoulder or neck pain, schedule a visit with Get Well Family Chiropractic in Florissant, MO. Since forming their practice in 1997, this team of trusted chiropractors has focused on a whole-health approach, assisting patients with everything from back and neck pain to weight loss and nutritional advice. With comprehensive services like vibration therapy, cranial adjusting, and nervous system scans, they will help you feel your best. To learn more about their approach to chiropractic adjustments, visit their website or call (314) 524-2580.