Does your neck, shoulders, spine feel like an elephant took up residence? Do you find yourself rubbing neck muscles frequently to relieve a dull ache? Or maybe you feel an intermittent burning, tingling sensation in your arms.
Huddling over your phone, computer, or other screens for long periods can cause pain. Chronically flexed forward neck and shoulder muscles bear a heavy load that can inflame surrounding tissues.
As I continue to lift, write notes, and provide treatments/meds for patients, all require a bit of hunched shoulders and bent neck. Ouch! I started looking for remedies to prevent chronic pain and degeneration of my muscles and bones.
I learned the soldier-like position of head up, shoulders back, and chest out allows the sturdy spine to safely carry the head’s weight. Try it now, and ahhhhh, feel the relief!
There are bunches of exercises and solutions helping to relieve neck pain. The two young men in the graphic are making a Y and W with their posture. With spine straight, lean arms back, head slightly up and back. Hold this position with first the Y and then the W for 30 seconds and breathe deeply while you do it.
Using these solutions daily might return some of your energy and provide more restful sleep. I’ve found another modality that helps relieve physical pain and, at the same time, brings peace/comfort to my soul. Who doesn’t need that?
My workout time is usually accompanied by encouraging praise music. As I assumed the Y and W posture, it occurred to me I was lifting my head and arms to the Lord. By acknowledging His presence through song and praise, I sensed His strength, resilience, and peace flowing into my body, mind, and soul.
As I gratefully contemplated God’s presence, the Y and the W became “You’re Welcome” from Him. Grinning, I said out loud, “Thanks for being real for me, Father.”
CONSIDER:
Do you give more time to looking down at problems or up to the problem solver? Amid your many responsibilities and interests, consider looking up to the One who can physically, emotionally, and spiritually relieve pain. Listen for God’s direction and know His comforting ways.
So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship. And strengthen your weak knees, for as you keep walking forward on God’s paths all your stumbling ways will be divinely healed! Hebrews 12:12-13 TPT