Did you know that the average adult brain weighs between 1.1 and 1.3 kilograms? You don’t feel this weight because the brain is cushioned and suspended in cerebrospinal fluid.
The head, however, is a different story. Your head is composed of a dense network of bones, joints, muscles, and vessels carrying a lot of weight. This composite structure is supported by the collective efforts of your neck and the shoulders.
The rise of “slouching,” or forward tilting of the head, has become a growing concern in today’s smartphone-driven society. This persistent posture habit increases the risk of developing neck and shoulder spasms.
Your neck and shoulders are anatomically connected to each other. As a result, a neck sprain is often accompanied by spasms in the shoulders and upper back. To achieve complete relief, it is important to release tension from both the neck and shoulders.
There are a number of causes of neck and shoulder spasm including:
- Repetitive movements of the neck and the shoulder blade
- Carrying heavy weights for long periods
- Poor posture
- Following Improper methods of exercise
- Text neck syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
A common consequence of prolonged screen use, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, is a condition called text neck syndrome. Research shows that text neck syndrome accounts for more than 68% of all neck disorders.
Signs and Symptoms
Text Neck syndrome is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Forward tilting of the head
- Reduction in the mobility of neck and shoulders
- Inability to flex the neck
Best Ways to Relieve Neck and Shoulder Spasm
Massage Therapy
The easiest and most effective way to get rid of neck and shoulder spasm is to get a massage therapy session. The hands of a professional therapist can help release tension in the neck and surrounding muscles.
Work-related stress in the neck and shoulder is a reality and faced by plenty of people across the globe. Studies show that targeted activation of the neck muscles in individuals with work-related neck and shoulder pain can lead to significant improvement in symptoms.
It is proven by studies that massage (especially electric massage) plays an important role in reducing spasticity while increasing the flexibility of muscles.
Connective tissue massage is a specialized technique that can help provide relief for individuals suffering from chronic neck pain. Research shows that this type of massage can reduce pain and promote muscle relaxation.
On the other hand, traditional Chinese therapeutic massage has also shown positive results in lowering neck/shoulder pain while simultaneously improving mobility.
Spasm of the trapezius muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle can lead to excruciating pain and neck plus shoulder spasm. Research shows that deep transverse friction massage can reduce trapezius muscle spasms, while a randomized controlled trial supports the effectiveness of massage for relieving sternocleidomastoid muscle tension.
Neck and shoulder disorders are best managed using manipulation and physical therapy. Research shows that manual therapies can help alleviate pain associated with neck conditions. Another systematic review and meta-analysis found that massage therapy effectively reduces muscle spasms in the upper extremities, although it did not show a significant decrease in reported pain.
Electric Massagers
Gone are the days when you needed to wait for a professional massage therapist. Electric massagers are the thing nowadays. These devices are ergonomically designed to target specific trigger points in the neck and shoulders for maximum comfort and pain relief.
Electric massagers mimic the motion of skilled hands using the Shiatsu massage technique. These highly effective devices target pressure points in the muscles, helping to relieve tension, reduce muscle spasms, and improve the range of motion.
These devices are ergonomically designed to fit your neck and shoulder region. An ideal neck and shoulder massager targets the most common sore points and also helps alleviate pain from underlying causes such as degenerative disc disease.
Ice Therapy
Muscle spasms, whether in the neck or the shoulder are accompanied by inflammation and heat. The more severe the inflammation, the greater the heat. Ice therapy, or cryotherapy, helps reduce heat and inflammation in sore muscles. Research shows that cold therapy can support healing and aid in rehabilitation.
There is evidence that ice can literally freeze pain in musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and shoulders.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy can help relieve pain and improve mobility in the neck and shoulder region. There are two common types of heat therapy. Dry heat has shown to be effective against neck spasm. A lot of modern electric massagers come equipped with heaters that result in superior results as compared to massage alone.
Moist heat is also an option to remove stress from spasmodic muscles. Convection heat (a type of moist heat) provides deeper penetration into the tissues. Therefore, it is an effective strategy.
Exercise and Stretches
A highly effective method of increasing your neck and shoulder mobility is to stretch them in the right way. Research shows that targeted stretching and regular exercises are among the best ways to manage text neck syndrome.
Regular stretching can also help relieve pain caused by trapezitis, which is the inflammation of the trapezius muscle, according to research.
Note:
In some cases, such as a cervical fracture or a cervical disc slip, the condition might get aggravated by using an electric massager. It is advised to always seek medical guidance before using an electric massager for your condition.
Where Can I Find the Best Neck and Shoulder Massager?
You can find the best neck and shoulder massager by clicking here. This massager from Zarifa USA delivers a 3D Shiatsu massage that helps relieve tension, aches, and pain in your neck and shoulders. Its built-in heating pads enhance the massage, providing targeted relief for conditions such as neck pain, muscle spasms, and frozen shoulder.
Conclusion
Neck and shoulder spasms are the result of different conditions including poor posture, slouching, repetitive movements, and improper weight lifting. The best way to manage this condition of reduced mobility and increased pain is to get a massage. Electric massagers can provide relief similar to that of professional massage therapists. In addition to massage, using heat or cold therapy and performing gentle stretching exercises can further help reduce discomfort.
Take control of your neck and shoulder health today. Explore Zarifa USA’s advanced electric massagers and drug-free solutions for lasting relief.
