What is the most common area/s of pain in the new year?

Every year is the same. You have been away on holiday with friends and family but slept in a different bed, with a different pillow and now your back and/or neck is killing you. It is very common for people to take their own pillow away with them to avoid this. There is nothing worse than a lumpy pillow that causes you to wake with a stiff neck and headache every morning on your holiday.

Ways to self manage the pain

• Shoulder rolls

  Gently roll your shoulders forwards, in a circular motion, then backwards

• Neck stretches

  Tip your head to one side and hold. You should feel a gentle pull in your neck. To increase the stretch, gently pull your shoulder away from neck. Then change to the other side

• Pillow wedged behind your lower back

  When sleeping at night, lie on your side with a pillow wedged under your lower back. This helps takes any pressure off the lower back

• Drink more water

  Very simple but ‘flush away’ the inflammation. Typically we all do not drink enough water. Simply always carry a bottle with you or have a glass on your desk to remind you

• Move

  Rest is not good for pain. Light, gentle movement is important to keep the area moving, flush away inflammation, improve circulation and decrease pain

Get it sorted

Osteopathy is a safe and gentle form of hands on physical therapy, to treat those unwanted aches and pains. Treatment is of the entire body, not just the area that is sore. This holistic approach means all areas of dysfunction are addressed. Osteopaths are ACC registered

Sarah is a north shore osteopath, based in Milford. ACC registered. Book online to resolve your pain