Preventing That Pain in the Neck

As a busy mom I always have a pain in the neck. At first I thought it was the kids driving me crazy. Then I realized there were many possible causes including poor posture, arthritis and muscle strain from doing things like picking up my kids in a clumsy way.

Sometimes neck ain can be serious especially if there is a severe headache, loss of balance, blurred vision, trouble swallowing, numbness in arms or a severe headache accompanying it. It can mean you have actually had a stroke so pay attention.

To prevent neck pain you should always warm up before and after sports, gardening or doing anything strenuous at all. I have started doing that just before I do housework as even that can be quite strenuous.

While at the computer I now remember to get up and stretch every now and then. I also work on my posture both seated and standing to keep my spine aligned naturally. A happy spine equals a happy neck. I have also invested in a designer ergonomic keyboard and desk and chair to help myself.

Another tip is to drink water to keep the disks of your spine hydrated. A lack of water can actually cause the disks to compress. This can get you in trouble and make you feel very crippled. Back pain in the lower back is related to neck pain in this way.

You can also prevent discomfort by avoiding cradling a phone in the crook of your shoulder, falling asleep on the arm of the sofa and sleeping on thin pillows that provide no neck support.

Of course the worst is picking up that screaming, kid in the crook of your hip and cradling the phone in the crook of your neck. That is hideous for your posture. You should also avoid NOT bending your knees when picking something up as this can strain your neck as well as your arms and spine!

Just one more tip – try to avoid wearing flip flops. They can hurt your back even more! I know that summer is over but some of us still wear them around the house. Apparently they can cause spinal alignments that can really hurt your neck.

If you do end up being in a lot of pain you might want to try an over the counter muscle relaxant, taking some yoga classes or just simply try rubbing a mentholated rub like Tiger Balm. Just be sure that you do not get it into your eyes!

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Controlling Pregancy Migraines

A migraine is a type of vascular headache. It is caused by blood vessels dilating and causing severe pain. This agonizing pain needs to treated, yet that can be a challenge if your are pregnant. It is the volume of blood in the vessels going to the head that causes all of the throbbing as well as other symptoms like blurry vision, nausea and literally 'not being able to see straight.' People with migraines, including pregnant women can also experience severe throbbing pain on one side of the head and see zing sags or weird lights.

For some reason some women with migraines see them disappear altogether when they get pregnant. However curing a migraine is not a good reason to conceive! Other women never experience a migraine and finally do for the first time when they get pregnant.

Thankfully a migraine is not a threat to a fetus. However if you are getting severe throbbing pain in the head then you need to confirm that is not from another type of cause from a physician.

You don't want to take any heavy painkillers or drugs while having a pregnancy migraine and one of the most effective treatments is rest, darkness and peace and quiet. The sooner that you lie down and isolate yourself after the initial symptoms start the more of a chance you have of shortening the duration of the pain.

The best treatment is prevention. You need to avoid common dietary triggers such as cheese, chocolate, and coffee. Food preservatives, nitrates in meat and sulfites in canned foods and wines can also be culprits. Loud noises, lack of sleep, lack of eating, low blood sugar and flickering or bright lights can also cause a migraine.

Stress is often the cause so relaxation technique such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help. Cold packs on the forehead and on the neck also help. An acupuncture treatment or massage performed by a prenatal massage therapist could also help reduce the frequency and pain of menstrual headaches.

You should not take either over-the counter or prescription medications. Studies show that caffeine can trigger them so stay away from coke and coffee. Drugs like Tylonel 3, which contain a lot of caffeine are out of the question. That is also why chocolate is not a good idea. It too contains caffeine and also theomobrine which is known to trigger headaches.

Triggers for migraines differ from person to person so it is important to maintain a diary of what is provoking them. Remember too there are always treatment options that you may not have heard of. Some doctors recommend drinking water. Even a remedy like Tiger Balm might be of assistance. Another remedy is Ginger tea. I say, whatever works, as these hormonally triggered headaches can be quite painful.

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