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Top 12 Natural Ways To Deal With That Pain In The … (#3 Is Wicked Awesome!)
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If you thought this article was about how to deal with your boss or your mother-in-law, sorry to disappoint you. Today we want to talk about a very common pain that seems to affect everyone these days, and that is shoulder pain.
People of all ages can experience shoulder pain, but lately, more and more doctors are seeing patients who are experiencing shoulder pain due to overuse of cell phones, laptops, tablets, and desktop computers.
There a number of factors and conditions that can cause shoulder pain. The most common cause is injury to the soft tissues of the shoulder, including the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This is often due to overuse, repetitive use, and improper support.
Sometimes shoulder pain is actually caused by injury to the neck, elbow, or bicep. The body tries to make allowances for the other injured body part and ends up putting excess strain on the shoulder.
Still other times, shoulder pain is due to arthritis, spinal cord injury, tendinitis, torn cartilage, frozen shoulder, or even a broken shoulder or collar bone. Shoulder pain is sometimes a sign of disease like heart disease, liver problems, or gallbladder issues.
If your shoulder pain is chronic or severe, you should see your doctor for a complete evaluation.
However, most minor shoulder pain, caused by overwork or excessive computer use, can be safely treated at home.
Keep reading and discover the top 12 ways you can get relief from that pain in the shoulder so you can get back to enjoying life … Even if your mother-in-law is due to visit next week.
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1. Try A Different Pillow
Are you a side sleeper? If so, is your pillow worn out, or has it become thin and flat? When side sleepers have a thin pillow, it offers very little support for the neck and shoulder. Invest in a high quality, thick pillow made for side sleepers. You might be surprised how much better you will feel simply by changing your pillow!
2. Omega-3’s
This might seem strange, but the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish can go a long way toward reducing pain. If your shoulder pain is due to arthritis, then omega-3 fatty acids are especially important for you. This essential fatty acid fights inflammation in the body, which is one of the main causes of arthritis. Eat at least two servings of fatty fish, such as tuna or salmon, each week, or take a fish or krill oil supplement.
3. Alfalfa
Most people think that alfalfa is only good for the vitamins and minerals that it contains, but this herbal remedy is also great for relieving pain and swelling. It also improves circulation, which will reduce inflammation and bring some much-needed fresh blood to the area to help speed healing. Drink two cups of alfalfa tea each day to help relieve pain and swelling. You can also take alfalfa supplements, but speak with your doctor first to determine the correct dosage for you and your condition.
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4. Try a Cold Compress
For many people, a cold compress goes a long way towards reducing shoulder pain and swelling. Ice will help numb the area and reduce inflammation. Use an ice pack, a package of frozen vegetables, or some ice cubes in a plastic bag wrapped in a thin towel. Never apply ice directly to the skin as you can get frostbite! Apply this ice pack to the shoulder area for 10 to 15 minutes on, then remove for another 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat as needed to get relief.
5. Lavender Oil
This sweet-smelling essential oil can relax overworked and tired muscles. It is also known for being a natural anti-inflammatory and can reduce pain as well.
You can use this oil for massages by mixing three drops of lavender essential oil in two tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil, then warm this mixture just a bit, and apply to the affected area. It helps to have a friend or spouse to massage this oil into the affected shoulder area.
Alternately, you can add 20 to 30 drops of lavender essential oil to a hot bath, and soak your body for 30 minutes each day until your shoulder pain subsides.
6. Compression
If your shoulder area is so swollen you can hardly move it, compression wraps can help reduce the swelling, which should reduce the pain. Buy a compression wrap or a large elastic support bandage and wrap the affected area for a few days until the swelling and pain subsides. Avoid wrapping the area too tight as you can constrict blood circulation, which will lead to poor healing.
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7. Hot Compress
For some people, heat works better than cold when it comes to healing and pain relief. If a cold compress leaves you …well, cold, then try a hot compress. Hot compresses work well to relieve the pain caused by sore or overused muscles and are recommended for those who have experienced an injury within 48 hours. You can use a hot water bottle covered in a thin cloth for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times each day, or you can stand in the shower and let hot water run across your shoulder for five to 10 minutes.
SEE ALSO: The Dangerous Habit That Triples Your Risk for Serious Back Pain
8. Ginger
Ginger is loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds as well as antioxidant power that can’t be beat. These two agents can help to reduce inflammation and pain while improving the circulation, which will encourage speedy healing. Drink two or three cups of ginger tea each day. You can also take a ginger supplement, but speak to your doctor first to determine the correct dosage for you and your condition.
9. Epsom Salt
This isn’t really a salt at all, but is actually magnesium sulfate flakes, which can relax and soothe sore muscles. It can also relieve stress and improve blood circulation. Epsom salt is very inexpensive and can be used daily with absolutely no side effects. Add two cups of Epsom salt to a hot bath and soak for 20 to 30 minutes each day. This will also help you sleep better at night, so take your bath about two hours before bedtime.
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10. Apple Cider Vinegar
This household product has powerful anti-inflammatory and alkalizing compounds that can go a long way toward reducing inflammation and the pain it causes. Add one tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to one large glass of water and drink daily. You can add a bit of raw honey if it tastes too sour.
You can also add two cups of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a tub of hot water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes each day.
Combining these two methods will lead to speedy healing and less pain in a matter of days.
11. Massage
A gentle massage in the shoulder, neck, and back area can go a long way towards promoting healing and offers surprising pain relief. Ask your doctor for a referral to a qualified massage therapist, visit a day spa that offers qualified massage therapists, or hit up your best friend for a good back and shoulder massage. Any good quality oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, or almond oil, will work well. Massage for 10 to 20 minutes, and then apply a towel hot from the dryer to relax the muscles completely. Enjoy a massage three or more times each week for best results.
12. Turmeric
This surprising remedy has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce the inflammation, pain, and swelling of shoulder pain.
You can add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to one cup of milk and bring just to a boil. Sweeten with just a bit of raw honey and drink twice each day to encourage healing by stopping inflammation.
You can also make a paste by mixing two tablespoons of turmeric and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat slightly to melt the coconut oil and mix well. Rub this paste over your sore muscles for a minute or two, and then allow it to penetrate. Once dry, rinse with warm water. You can repeat two or three times each day for relief from pain and swelling.
Extra Tips:
- Be sure to rest the shoulders for a few days to encourage healing.
- Practice light stretching exercises to bring fresh blood to the area.
- Keep your elbow at your side to reduce shoulder pain and give the shoulder muscles a break.
- Try acupressure or acupuncture.
- Drink a few glasses of warm water with lemon juice to prevent mineral deposits in the joints.
- Do not smoke or use other tobacco products as they slow healing.
References:
Maizie
Nov 7, 2015 at 8:35 pm
Cold, Cold, Cold! That is my absolute favourite for pain relief.
Maizie
Nov 7, 2015 at 8:38 pm
These are my favs: http://kingbrand.com/ColdCure-Ice-Packs-and-wraps.php?REF=46PV2.271 . The shoulder one is great for immobilization as well.