People usually complain about earache and some jaw tension. Sometimes they complain about a roaring in the ear or some other form of tinnitus. At times, when the trigger point is most severe, there is sharp pain deep in the ear with a sickly ache in the jaw. Usually, clients don’t complain to their massage therapist about this kind …
Clenching during weight-lifting or heavy work should be avoided. A mouthguard can be used as a reminder when clenching is not easy to stop voluntarily. If you look at Arnold during his career, he manages to keep his jaw down by using an open mouth screaming motion when working out. Still, you can see, during …
Avoid vigorous or uneven or unusual jaw activity, like crunching ice, busting popcorn kernels, or chewing on toothpicks. Taffy, excessive gum chewing are also problematic. When this is a result of clenching during sleep, mouth guards are a great temporary solution. In the long term, they should not be needed when the TMJ is properly …
Self-care for this type of sharp, upper back pain can be quick and easy relief for many people. If it is recurring or doesn’t seem to let go completely, see your bodyworker. Once you have this condition, it tends to be difficult to avoid involuntary movements that grab and aggravate it. You will find that …
Self Care – Sharp Upper Back Pain Between the Shoulder Blades Read More »
Here, we explore how to get relief on your own from pain in the sacrum (center of your hips) when sleeping on your side. In some cases, sitting or standing for long periods produce pain. How people describe this pain and the activities that activate it are discussed more extensively in this other post. If possible, …
Self Care – Pain in the Sacrum or Crest of the Hip While Sleeping Read More »
Here, you can find ways to get relief on your own from trigger points in the pectoralis minor. Typically, this includes pain in the front of the shoulder and, often, pain in the forearm, and occasionally the hand. You can read more about how people describe this pain and activities that typically create the problem …
Self Care – Pain in the Front of Shoulder When Lifting Arm Read More »
People complain about a tender spot at the top of the neck when they touch it while turning their heads. I have to admit, I find it interesting that they don’t complain about pain during an activity or in general. They usually complain that it is tender to touch. When I press them what touches …
Avoid sleeping or reading or watching TV, etc. with your head on the arm of the couch. Also, avoid sleeping with a draft on your neck or with an awkward twist. If you’re traveling, us a pillow like the one below. Try using an Ice Pack. This problem often responds well to icing and stretching. …
Self Care – Headache and Tender at Top of Neck when Turning Head Read More »
Here, you can find relief on your own from pain at the base of the head and under the shoulder blade. You can read more about how people describe this pattern and the activities that create the problem in this post. Avoid sleeping in awkward positions or, especially, under a draft. Chill aggravates this pain …
Self Care – Pain at the Base of the Head and Under Shoulder Blade Read More »
This post has quick relief and lasting relief strategies for the trigger point that creates pain in the upper neck and top of the shoulder. This is a tough trigger point to treat and requires persistent self-care. Often, people choose professional help to make underlying structural changes, hone self-care strategies, and stay focused. Pay attention …
