Relieving tension

Tension in the neck or shoulders can lead to a stiff neck. Tension may also affect other parts of the body. Whatever the case, it’s painful and can lead to a lot of discomfort.

It feels like a collar of nails: every time you move your head you experience an unpleasant stabbing pain in your neck or shoulders. In some cases it’s so intense you can’t move the part of your body affected. This type of tension can be caused by a number of things. It may be the result of sitting the same way for a long time (at the computer or reading) or the wrong sleeping position. Bad posture, stress and too much exercise can also lead to a hardening of the muscles.

There are various techniques for relaxing tense muscles. Sports ointments and heating pads can help boost circulation. A hot bath can also be relaxing and improve the flow of blood throughout your body. Massage may also be a good way of easing tension. If you don’t have time to go to a masseur, you can try massaging yourself.

 

When it’s a pain in the neck

To relieve tension in the back of your neck you need a rubber ball or tennis ball, a piece of string, and a high-backed chair or similar. Put the ball between the back of the chair and your neck and shoulders and then try moving gently, without pressing too hard, to massage the tense muscle. Use the string to get the ball back in the right position.

 

Roll away back pain

You can ease a tense back using a massage or yoga roll. Put the roll on the floor, for example on a carpet or rug. Lie with your back on the roll and make small, slow movements to massage the stiff muscles.

To stop the muscle tensing up again you should also address the cause. Recurring muscle tension often leads you to adopt a protective posture, which can result in further tension. If you can’t work out what’s causing the tension, or if the pain persist for a longer time (several weeks), you should consult a doctor.

 

Relaxed at work

SWICA offers organisations a course on workplace ergonomics. If desired, companies can have an ergonomic therapist come to their premises and show each employee individually how they can optimise their workplace arrangements. SWICA also offers a course on screen ergonomics. Participants learn how their screen arrangement can lead to physical complaints, and after the course will be aware of how to set things up ergonomically and strengthen their muscles to prevent pain from long hours of sitting.

You’ll find more information on SWICA’s services for organisations here.

09.11.2016
In the event of further health-related questions, SWICA customers can contact the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge on +41 44 404 86 86. A telemedicine practice licence allows santé24 physicians to provide additional medical services in cases that are suited to a telemedicine approach. SWICA customers can also use the BENECURA medical app to carry out a digital SymptomCheck and receive recommendations about what to do next. During a subsequent phone call with santé24, customers can decide for themselves whether to release their information from SymptomCheck to santé24.
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