I can feel knots in my neck muscles. What should I do?

[Deja Q]

Sore muscles with little knots.

Apart from seeing a massage therapist, what can I do in the mean time? Heat pad? Cold pak?

Thx much!!

[Wonk]

1. Amputate

:evilgrin:

[amazona]

2. what I do

If it's that spot between your neck and your shoulder, get a pencil with an eraser on it and really bear down to the point of pain. No kidding, when you let up, it feels soooooo much better.

I also have a pillow thingy that you heat up in the microwave and wrap around your neck. It's pretty good but not as good as the pencil.

My favorite is to get an amateur to give me a massage. The professionals won't do it hard enough to get the knots out, they are afraid of not being tipped or something. Well, maybe if you know someone who does Rolfing, they would do the kind of massage I like.

Any of these work for me but if you're alone and need a quick pick-up, do the pencil. I think you'll be pleased.

[Lin]

3. Welcome to my world, (moist heat helps for me) <eom>

[asjr]

4. You could put some arthritis cream on it. My

doctor told me to do neck exercises of all things. I sort of lean my head from side to side and backwards and forwards. It has helped me, especially if I close my eyes and listen to Stevie Wonder. Doesn't work for everyone.

[Skittles]

5. I will come over and kick your ass, Hypno

you will forget all about your neck.

[specimenfred1984]

6. Heat

And, ever hear of "Oxydrene"? It's a product made with Sedum and a couple of other herbs. It works great for muscle spasm.

[2Design]

7. find the spot with your fingers...tilt your head toward your shoulder

then press on spot and very slowly move your head upright
Release
Repeat for same spot a few times
then go to next spot

[agates]

8. Warm shower

Do some gentle stetching (side to side, forward) while under warm running water. If you develop any numbness or tingling in your arms or hands, see a doctor right away. Good luck.