Reflexology for Stiff Neck

Whilst reflexology does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure a disorder, it is thought that some disorders, such as these, have been shown (through mainly anecdotal evidence due to limited investment in scientific research) to respond well to reflexology.

 

Disorders of the structural system are a huge area of concern amongst the general population. “Rheumatic” complaints are the cause of at least 35,000,000 lost working days a year in the UK. Many musculoskeletal disorders involve several body systems. A stiff neck is a very common structural system disorder and is often caused by whiplash, ergonomics, wear and tear, or just sleeping in a funny position.

Structural System

The structural system provides the framework for the body consisting of bones, muscles, skin, membranes and connective tissues, collectively giving the body form, mobility and protection.

 

Therapeutic effects of reflexology on the structural system

• The entire muscular system has reflex points on the feet and in a full sequence, the whole foot is worked and all muscles are treated – like having a full body massage!
• Emphasising the spine, by working along the spinal muscles with precise, thumb movements either side of the spinal reflex, has profoundly relaxing effects throughout the body. It is common for a deep state of relaxation to follow, providing ideal conditions for the body’s homeostatic devices to work optimally and the body’s innate healing powers to operate.
• Break down of deposits in the feet and the stimulation of reflexology decongests energy pathways allowing the structural system to work optimally (as it does for all systems).
• Stimulating the action of the muscles will assist the skeletal muscle pump and so benefit the circulatory system as well as the immune system.

 

What is a Stiff Neck?

 

The muscle most often involved with a stiff neck is the levator scapula which connects the neck and shoulder.

 

The most usual complaint of a "stiff neck" is pain when trying to turn the head to the side where it hurts, often turning the body instead of the neck to look behind. It is often associated with a headache but not always.

 

The most common causes for developing this kind of stiff neck are; turning the head to one side while typing, long phone calls without a headset, sleeping without proper pillow support with the neck tilted or rotated, sitting in a chair with armrests too high and exposure of the neck to a cold draft. There are other causes basically from shortening of this muscle as illustrated with using a cane that is too long.

 

Activities such as vigorous tennis, swimming the crawl stroke and watching a tennis match rotating the head back and forth can also cause a stiff neck. Additionally, stress as in "the weight of the world on my shoulders" or a tense, hostile or aggressive postures may contribute.

 

How to treat a stiff neck. Knowing some of the causes of a stiff neck can lead to prevention in many cases. A good method of self treatment is to use heat for neck pain relief and self massage to ease some of the tension. For massage, be careful not to strain while reaching back. The areas to massage are the "X"s in the upper right of the diagram and can be reached without strain by using a back massager. Other areas of muscle strain may be associated with a stiff neck and headache which should also be given the proper attention. Be sure to use a supportive neck pillow and become familiar with proper neck posture. Learn techniques of stress reduction such as breathing exercises to help reduce tension and headache.

 

A method I use to stretch the muscle is to stand underneath a hot shower with the water on the neck. In the example illustrated with the right side involved, reach behind your back and hold the right wrist with the left hand, slightly pull the right arm down and bend the head to the left and then turn it to the left and hold for 20 seconds. The movement should be small and only produce a mild discomfort. Repeat the procedure as needed. An alternative method to the shower would be to use a hot pack that covers the neck and shoulder.

 

 

There are many causes of a "stiff neck" and we have covered one of the most common causes and some methods of how to treat a stiff neck, however, if one persists despite judicious home treatment methods, always consult your health care provider.