Any alternatives to massage? Back, neck and shoulder tightness

JanuaryBride06 Posted: Jan 23, 2006 09:48 PM

Any alternatives to massage? Back, neck and shoulder tightness

My neck, shoulders and lower back are ALWAYS very tight and knotted. I got two massages during my honeymoon (less than two weeks ago) and my back is just as bad as it was before I left.

I can't spare the time or afford to get a massage every week; I stretch pretty often with stretches reccommended by my doctor and my back is so bad that after a few minutes, it hurts DH to massage it (though he tries). Do you ladies know of what I can do to loosen up my back and neck?

Thanks for your help.

evnme Posted: Jan 23, 2006 11:07 PM

Re: Any alternatives to massage? Back, neck and shoulder tightness

have u tried a chiropractor?

LFitzy79 Posted: Jan 24, 2006 11:48 AM

Re: Any alternatives to massage? Back, neck and shoulder tightness

Posted by evnme

have u tried a chiropractor?

or a physical therapist (although you need a Rx for that)...

what about acupuncture?

MCDO15 Posted: Jan 24, 2006 11:54 AM

Re: Any alternatives to massage? Back, neck and shoulder tightness

you bed can help you (a lot) but you should still see a dr.

the matress made a huge difference with DW who had some back problems.

BlondeJD Posted: Jan 24, 2006 11:56 AM

Re: Any alternatives to massage? Back, neck and shoulder tightness

Accupuncture might help as well. If you don't have time to go, I would try to use heat on the area to get it to loosen up. I think Origins makes a neck pillow that you can put in the microwave to heat up.

JanuaryBride06 Posted: Jan 24, 2006 12:04 PM

Re: Any alternatives to massage? Back, neck and shoulder tightness

Thanks for the suggestions - we bought a new mattress and that has actually helped a lot.

I haven't tried going to a chiropractor or a physical therapist - it never occurred to me because any I know who sees them has gone because of injury. But it may be worth trying. Thanks for the advice. I'm also going to research accupuncture.

And I'm going to Origins on my break to look for that pillow.

Thank you all for your suggestions. Though if anyone has anything to add, I'll definitely accept your advice.

THANKS!