Well, I went to the doctor on Friday. Actually, my doctor went into labor and so she was busy, but I saw the PA at the clinic who determined I have muscle spasms. Hm. She offered me muscle relaxer and said I really just need to learn to do some exercises and such to help my muscles relax so I was also referred to a physical therapist. Oh boy. If it seriously did not cause such pain, I would have just skipped the whole thing. Yesterday I went to the physical therapy clinic and learned that where a person should have the ability to turn his or her head 90 degrees, I can turn mine 30 degrees (left) and 60 degrees (right). This is bad. I have a set of little stretchy bands and about half a dozen exercises to do that will strengthen the muscles a little lower on my back and stretch the top muscles (yes I realize knowing the names would be helpful, but for my purposes, not necessary). I was also iced and hooked up to this machine that sent a little electric pulse through my shoulder to help break down all the tension that I have. Mostly the situation is caused by stress and sitting hunched at my desk. I don’t feel hunched at my desk, but I do feel my shoulder hurting. I’ll keep you posted. If you’re lucky, I’ll have Jonathan take a photo of me doing my sweet exercising.
Was that electric pulse machine called a “Tens Unit”? I used one of those recently, not because my muscles were sore but just to know what it felt like. Crazy – that’s what! Have you felt less tension?
Another thing, I learned about workplace yoga in college once – as in funny little stretches to do while you’re at the copy machine, or your desk. I think they have books about it. Not sure if that would help or just make you look/feel silly. Could be fun either way.
P.S. Clark Nuber is #21 on HR Magazine’s top small companies to work for. That’s where you work, right? Have you had the omlet bar yet? (just checking if the article is accurate)
Yay for a diagnosis. Boo for physical therapy. But at least you know so you can fix it, right?
I’m supposed to do therapy every night, involving my lying down with my neck arched over a rolled-up towel for fifteen minutes. You wouldn’t think it, but it’s so amazingly annoying to just LIE there. I have a really long neck, so it moves in ways it shouldn’t (rather than your limited motion, I have too much motion), making my muscles and back and everything in general cranky.
P.S. It was so great to meet you!