21 years old but suffering from bad posture and constant neck pain

[ProjectX]

Well I've been pretty much suffering from these problems when I was a teenager. Too much sitting down infront of the computer and bad sleeping posture. I've tried doing different things like exercising my back and stretching with little results. I even went to the chiropractor but I believe my problem is more a muscle rather than bone problem. What I really need is an intense massage, but I'm guessing it can be expensive, especially for a college student.

Its been a major problem and bothering with my life and studying, I can't sit down without having to feel pain in my neck. What can I do?

[Angela]

Alexander Technique.

[Trezker]

Improve your sleeping posture. Every night tell yourself your going to sleep well and never turn. I succeded with it once, and damn I felt good the next day.

If I could sleep that well every night I bet I'd never have any health problems.

[Real Subliminal]

Yeah, check into the alexander technique, it basically helps you to realise when you are sitting / standing incorrectly, and gives a few methods to correct your posture - there is quite a lot of free information if you just google it.

I concur with the sleeping advice, its probably a case that you are used to sleeping a certain way through years of repitition, you can break this habit, the ideal way is to lie on your back with your head and neck properly supported. If this is difficult for you you may want to try some relaxation techniques or calming your mind down before bed.

I used to slouch and suffer from a bad neck too, I started doing tai chi, as well as generally enjoying, a large part is about correct posture and relaxation, you may want to look into it, or perhaps something like yoga where there are similar ideas and the muscles are streched and relaxed.

Dan

[krackato]

I highly recommend Egoscue exercises. I get so much benefit from them. I've heard good stuff about Alexander Technique as well. I might check them out as well.

[24evita]

I have none of these problems myself but people seem to swear by yoga, any pain, muscle discomfort, etc is drastically reduced. It will take some time to learn and get used to, but the benefits of picking up this habit are life long

[coachkip]

I know you said you went to a Chiropractor but I would recommend that you go back. If all they want to do is crack your back then find another doctor. Call around and ask if they have a wellness or an overall treatment package. Many now include massage, streaching, and more in their treatment.

Massage is not overly expensive and you may be able to find a student, or a new massage tharapist who is willing to give you a deal on multiple visits, but again you have to go several times to get the full benefits.

I have wanted to try Yoga for quite some time and I hear that is very effective at correcting bad habits also.

What ever you do it will take time to correct. Keep working at it, you will be fine.

[growingintoyou]

Many times, massage therapists offer college students discounts. I know at Indiana University, we get a 20% discount at many massage places. Also, for your posture, you may want to consider a weight lifting regiment. The stronger your muscles are, the more they are able to hold yourself in the correct positions. I would really focus on your core and your legs.

Continue to look for things that help. You will get it one day!

Tad
Growing Into You: Growing into a better person

[bigadam]

I recommend a combination of strength training to build the muscles in your back and core and yoga to relieve tension.

Yoga, massage, etc only temporarily relieve the pain and discomfort. Strength training will actually improve it forever. I was in your same shoes a year ago.

Here is a wonderful 2 part article to get you started (though the site is extreme in nature, the authors of the articles are very well trained and certified athletic coaches)...

TESTOSTERONE NATION - (De)-Constructing Computer Guy

[bigadam]

I was where you are a year ago and found strength training, combined with yoga to be an excellent solution.

Here is a link to an amazing 2 part article called Deconstructing Computer Guy...

TESTOSTERONE NATION - (De)-Constructing Computer Guy

[Joeschmoe]

Alexander Technique. I did about 20 Lessons and it changed my life. Alexander can be frustrating because it's not about "doing" like yoga, physical therapy, etc. It's about learning to do less. It's insanely hard to describe in wordsm so you can read a lot but I would go see someone. They go to 4 years of school to learn this stuff btw.

[AirBreather]

Work from the ground up: Good shoes with arch supports!

For sleep, try getting a chiro/shaped memory form pillow *&* mattress. I just got the pillow yesterday and my sleep was amazing! (& my neck pain was gone!)

[Bene]

check out this website, it helped me. But you have to read it carefully:

Dr. Jolie Bookspan

The thing with correcting posture is that its a constant thing. You must be conscious of your desired posture till it naturally becomes the default posture for you.

[supertom]

i cant find any FREE info on Alexander Technique, but i did find out he recovered from a stroke

[Joeschmoe]

Alexander Technique Is it possible to learn the Alexander Technique without a teacher?

There is a lot o stuff free here. There's not really a whole lot to it. It's about awareness and letting go o tension. It is nearly impossible to put into words. Basically practicioners spend 4 ears in school learning anatom and teaching tecniques. It's not something that is done to you. You learn it. And what you llearn you learn forever. You never have to go have work done. It very much runs counter to how we think of anything medical. In general you either have something done to you or you are given exercises to do. Alexander is about learning to get let go, learning to not do.

[Kaspian]

I also highly recommend the Alexander Technique. It is effective, though not quick. (Most things that are worthwhile are not quick...) Take at least 20 lessons, though taking weekly lessons for 1-2 years would be even better.

I have this to add: You can read all the books you want about wine tasting, but if you've never sipped from a glass of wine, you still don't know what it tastes like. Likewise, if the only thing you do is read about the Alexander Technique, you still don't know what it is. Joeschmoe is right--it is about doing less. It's also about allowing yourself to have a new experience, which is extremely difficult to do without the help of a skilled teacher.

CANSTAT Certified Teachers

[TheHulaQueen]

Ditto the Egoscue Method. It trains your muscles to do the jobs they are meant to do. Years of bad posture pulls into play all kinds of muscles doing jobs other than they were meant to do.

My dad also had neck pain for years, and just a few months of weight training stopped it.

Personally I love a good massage, but don't think it will cure pains long term related to posture problems.

Good luck.

[carenkh]

Yoga, if practiced regularly, can turn your whole life around! And get rid of pain forever. You can't take one class and get full benefit, though, it does have to be a practice. It brings body awareness to the other parts of your day, when you're not actually doing asanas.

We have a massage school here, where students offer massages for a discounted price. I have a friend who I trade with - childcare for a massage. You can find what you need!

[veranadine]

ProjectX,

I have had this very same problem, and I simply tried to deal with it for several years.

What eventually worked for me was a combination of approaches.

I got a darn good and very long massage, several actually. I was a college student at the time, living on financial aid. I saved up the $150 and went to a massage therapy school. So, instead of 1 massage for that $150, I ended up being able to book three. I did one per month for three months.

I also started getting physical therapy on my neck. (They call it traction.) And I LOVED it. It was a little too expensive to continue past a couple of months, so I bought myself the traction machine off EBay. Best investment I ever made.

After 5 months of regular traction (easier than it sounds, honest) I took up Yoga. My intent was to stay nice and loose in my muscles so that the changes I had made in my neck area would remain and so that the pain and tightness would not return.

It seems to be working well so far.

Do some research and I am sure that you will find the answer that works for you. Good luck!

I wish you light and peace and sweet relaxation in your life.

Bright Blessings,

[ken nubo]

Buy the most comfy pillow you can find

[run_fly]

Project X

I can relate. I am 21 and I had back pains in my 20s really was ennoying.
I tried physio and stretching that didn't help very much.

The best advice I can give you is do weight training! That has help my back pains! it is gone now! Go to a good trainer and ask for a strength training program and tell him that you want to focus on the back muscles.

Chris

[ProjectX]

Originally Posted by Real Subliminal

Yeah, check into the alexander technique, it basically helps you to realise when you are sitting / standing incorrectly, and gives a few methods to correct your posture - there is quite a lot of free information if you just google it.

I concur with the sleeping advice, its probably a case that you are used to sleeping a certain way through years of repitition, you can break this habit, the ideal way is to lie on your back with your head and neck properly supported. If this is difficult for you you may want to try some relaxation techniques or calming your mind down before bed.

I used to slouch and suffer from a bad neck too, I started doing tai chi, as well as generally enjoying, a large part is about correct posture and relaxation, you may want to look into it, or perhaps something like yoga where there are similar ideas and the muscles are streched and relaxed.

Dan

I agree. It could be due to my sleep posture. I always sleep on my side, hunched and in a fetal position. I wake up with a stiff neck sometimes and cracking spine bones.

Here are several steps I've started taking;
-Watch my posture during the day
-Wear soles for arch support
-Do yoga stretches
-Start a workout program exercising the core and back muscles.
-Not use any pillow for sleeping

Also I'm wondering how much does it cost to see an Alexander technique instructor? Also where can I get a massage for a cheaper price?

[Joeschmoe]

Alexander instructors are usually around $60 USD an hour. Most will work on a sliding scale though or offer package deals. I was getting my lessons for $40 a session.

As far as getting cheaper messages, look for people who offer sliding scale discounts. Also make friends with someone who is in message school! 8 months of free messages can't be beat.