I have had Upper-Trapezius Pain for over a year now, and the pain, no matter how much I stretch, worsens.What should I do?

Theresa,

It's definitely time to see a physician! Chronic pain (pain over the course of time) is never something to ignore. Considering the location of your pain, there are a multitude of things that could be wrong.

I don't know if you have seen a physician yet, but you should probably consider seeing one as soon as possible! Not only that, consider getting a second opinion! This type of pain is nothing to mess around with.

I don't know if this will help you out, but I've looked something up on WebMD from what I've gathered here about your pain. Consider checking out the following link:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/neck-problems-and-injuries-topic-over...

If you haven't already, also consider using the symptom checker at WebMD:
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/neck-problems-and-injuries-check-your...

This is no substitute for seeing a physician, however!

I hope you get well soon!

Hi Theresa
Enduring discomfort does not enrich one's life. It may drain energy and enthusiasm. This is also a challenging area to stretch, and a common area to hold tension. Perhaps, after a year of self management, you would be well served to check in with a professional diagnostician. This may bring to light other options and possibilities and lead you back to a painless existence.
All the best
Danielle

Talk to your doctor or one of the following; chiorpractor, acupuncturist, acupressurist, Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer, or some other form of Complimentary Alternative Medical provider. My first though is a nerve impingement which is why I said see a doctor.

I'd start with an Ortho but keep in mind most of them are pro surgery, however, insist on an MRI and see what's going on prior to any type of treatment.

Hi Theresa. I hope that your pain has been resolved by now, but I recently answered a similar question to yours and so thought that I'd take a moment to reiterate what I said there.

How you should proceed and what you should do about this pain (or any pain for that matter) will depends on several factors including the source/cause of the pain. The first thing that I always recommend to a client experiencing pain of an unknown or persistent origin is that they see their physician. This always beat 'guessing' and or self-treatment that may or may not work over the long term.

I hope that this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com

I hope you have had some success with the above mentioned ideas. Did anything help so far?

Mac Dodds M.A., CSCS
Live Your Best Years Now
Goodlifefitness.biz
mac@goodlifefitness.biz

Hey Theresa......

I am not sure what you have tried to resolve your pain but a typical treatment involves a systematic approach to find the potential sources. Chronic pain is usually related to microtauma caused by repetitive movements or postural strain. So, take a look at the things you do and the postures that you maintain.

The textbook will say that the traps elevate the shoulder girdle. This is a typical stress related posture to assume, as well as the position most people will adopt behind a steering wheel or at a computer desk. So with that being said we may need to work on stress relieving practices as well as adopting new shapes that you hold your body in. I know from clients in the past, one biggie is trying to reduce your number of pillows that you use. Ideally, you only want enough to support the curvature in your upper neck area.

Anyways, as far as treatment goes. Once you have determined the areas of pain, you can follow these tolerable steps:
1.epsom salt bath
2.heating pad
3.foam rolling associated areas
4.stretching
5.strengthening

hope this helps,

Jeremy