From the Doctor's Desk

Neck pain is a very common complaint. Neck pain occurs more frequently in women than in men. Trapezius myalgia is one type of persistent neck pain. It occurs in the trapezius muscle located between the neck and shoulder, as a result of repetitive motions.  The effect of exercise as a treatment for trapezius myalgia has produced conflicting results among previous researchers. Recently, researchers have found that specific intense muscle strengthening exercises appear to be an effective way of reducing pain from trapezius myalgia.

 

Researchers at the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Denmark studied the effectiveness of specific intense strengthening exercises, general fitness training, and health counseling without exercise on participants with trapezius myalgia. Participants that performed supervised intense neck and shoulder muscle exercises experienced gradual pain relief that lasted long after the training period ended. The muscle pain decreased as muscle strength increased. Those who performed only general fitness training experienced a mild decrease in neck pain only immediately following exercise.

 

The researchers recommend that the supervised strength training be performed three times a week for 20 minutes.  The researchers state the exercises are the best treatment for women with ongoing trapezius myalgia.  The exercises are not only effective, but may be an alternative to pain relieving medications!