Title: So, are you in pain? Word Count: 794 Summary: The article is about body pains and some tips on how to alleviate these discomforts Keywords: over the counter muscle relaxants, back pain relief, lower back pain Article Body: You spent your “9 to 5” mostly at the office. Hunched over in some small cubicle, you try to beat the deadlines while enduring the pain in your neck, in your back, and just about every other part of your tired body. Included in your everyday complaint list is the stiffening right shoulder and the aching wrists that have become so twisted after using the old-style keyboard. Your eyes always feel as if they are about to pop out or explode due to the sheer number of hours that you have worked in front of that glaring flat screen monitor. And at the end of the day, you always ask yourself, “Can I still do this all over again tomorrow?” Those words, or more appropriately, moans and groans, could have come from just about every regular office worker or employee. Physical, emotional and psychological distress actually affects millions of people everyday because of the day-in, day-out stresses at work. But when stress produces more than the usual aches, maybe it is time to sit back and relax. Getting to know these pains may be more important than you think. WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO YOUR PAIN Pain from a serious injury demands immediate care. Pain is an unpleasant sensation that could be a signal of possible or actual injuries. Pain could be felt as a sharp, constant, steady, or even throbbing uncomfortable sensation. It makes good sense to know your body and how pain affects your work and personal life. But first things first. The initial step is to know the possible source or origin of your pain. Here as some of those possible “origins” of pain: PAST INJURY. When you are injured, sometimes the body doesn't heal perfectly. Scar tissue may have reduced your ease of movement and caused a decline in the strength of your joints and muscles, or other parts that may have been injured in the past. SLEEP. You can get a neck cramp when you sleep in the wrong position. Not getting enough sleep can also produce pain in some parts of your body. If you are not fully rested, your muscles are also prone to more injury or you do not have enough time to have cellular repair and growth. ADVANCING YEARS. Getting older plays an active part too. The tendons and ligaments lose flexibility with age. The spinal disk and the joints become less lubricated. It is usually around 35 to 40 when you started to feel more aches and pains. It will become worse if you are not physically active. WEIGHT GAIN. Those extra pounds can put some stress on your joints and worsen your arthritic pain. Excess weight often occurs due to low physical activity or with having a sedentary lifestyle. When you don't get enough exercise, tissues becomes stiff and less flexible. Weak bones and muscles are more vulnerable to injury. IMPROPER POSTURE. Hunching over the counter, not standing straight, lifting your chin as you read the computer screen --- these are only some of the improper posture that contributes to body pain. When your body is out of alignment, the muscles are placed in uncomfortable positions that can produce pain. OVEREXTENDING YOURSELVES. Trying out different exercises in a short span of time is an indication that you may be pushing your body too hard. Pilates this week, Tae Bo next week, Cardio workout the following week ---- these cycles of activities can wreak havoc on a body with too little time to recuperate. Even simple housecleaning ----can put a strain in your muscles and if you keep on doing the same body movements or motion you can irritate the tendons, and nerves too. DO-IT-YOURSELF PAIN RELIEFS: Strictly for minor aches, the following tips can help actually help ease your pain: 1. GET ACTIVE -According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, “...exercise, sleep, and relaxation can all help reduce stress, thereby helping to alleviate pain.” Staying active through exercise or fitness workouts have been proven to help many people with lower back pain. But consult your doctor before embarking on an exercise program. 2. ADAPT ERGONOMIC FURNITURES/OFFICE FIXTURES - It doesn't matter whether it's for the home or for the office --- get ergonomic furniture. The first priority would be getting a chair that keeps your head and spine aligned. 3. GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP - To sleep more soundly, you must cut your coffee intake and also limit alcohol intake. You should also get a comfortable mattress and comfy pillows. 4. TAKE IT EASY - Go slow, be reasonable, and set realistic targets or expectations. 5. ALTERNATIVE PAIN RELIEF - Get a session of reflexology, massage, water therapy, or acupressure which are time-tested means of controlling pain. 6. THE MIND AND BODY CONNECTION - Studies show that relaxation, meditation, and even aromatherapy is beneficial and may help ease body pains.