I’ll never forget the morning I woke up and couldn’t move from the neck down. When I tried it was so painful, I had to call my brother in law to come to my home and help me get the kids off to school and go to the ER. I had been stressing out quite a bit and I was having muscle spasms that I just shrugged off instead of stopping to exhale, exploring what it could be and trying to eliminate it. When I got to the ER they did a few tests and gave me a muscle relaxer along with some Tylenol with codeine and I went into woozy land! I was diagnosed with severe muscle spasms to my neck & shoulders and Torticollis = Stiff neck caused by spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the neck; wryneck. That experience was one of the most painful experiences outside of labor that I’ve had to endure. It took weeks for me to get back to normal and I ended up going to my chiropractor on a weekly basis for acupuncture, heat treatments, electronic healing wave, adjustments and massages. My muscle spasms were stress induced. Today I had to stop and take a look at me because I’m getting muscle spasms frequently again and don’t want to repeat history. I actually hate (I know it’s a strong word) hospitals! I’ve had a phobia for years. My youngest son was born in a birthing center just for that reason.
The first thing I realized is I need to take a look at what’s triggering my stress, and what I can do to lessen or eliminate it. I have a very hectic schedule due to work, family life and my blogging, networking and social media commitments. I do need to streamline how I do these events and eliminate what isn’t absolutely necessary. I am a HUGE procrastinator, which spills over into my disorganization at times. I REALLY need the “Just Do It” mentality and stop the “I’ll get to it” attitude… and as far as my disorganization goes… That’s always a work in progress for me! I must say that I am really taking control of my punctuality; I used to be late for EVERYTHING and always juggling tasks. I’d always tell people I was punctually challenged! Ha! I’m now on time (most of the time) and I still juggle things, I guess I need to take a look at that next. I also need to take my diet into consideration as well as trying to remember to take my daily multi vitamin. I’m always looking for ways to simplify my life with cooking, time management, my sleeping habits etc. If you have any ideas shoot them my way. I don’t ever really relax until I get home in the evenings and that can be hard with four children sometimes, because as soon as I get through the door they want or need me for something. I have been thinking about starting my yoga classes again, I’m sure that can help with relaxing and stretching my body.
Well for now, I’ll stop and exhale! I’m going to make an appointment to see my chiropractor or massage therapist and try to take it easy. The last thing I need to do is to wake up and not be able to move! If you have any homeopathic remedies to relax muscles, I’m open to them. Does stress take a physical toll on you? How do you deal with your stress?
Stress really took its toll on me. I have a acidic stomach, making me a likely candidate to have ulcers. I also experience an occasional muscle spasm.
My solution to this is to check my priorities and to organize my schedule. It really helped me out in a big way.
Is this the new addition? I’ve been unplugged for so long, I don’t remember the subtilties
of the blog design. I like what I’m seeing
wow! I found my blood pressure raising and blood vessels “popping” in my head!! That’s when i hit the brakes & made lots of changes!!! I’m too organized so I have tons of lists & post its 🙂
I now prioritize everything and whatever doesn’t get done today, I push it to tomorrow….I’ve found that taking the kids for a walk or bike ride has helped relax me & they enjoy it too!!! I love yoga and have recently started back & that helps for sure! I take my ipod into the bathroom and blast it when i take showers (this is so i don’t hear the kids fighting or whining…LOL)….breathing techniques help A LOT!!!! It’s hard but try to take at least 1 day a week for YOU!!!!
Thanks Jen! I really need to try and take a day for myself sometimes, I don’t know if it will happen on a weekly basis. We’ll see… I love that you take your ipod in the bathroom with you, I should start doing that. I love music and can definitely relax to music while showering. Scheduling and time management is a biggie for me, just knowing when to STOP! I hope to start yoga again soon, I think that will help.
If you can, try to get a therapeutic massage every couple of months. I was having major backpain (for the first time ever!) during my last pregnancy and it helped a lot. I plan on going back very soon. Massage really does wonders. Also, acupuncture is probably good to try (I’ve never done this, though).
I have the same exact problem with my neck now for many years. It was initially caused from having two car accidents back-to-back within 3 weeks time frame. I have occasional flare-ups that are triggered from over exerting myself or from stress. I have learned over time how to manage it and I only get maybe 2 flare-ups a year now. I only do what I can do and nothing more. I have learned to take breaks and take time out for myself. It only took me my entire adult life to figure this out!! The chiropractor is a very smart move to get you back in line. Take care and good luck! 🙂
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A few months ago I started getting chest pains and knew it was stressed related. Like you I was juggling a new fulltime job, trying to keep up with blogging and being a good mom. Wasn’t working. I decided that I needed to cut back and refocus on what’s important and what I need in my life. I cut back on going to blog events and focused more on payable blog content. I also had a chat with my boss about cutting back on the last nights and weekends work. Its better at work for me now. As for being a mom I can enjoy my son without being stressed out about all the things I need to do. I only need to be there for him so I try and him a firm handle on my stress so I can 🙂 You need to take care of YOU first, then your family THEN everything else. Hope you feel better and find a way to less stress.
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