Neck Pain [Update]
Stiff Neck- Part 2
A week ago I arrived at work thinking I had either pinched some kind of nerve or I had broken a part of my neck or upper back. Words cannot describe the pain I felt. I had the headache of a lifetime, my vision was impaired, and I desperately begged for relief. I thought I would never be the same. I imagined my future children asking me why I couldn’t look to the side without moving my whole body. I pictured a life where my head is restricted to facing one direction at all times, unable to rotate because the pain is just too great. I felt that my life was over.
Well, turns out, it was just a stiff neck. I started feeling much better a few days later. I guess I’m just a big baby.
You'd still be crying. At least I manned up.
Normally I am not so dramatic about things. I try not to let physical pain effect my emotions. Men aren’t supposed to feel pain, right? They’re definitely not supposed to let others know they are in pain. I know that much.
But I was not ashamed to tell my wife how bad my neck hurt. I was determined to do as little chores around the house as possible because I desperately needed to lie down for as long as it took.
Stiff Necks are like Car Accidents
For those of you that have ever whimpered over a pithy stiff neck, you have my sympathy. Stiff necks are a terrible thing and people will tell you to “Tough it Up”, “Stretch it out”, or “Go cry to your mommy”. The 3rd demand is the only reasonable option. Stretching doesn’t help a stiff neck. Stretching is something you do BEFORE you get a stiff neck. It’s like getting in a car accident (I’ve been around the block with car accidents. You want some advice on car problems? I’ll be here.). But once you get in a car accident, driving safe isn’t going to fix your car. Driving safe is something have to do BEFORE you get in a car accident to avoid it in the first place. Sure, for now on you’re going to drive safe to avoid ANOTHER accident, but the deed is done.
Is there a point to this?
So bottom line: Do neck stretches regularly! It’s mandatory. Smart people learn from their mistakes. Wise people learn from other people’s mistakes. Show you have some wisdom and do some neck stretches multiple times a day.