San Fransisco, CA.
Let’s admit; we all are guilty of sitting in front of our computer in the same position for hours, chronically dehydrated and stiff. And that’s when we start feeling tension in our shoulder and neck muscles. Ever wondered why?
Well, this is because of the fact that our muscles get overworked, tangled and are unable to relax. As a result, the muscle fibers become lumpy, have lack of oxygen and nutrition and form a muscle knot. Needless to say, if you have ever formed muscle knots, they are extremely painful. Occasionally, muscle knots go away on their own, but in most cases, proper steps should be adopted in order to loosen the tense muscles and relieve the pain. Let’s have a quick insight on how to prevent muscle knots from developing in the first place. As they say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound in cure.
How To Prevent Muscle Knots From Developing?
1. Eating right
Being dehydrated might be a major cause behind the muscle knots. You should be drinking7-9 glasses of water, but if you are experiencing frequent muscle knots, it could mean that your body is not getting enough water. Achieve your body’s water requirements by carrying a water bottle with you, or by setting a reminder on your phone that will notify you to gulp a glass of water every hour.
Furthermore, maintain a safe distance with coffee and alcohol as they tend to dehydrate you, so it is important to include an additional glass of water every time you consume any of them. Further, it is highly recommended to include calcium, magnesium, and potassium in your diet. These minerals are essential for muscle health and relaxation. Deficiency of any of these can cause painful muscle cramps, knots, and stiffness. Intake of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables is always recommended.
2. Keep moving
Avoid sitting in the same position for too long whether it is while you are reading, playing games on your phone and so on. It is important to get up and walk around every hour at work. Even while seated at your desk, make small movements like turning your neck from side to side, straightening out your back, uncrossing the legs and the likes. This can go a long way in preventing muscle knots.
3. Exercise regularly
Our bodies are built to perform. Various day to day movements like moving, lifting and stretching keep our muscles healthy and flexible. Exercising regularly works by releasing tension from the muscles if any. It is highly suggested to keep at least 30 minutes for light exercises and stretching every day.
4. Improve your posture
Just like sitting in one position for too long is not good, slouching at a desk or in front of the television is bad for your muscles too. Keep your posture right, sit in a way that the muscles are not strained and blood flow is not blocked. Keep your head upright and your back straight. Slouching or hunching your back can cause stress to the muscles of the back and lead to pain. Keeping a good neutral posture will help in preventing muscle knots and cramps.
However, if the other preventive measures have not worked for you please call your local chiropractor, or massage therapist. For more information, please call at 415-788-8700 or book an appointment here.
