Neck Pain and Headaches

Earlier this week while getting ready for work and school, our daughter told us my outfit looks better without my neck brace.  I gently told her, it might, but my headaches and neck pain at much better when I wear the brace. It was learning moment that it’s not always about appearances.  

Have you ever heard someone say, I never realized how much I couldn’t see until I got glasses?  I feel the same way about my neck.  The chronic knots I have in my upper trapezius muscles have basically disappeared.  I still get headaches, but they’re less, and honestly, I can concentrate better. 

Tonight we celebrated my cousin’s wedding. I honestly didn’t want to answer questions about my neck brace, so I didn’t wear it. Other days, I’m generally wearing my brace 90 minutes on and 30 minutes off.  Tonight once I reached three hours, I felt the neck muscles starting to fatigue, by about 3.5 hours the headache was there.  I’m functioning and now I’m laying supine to decompress and ice my head and neck.  I know I could have stayed longer at the wedding, but we’re seeing family again tomorrow. I’m learning to tell myself I don’t have to push through. I know I’d be miserable and moody if I stayed longer. So instead, I left a little early and will see them again tomorrow.