Independence Day is filled with parades and fireworks displays, and a common side effect of watching fireworks is stiff and sore necks and shoulders. Don’t be alarmed! This is easy to understand. All year long, people are focused on looking down at their children, computers, and cell phones. As a result, many people have conditioned their bodies to slump forward and down. Then, during the celebration’s frenzy, we reverse this movement and extend their heads backward for long periods, looking at exciting fireworks displays.

Remember, we are creatures of habit! The neck and shoulder pain comes because the neck is usually not pliable enough to reverse its usual posture for long periods. To prevent the stiffness and soreness from setting in, warm up your neck and shoulders with:

1. Reverse shoulder rolling
2. Take frequent breaks from looking up.
3. You can also use your favorite topical muscle gel or cream before looking up and or after the celebration is over.

If you are still suffering from the side effects from enjoying the firework displays, or have questions contact Dr. Donkin today. Dr. Donkin can help you get over the episode and help prevent it from occurring next year!