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Does the pain of muscle tension ever go away?

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Posted 12/13/2006 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
My shoulders are like a ball of tension, I have huge knots in my shoulders and up into my neck. It gets worse as the day goes on.  I feel myself tensing them- yet I cannot relax myself.  I have been on Wellbutrin XL for 7 months- doctors have suggested I may need a different medication to help me relax.  I have improved a lot with my anxiety but I am still struggling. I am on the verge of trying

Cymbalta- but I hate to go on another medication at this point.  Can anyone relate?

Posted 12/13/2006 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
Definitely! I often do relaxation excersises after I get into bed. What works the best is tensing then relaxing. Start with your feet; tighten the muscles as you take a deep breath, hold to the count of three and then relax the muscles as you exhale. Continue up your body this way (calves, thighs, buttocks, stomach, back, shoulders, arms, neck, face). Sometimes I go thru the process 2 or 3 times. Be sure to go slowly and imagine the tenseness flowing from your muscles as you exhale. Many times, I dont even realize a muscle is tense until I tighten then relax it! A warm bath first may help also (or maybe try the excersize in the tub!).

Hope it helps!
Karen
Posted 12/13/2006 2:13 PM (GMT 0)

benzos, other muscle relaxant meds and a beta blocker will help if the dose is got rigtht, most docs need to be reminmded about the beta blocker

also concentrate on letting go of excess muscle tension, do NOT stay tensed up waithing to fight back against any attack of anxiety

use spa baths, hot tubs, jacuzzis and professional massage, can you get a family member of friend to massage you following advice from a home massage book

caution, do NOT massage the stomach nono

Posted 12/13/2006 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
I can relate to that for sure, my shoulders stay so tight and tensed, that its hard to relax them. It tends to keep my neck tensed, and causes lots of headaches. I do take benzo's and beta blockers harry, but im not always the best at taking them when im supposed to. I hope you can find some help and feel better aquarias!
shell
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