In today’s fast-paced world, women have become masters of multitasking, balancing various responsibilities with finesse. From managing households to pursuing careers, they tackle numerous tasks each day. However, this demanding lifestyle often takes a toll on their bodies, manifesting as body, back, neck, and shoulder pain.

In this blog, let us explore the journey of a woman’s daily life, highlighting the challenges she faces and providing insights on managing the accompanying physical discomfort.

BACK PAIN

Back pain is more prevalent among women, often attributed to factors such as poor posture, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and stress. The combination of these factors can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back, leading to discomfort and pain. For example, pushing a stroller causes back pain if the parent adopts a posture that affects the curvature of the spine.

NECK PAIN

From brainstorming ideas, attending meetings, or juggling deadlines, the sedentary nature of desk work and long hours spent sitting can cause severe neck pain. Neck pain is a common complaint caused by factors like poor ergonomics, excessive screen time (e.g., computer or smartphone use), stress, and tension. Strained neck muscles and improper alignment can result in stiffness, limited range of motion, and pain in the neck region.

Cooking is a household chore that causes neck pain. Standing while chopping vegetables and preparing meals can put pressure on your neck muscles, leading to pain.

SHOULDER PAIN

Transitioning from professional to personal, household chores such as cooking, cleaning, carrying heavy bags, incorrect lifting techniques, repetitive movements, stress, and poor posture can strain the muscles and tendons in the shoulder, leading to pain and restricted mobility. Tasks like vacuum cleaning, mopping, and scrubbing involve weight transfer back and forth, and repetitive actions strain the back muscles. Bending over to pick up cleaning supplies or reaching high surfaces also causes additional shoulder pain.

COPING WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF PAIN

Recognizing the different kinds of pain and their triggers, it is crucial to prioritize our well-being. Here are some tips that can help manage headaches, back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain:

REGULAR EXERCISE

Engaging in physical activities, such as stretching, yoga, or low-impact exercises, can help alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility.

USE ERGONOMIC TOOLS

Utilize tools and equipment designed to reduce strain on your back muscles, such as a vacuum cleaner with a long handle or a standing mat when cooking.

MAINTAIN GOOD POSTURE

When doing household chores, make sure that you are standing or sitting with good posture. Keep the shoulders back and your spine straight.

TAKE BREAKS

Incorporating short breaks throughout the day allows for movement and relaxation, preventing the build-up of pain and stiffness.

MASSAGE AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Seeking professional massages or practicing self-massage techniques can provide much-needed relief to tired muscles.

MINDFULNESS IN LIFTING OR MOVING HEAVY ITEMS

When lifting or moving heavy items, be mindful of the process. Engage the core by pulling your belly button to your spine, avoid bending at the waist, and bend the knees to lift. Keep items close to your body while carrying, rather than reaching and holding them out in front.

Balancing multiple responsibilities throughout the day is no small feat, but it often comes at the cost of physical pain and discomfort. Many pain points can be easily prevented with the help of the above-mentioned tips. In case of pain, consider using safe multipurpose symptomatic pain relief balms like Zandu Balm (for mild to moderate pain) and Zandu Ultra Power Balm (for moderate to strong pain). These pain relief balms are made with Ayurvedic herbs like eucalyptus, gaultheria, and capsaicin for instant pain relief, and they have no long-term side effects. While these balms can help relieve the above-mentioned pain, it is necessary to consult your physician if your pain persists for a long time.