For many of us, sitting long hours before the desk can make the neck and back muscles stiff. The head is heavy — about 7-10 kilograms; keeping the head leaning forward stresses the neck and shoulder muscles.
Sometimes, overworking a muscle may cause small portions of the muscle to contract involuntarily and remain tight. The wad of muscle fibers staying in a hard contraction is called a trigger point. The tiny muscles, shortened and tightened by trigger points, can pull individual vertebrae out of place. The compressed intervertebral discs pinch the nerves, causing numbness and pain in the neck and shoulders.
It would be great if you could get a professional to massage those trouble spots, but they cost money. It would be great if you could do it yourself.
Read how you can do just that here : http://healthmad.com/alternative/release-neck-pain-through-self-massagin...
Again, after a rigorous sports event participation, your muscles ache, and you want to ease out those areas. If only you could reach them. You can, using foam rollers.
Foam rollers are available in several lengths, breadths and densities to suit your training needs. They are inexpensive, effective and portable. You can pack it and take it anywhere. With a full length foam roller, you can strengthen the core, improve balance and alignment.
How to use foam rollers not only to massage but also as a tool to help you with a difficult posture is explained in this article:
http://healthmad.com/fitness/use-the-versatile-foam-roller-for-exercise-...
