Spinal aches

My friends wince as I crack my neck. It's normally a relief when it happens, but recently I've become concerned that it's not getting any better and is really getting worse. Worst of all, I occasionally get jolts right down my arms when it happens.

So, I started with a sports injury massage. This quickly turned into three sessions, all of which were very good. I am quite heavily built, so I was worried that the young lady wouldn't stand a chance of 'getting into' the muscles. However, the techniques enabled her to effectively get through the muscles to the correct area. My left leg is longer than my right (ever so slightly) meaning I have a tilt in the pelvis which causes a very minor spinal curve putting strain in all kinds of places all over my back. The neck is supposedly the last thing to go, but also the last thing to go right afterwards.

To anyone considering similar treatment: the trick is to relax and let the massage in. Also you should expect to hurt a bit in the morning - as if you've done some strenuous physical work with the relevant muscles.

She recommended I see an osteopath to do some structural work. Again a nice lady who dealt with my build effectively. Seems I have extra-long tendons and ligaments. This means my motor muscles have to make up for a lot of the stability that would otherwise be lacking. Turns out that tai-chi is an ideal type of exercise - strengthening structural muscles. The weirdest thing was that she couldn't crack my back or neck on the left side when the muscles were relaxed! Seems those muscles are very tight..

Anyone considering this kind of treatment should expect a bit of pain afterwards (use ice to relieve it) and don't be squeamish about joints popping.