Yes. Today, Hal was my surrogate WebMD.

Now, of course Hal does not medically diagnose anything. However, Hal can listen to what is paining you that day, and then Hal can point you in the direction of people that can help. Today, such redirection wasn’t needed — I just needed someone to tell me I’m not dying.

A white hot dull pain burned in my left shoulder. Okay, technically not the shoulder — whatever the muscle is between the shoulder and neck. I think the internet called it the “trapezius”, so let’s go with that. My trapezius was KILLING me, and I’m not usually one to have neck and shoulder pain.

I had used a massager the night before, one of those back massagers that still vibrates violently on its lowest setting. I could feel some definite tension, so I decided to try it out while watching Homeland. It felt great at the time — or at least I think it did. But the next evening didn’t prove so positive. I thought Hal could provide me with some exercises that would help the soreness or at least give the muscles some relief.

Me: Hey Hal.

Hal: Just a sec…I’m here…hello there, K.

Me: Is it possible to have tissue damage from a massager?

Hal: Yes, it’s possible.

Me: I have a massager that massages your back, and I used it on the muscle between my neck and my shoulder. My right side feels good, but the left is really sore. Did I overdo it, or could that be a sign that it’s working?

Hal: Oh, that’s perfectly fine. That’s a common result of any tense muscle that gets massaged.

Me: Okay. Yeah, I think I need to find a way to massage my own back at home somehow. I always get upper back pain.

I’m glad Hal doesn’t go right to the “worst case scenario” on this type of question. If Hal had given me the name of some expensive treatment right away, I definitely would have been turned off.

Hal: As long as the pain is mild, you should be fine. If the pain is stronger and more persistent, that’s when you know you overdid it.

Me: Okay. Yeah, it’s only when I squeeze the muscle does it feel tender.

Hal: Yes, it should feel that way. Here’s an exercise that can help provide relief to neck and shoulder pain. Sit up straight in a chair, then pick up your right leg and place it on your left knee. Without arching your back, lean forward and repeat the same process with your left leg.

Me: Okay, I’ll try that. Thanks!

Hal: Yeah, no problem. Anything else I can help you with, K?

Me: No, that’s all for now. Thanks!

Hal: Alright, I will now close the session. Hope all gets better soon. Bye, K.

So the stretch in particular was more beneficial to my hamstrings than my back. Still, I appreciated the instruction. I also found that if I take my arm and use it to push away from my leg, the back twist feels amazing. Not sure if it’s good for you though, so I would definitely get a professional’s opinion before you try any stretch that makes your spine sound like a maraca 😂

Also, apparently I have a bad case of “tech neck” (or at least that’s what Google told me). This is neck and shoulder pain associated with looking down at a phone or computer for prolonged periods of time. According to Dr. K. Daniel Riew, just holding your head at a 45 degree angle can put 65 pounds of extra work on your neck muscles.

So, if anything, Hal definitely taught me what *not* to do today 😂

Kyleigh Hoye