Beware of slings that wrap around the back of the neck and cradle broken arms. They can easily transfer problems from one area of the body to another.

Part of my instructions from my doctors after treatment and casting of my broken right arm was "wear your sling". Though awkward and painful to put on due to the necessity of raising my hurt arm, I did as I was told, mostly.

The weight of a broken arm, even a somewhat puny one as mine, encased in a cast must weigh six to eight pounds. The base of the neck bears that weight when a sling is used and unavoidable muscle tension and fatigue in the neck, shoulders and upper back result. I also wonder if ligaments in this tender region take an unnatural beating when several pounds dangle around the base of the neck.

Yesterday afternoon while wearing the damn thing, I felt a sudden prickly, stinging sensation in my neck. I tried stretching my neck from side to side, back and forth and rotating my shoulders. The pain continued. Even removing the sling offered no relief. My neck was whiplash stiff. The pain radiated throughout the upper third of my back.

Over-the-counter medication offered a measure of relief, but not enough to allow a comfortable night's rest. Today the pain persists.

I plan to make an appointment with a masseuse today. If that does not eradicate the discomfort, I suppose I will seek the care of a chiropractor. I cannot consider beyond that. This pain must stop.

As a temporarily disabled person, many handy inventions have come to mind. Where are shower caps for casts? Surely manufacturers can design bottle tops and jar lids more easily gripped. Can't all buttons and knobs be push style rather than turn? And, now, isn't a better, safer, more medically sound support device for broken arms reasonable? I envision something cinched at the waist.

The base of the human neck was not designed to be yoked. Slings hurt.