Most of us have experienced some form of neck pain in our lives, whether it is from a bad night’s sleep or too much time at the computer. Neck pain can be debilitating and disrupt your day-to-day life. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to relieve neck pain that don’t involve medication! Check out these 6 tips for relief:
1. Warm-up
Did you know that your neck holds a lot of tension? It is important to stretch out your neck muscles in order to avoid injury and increase flexibility, which can relieve pain. Your neck can benefit greatly from stretching, massaging, and loosening up the muscles. To relieve neck pain with massage, apply pressure to tense areas with your fingers or a kneading ball for about five minutes. Be sure not to push too hard; if the pain is very severe, you should avoid massaging that area completely, but if you are able to apply light pressure without pain, it will help to loosen up your muscles.
2. Get the Right Support
It is important to always wear your seat belt while driving, but did you know it can also reduce neck pain? Be sure that the angle of your seat and backrest is adjusted properly in order to avoid injuries like whiplash. If you drive for long periods of time, try using a lumbar pillow or rolled-up towel behind your lower back in order to maintain an upright posture. When sleeping, you should also use a pillow that will support the natural curvature of your neck; if your neck is not properly supported, it can lead to muscle strain in the back and shoulders.
3. Change Your Sleep Position
Did you know that sleep positions have a lot to do with neck pain? Sleeping in the same position every night, whether it is on your stomach or side, can cause stress and discomfort for your neck. When choosing a sleeping position, it is best to pick one that is comfortable and allows you to breathe properly. If possible, sleep with your head slightly elevated to help reduce pressure on the neck. Many people sleep on their stomachs, but sleeping like this can be bad for your neck! When you sleep on your stomach, the weight of your head is pressing down and compressing the spine. The more you do it, the more likely you are to develop pain.
4. Get treated
Probably one of the most common causes of neck pain is from an injury, whether it is from wear and tear over time or from a specific accident. If you are suffering from neck pain that doesn’t seem to be going away on its own, go to a doctor for guidance in getting the care you need! Your doctor can run a few tests to determine the cause of your pain. If you do have an injury, it is an important Sign that You Need to See a Pain Management Doctor immediately – if left untreated, injuries can worsen and lead to chronic neck pain or even more severe problems.
5. Avoid Stress
A lot of people find that their neck pain gets worse when they are stressed out!
An extremely common cause of neck pain is poor posture; because we sit at a computer all day, it is easy to start slouching and hunching forward. To correct this habit, purchase a sturdy wooden chair with a high back, and try to use the armrests while you type. If possible, get a chair that allows you to adjust the height and angle of the seat and back.
6. Try an Oral Pain Reliever
If you have tried all of these tips for relieving neck pain and nothing seems to be helping, don’t forget about over-the-counter medications! If the pain is not too severe, aspirin or ibuprofen can be a quick way to relieve the pain without the side effects of narcotic medications. Always check with your doctor before taking any medication.
If you have tried one or more of these tips and are still suffering from neck pain, visit a Specialist for neck pain in Omaha. Don’t waste time! We hope this article has helped give you some ideas about how to ease up on your neck pain symptoms.
