For most people, neck pain and stiffness is brought on by common modern lifestyle issues like heavy use of technology and sedentary professions. American professionals are literally facing a sitting epidemic! Remaining seated for hours in front of a computer can cause neck pain and stiffness, but there are many other causes as well. Neck pain can be brought on by abnormalities, inflammation, or injury from overuse, sports, a fall or whiplash.
How to Treat Neck Pain at Home
Most of the time, neck pain and especially stiffness is not a serious problem and can be easily treated. For neck pain relief at home, try:
- Gently massage the neck area.
- Upgrade to a firmer mattress.
- Use a special orthopedic pillow.
- Upgrade your desk chair to a quality ergonomic chair.
- Improve your posture.
- Try stretches for the neck
Stretches for Your Neck Area
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are stretches that you can do while you are seated at your desk that may help ease your pain and stiffness.
You can try:
- Rolling your shoulders backwards 10 times and then forwards 10 times.
- Squeeze your shoulders together 10 times.
- Lean your head backwards supported by your hands and pause for 30 seconds.
- Tilt your ear to your shoulder 10 times, repeat on the other side.
Heat & Cold Therapy for Neck Pain & Stiffness
Alternating heat and cold to an affected area works for pain relief and to reduce swelling in many situations. This is also true if you are experiencing neck pain.
To use this method, try:
- Applying ice for 48 to 72 hours.
- Applying heat (use warm showers, hot compresses or a heating pad) after the first 48 to 72 hours.
It is important not to fall asleep on or over use an ice pack or heating pad to avoid causing irritation or even damage to your skin.
When Should You Seek Help for Neck Pain Relief?
If your neck pain doesn’t go away within a few days, gets worse or interferes with your daily activities, you need to seek professional help for neck pain relief such as a chiropractor. A chiropractor can use methods such as chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy and laser therapy to help treat your neck pain.
If you have been in an accident or fall and are experiencing neck pain, Healthline advises that you should seek help immediately.
Chiropractic Care Can Provide Neck Pain Relief
Neck pain and stiffness is usually related to the modern lifestyle and age related wear and tear. This kind of neck pain can lead to a lack of focus, sleep disorders and cervicogenic headaches. Chiropractic care is a perfect choice for neck pain and can provide patients with many options in therapies and treatments.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are performed by a chiropractor in order to put vertebrae back into alignment, helping to reduce pain and discomfort.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses a laser to increase the cellular level healing process. A laser is moved over a specific area to cause this biological molecular reaction. A laser treatment can be relaxing and is not associated with pain and discomfort at all.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal Decompression therapy uses specially designed decompression tables to create negative pressure on the back and neck to allow discs and tissue to reposition correctly.
Beyond Neck Pain
Sometimes neck pain is more than just over use or a localized injury. If you are suffering from strains, muscle spasms or pinched nerves, you may have pain or discomfort that can spread to your shoulders and back or even cause you to experience headaches. Chiropractors can treat much more than neck pain, and chiropractic treatments can alleviate these problems as well.
If you are suffering from neck pain the Chiropractors at North Atlanta Chiropractic Center can help. Visit here to schedule a free consultation right now!
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