Relieve or Prevent Neck Pain With 5 Easy Steps – Spinecare Chiropractic Salisbury
Do you suffer from headaches, where the pain begins in your neck and travels to the back of your head – or back?
You’re certainly not alone! Neck pain is a very common issue that we see at the clinic. Did you know that over 80% of people experience neck pain at some point in their lives? The cause of the pain can be a variety of reasons. The neck is but a small part of your body and is actually an intricate arrangement of bones and muscles that allow a wide range of motion. This complexity means that the neck is prone to injuries and pain for many reasons, such as sitting for long periods of time, or reading a book. Physical accidents can also cause related injuries, such as whiplash.
Neck pain often presents itself first as a sharp pain in a specific area – limiting movement. The pain starts in the neck and often radiates towards the shoulders and/or upper back. Headaches can also be a symptom of spinal dysfunction as well as underlying neck pain. The team at Spinecare Chiropractic Salisbury have complied a handful of self-care tips that you can use for the next time that you experience pain and/or tightness in your neck.
Sleeping Position
Maintaining a decent posture throughout your day as well as when your fast asleep is vital! Some sleeping positions, such as sleeping on your stomach, overextends both your neck and back. Instead, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs – making sure to include enough pillows to support both your head and neck. Also, consider replacing your mattress if it does not provide proper back support, as it may eventually lead to neck pain.
Chiropractic Care
Whilst pain killers and anti-inflammatories offer temporary relief from neck pain, they may not address the underlying cause. Chiropractic care addresses the underlying problem by assesing your spine and nervous system. Bad posture and incorrect movements over time can cause your discs to bulge or degenerate, applying pressure to your nerves and potentially leading to pain. Gentle chiropractic adjustments improve joint motion, relieving pressure off of your nerves.
Ice Treatment
Ice packs are an excellent option if you’re seeking pain relief, as they reduce swelling and inflammation. Ice applications can also reduce nerve irritation which also aids in your neck pain management. Always remember to wrap your ice pack with the likes of a towel in order to avoid ice burns on your skin.
Stretching
Simple stretching exercises can often help with short term pain relief and long-term management. Stretching helps ease tightness in your muscles. If you have chronic neck pain, it’s a good idea to get your spine checked by a chiropractor before beginning any stretching exercises. Stretching incorrectly can sprain muscles and worsen your pain.
Massaging
Gentle massaging on and around your neck can relieve muscle tension and help prevent and/or manage your pain. Massages work the tendons and muscles, which increases blood flow to the area. Try treating yourself by gentling rubbing the tight/sore muscles.
At Spinecare, our chiropractors use advanced equipment such as thermal scans and modern chiropractic tables – improving overall wellbeing. Our sophisticated equipment allows us to pinpoint the underlying issue and offer effective recovery through chiropractic care. If your neck pain just won’t seem to subside, or inevitably returns, we suggest that chiropractic care may be your answer!