Neck pain is one of the most disruptive forms of discomfort you can deal with. When your neck hurts, everything from getting dressed to driving your car can be infinitely more challenging than it normally is.
Each move that you make, no matter how big or small it may be, will serve as a jarring reminder that something is a bit off. The good news is that there are a number of natural and easy ways to alleviate neck pain. Whether you’ve been in an auto accident, have recently slipped and fallen, or have simply slept the wrong way, being proactive in addressing the underlying cause of neck pain can facilitate both healing and relief. For many people, it is also key for preventing this problem from recurring. One way to identify the best and most needs-specific strategies for relieving your discomfort is by consulting with a chiropractor.
A chiropractic doctor can perform a thorough examination of your neck and your spine to determine exactly why your pain exists. It may be that misaligned vertebrae have pinched a nerve. More commonly, excess muscle tension at the neck, between the shoulder blades, or at the upper back are causing soreness and making movements difficult. Once the true underlying source of your discomfort is known, you’ll be able to take an individualized and effective approach to regaining good health and overall well-being.
Simple Tips for Promoting Improved Neck Health
If your neck pain is the result of an impact event, you may be dealing with whiplash. Whiplash is a common and incredibly painful form of joint dysfunction among car accident victims and those who’ve been subjected to other events that cause the neck to rock back and forth. It is also an issue that will often resolve all on its own. If you visited the emergency room after your accident, you’ve probably been prescribed muscle relaxers and other pain-relieving agents and been advised to spend time on bed rest. Keeping the neck still as swelling and inflammation abate is frequently recommended for avoiding further injury.
Chiropractors, however, have the ability to expedite the natural healing process for whiplash by using various hands-on techniques and advanced therapies. For instance, a chiropractor might use:
- Ultrasound therapy for immediate pain relief and dramatic reductions in inflammation and swelling
- Inversion therapy to alleviate pressure and stress on the injured area and to facilitate improvements in spinal alignment
- Therapeutic massage to reduce tension in surrounding muscle groups that are compensating for the injury
Jarring impact events often disrupt spinal alignment. Although pain-relieving medicines and bed rest will allow the body to gradually heal from whiplash, these measures do not resolve the spinal subluxations or misalignment issues that auto accidents, falls, and blows to the body are known to cause. People frequently suffer from neck pain as a result of their everyday activities.
It is not uncommon for some individuals to spend eight or more hours each day with their necks craned over laptops or desktop computers. In the hours that they aren’t working over computers, these same individuals are frequently looking down at their tablets or mobile phones. One easy way to both prevent and resolve this type of neck pain is by changing your habits. Consider using your devices less frequently or altering your workstation. Investing in ergonomic desk equipment that keeps your screens at eye level will limit the amount of strain that your neck is being subjected to. It’s also important to consider your sleeping arrangements.
You may experience neck pain immediately after purchasing a new mattress or pillow, or right when it’s time to replace the pillow that you’re currently using. The wrong pillow or the wrong sleeping position can leave you in pain for weeks on end. Whenever discomfort is experienced in the neck, it’s important to avoid causing additional physical strain. Take a break from your normal workout until you can move your neck comfortably. You can use ice to diminish swelling, and then later apply heat to loosen tense, sore muscles, and promote ease of movement.
Chiropractors can also share special stretches and exercises for relieving muscle tension that’s causing neck pain. These are activities that you can continue doing even after your discomfort has passed. This is a great way to avoid future problems like muscle spasms, decreased mobility, and general soreness. If you’ve been living with neck pain and want a fast-acting, effective, and completely natural way to resolve it, we can help. Call us now at 205-637-1363.
