9 Simple And Effective Chronic Neck Pain Treatment Methods
Neck pain is something everyone has experienced at some time or another. It can happen due to improper posture or over-exertion. You can use a spray or pop a pill to treat neck pain. But that generally only works when it is a one-off, isolated case caused by an acute injury.
If you suffer from chronic neck pain, then it needs holistic treatment. Medicine alone won’t help; you need a comprehensive neck pain treatment strategy.
You can get in touch with our qualified doctor and neck stiffness treatment provider, who will help develop such a strategy.
Let’s take a look at nine simple steps that would help in ensuring an effective strategy for chronic neck pain treatment.
9 Measures to Deal with Neck Pain
1. Your posture is the key.
The most common reason for neck pain is poor posture. Most people today spend a lot of time hunched over the computer working all day. Their posture is not right, and the chair they use doesn’t give the neck sufficient support. This causes chronic neck pain and even back pain.
An ergonomic chair that is shaped naturally to contour to the spine is ideal. A headrest is ideal since it supports the neck. It is very important that the eyes must be at the same level as the monitor, as looking up or looking down can strain the neck. Moving the neck around a lot due to bad posture naturally impacts the neck.
A major mistake people make is bending their necks while using their mobile phones or devices. They do this all day, and this puts pressure on the spine. It can cause neck pain. The best neck pain remedy is to prevent it from happening by adopting the right posture. Sit upright when looking at your phone.
2. Sleeping right can help solve the problem.
Bad posture while sleeping can cause stiff neck or back pain. Sleeping on the stomach also puts a strain on the neck. One should sleep on the sides or on the back. Sleeping on a very soft bed can cause the back to sink, which can affect the spine leading to neck pain.
Using too many pillows or a pillow that is too high can also cause neck pain. Ensure that your pillow is neither too soft nor too hard. A water pillow is the best stiff neck remedy because you can easily adjust the pillow’s firmness.
3. Practice neck stretches.
When the neck muscles are stiff, it causes neck pain. Stretching exercises can help loosen the neck muscles, making them relaxed. This is a good neck stiffness treatment that provides relief from neck pain. Regular neck stretching exercises strengthens the neck muscles and can prevent chronic neck pain.
While Yoga can help, you should do simple neck movements every day. Just move the head up and down gently. Move side to side and ear to ear. Do each of these movements gently ten times each. Avoid vigorous and violent movements to prevent the pain from worsening.
Shoulder exercises can also help prevent neck pain. You can do these exercises in your car or at work. You need to do them daily to prevent neck pain.
4. Use a hot pad or ice.
If you have a stiff neck, then try ice to get relief. Use an ice pack on the affected area. If you do not get sufficient relief, then try heat treatment. A warm shower should be sufficient. You can also try using a heating pad on the back of the neck. Ensure you use the heat pad for a limited time to prevent burns. Wrap both heat or cold in a towel as opposed to applying either directly to your skin.
5. Try pain medications.
You will need medication when other methods don’t provide relief and the pain does not subside. The best back neck pain treatment is through over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Take them sparingly, as they can have other side effects.
Medicines that relax the muscles can also provide relief. When they don’t work, then you may need stronger pain killers. These need to be prescribed by a doctor, and you must not take them on your own.
6. Try a relaxing massage.
A massage can be very relaxing, and it can provide relief from neck pain. Neck pinched nerve treatment can be done through a gentle massage. The neck is very sensitive, and a rough massage may worsen the problem. Get a gentle massage done by your partner. While massaging, the movement of the hands must be towards the heart.
You can also opt for a massage by a professional masseur. They know exactly how much pressure to apply and the points where they can apply pressure. Make sure to tell them you’ve been experiencing neck pain before you begin, so they do not apply too much pressure. A professional massage treatment can be very relaxing and can provide a lot of relief from neck pain.
7. Use a neck collar.
The neck collar provides support to the neck muscles and prevents pain from worsening. In severe cases, a neck collar can be helpful. It must be noted that the neck collar should not be used for too long as it can weaken the neck muscles. It must only be used if prescribed by a doctor.
8. Try swimming.
Swimming is a simple way to relax the neck, back, and entire body. When you swim, you are doing an exercise that is gentle on your joints. There is no stress on the spine when you swim. Certain strokes can help provide relief from neck pain. Water therapy is another option you can try to get relief, but you must do it under professional supervision. If you are experiencing any joint pain in general, spending more time in the water and giving your joints a respite from gravity is always a good option.
9. Try Physical Therapy.
Therapy offered by a competent therapist ensures relief from pain. The therapist also suggests how to improve the posture and other measures that prevent pain from reoccurring. A reliable therapist would also teach exercises to strengthen neck muscles.
Key Takeaways
Don’t ignore neck pain. All the steps mentioned above can be helpful in dealing with chronic neck pain. If you want to implement these steps through a proper strategy, you need to find a qualified neck pain treatment provider. Look for a reliable and experienced doctor or chiropractor who can help you get relief from neck pain.
Contact our doctor today to get a tailored chronic neck pain treatment plan that provides long-term or permanent relief.
