Neck pain is a common symptom affecting many of us and can make every aspect of life more challenging. Everything from working at a remote workstation to continuous scrolling on your handheld device to poor posture and lifting techniques to a traumatic event can cause neck pain.
Finding the cause of your neck discomfort is important, but you want neck pain relief fast. Below are four chiropractor-approved ways to help reduce your neck discomfort and contribute to the healing process as you do.
3 Tips to Help Reduce Neck Pain Naturally at Home
Apply ice and heat to the neck
Neck pain is often the result of a sudden and violent event, such as a car accident or sports-related accident. After an event that causes neck pain, applying ice to the neck as soon as possible will discourage swelling and inflammation that can restrict movement and cause stiffness and pain.
After the inflammation has been alleviated, applying heat to the neck will promote relaxation and reduce pressure and tension on the neck’s soft tissues and spine.
Apply ice for 10 minutes three to four times a day. When adding heat to the treatment, switch between both and apply the heat for the same amount of time and sessions. This can quickly and naturally relieve your discomfort as healing is nurtured.
Rest the neck muscles
Rest is a crucial part of the healing process. It’s essential to listen to your body and not push through pain, as doing so can create heightened discomfort and further injury. Rest your neck by using a supportive U-shaped pillow or headrest whenever you can.
Be sure to discontinue any activities that worsen your neck pain, and ensure you get quality sleep so your body has the time it needs to restore, rejuvenate, and recover.
Stretch and massage the neck
Gently stretching and massaging the neck will encourage the healthy circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the injury. Doing this will also keep the neck’s tissues active, reducing the dysfunctions that come with sedentary behavior as flexibility, relaxation, and soothing qualities are prompted.
Finding the balance between movement and stillness is key to a safe recovery. Don’t apply too much pressure to the vulnerable area; the goal is to relieve stress on the neck, not contribute to it.
Stretches to try include:
- Bend the ear toward the corresponding shoulder, hold and push the head closer to the shoulder gently with your hand
- Rotate your head in a full circle: forward, side, back, side and reverse
- Rotate the shoulders
- Stand and touch your toes, allowing your head to hang loosely, turn your head side to side while upside down
These stretches can help manage neck-related tension and discomfort quickly and organically without the need for pain medication.
Get Fast & Lasting Neck Pain Relief with Chiropractic Care from Whitefish Chiropractic
The tips above may effectively reduce your neck pain, but it’s best to find the cause of your symptoms so the injury itself can be treated.
We know how neck pain can wreak havoc upon your daily routine. From making work challenging and exercise impossible to causing issues with sleep and focus, neck function and health are vital to your lifestyle. Getting the safe, reliable body you deserve is just a click away.
Our comprehensive exam will help us determine why you have neck pain so we can design the best wellness plan for you and get you the lasting results you need. We offer several chiropractic solutions to enhance your healing process and get you confident in your body again.
Common chiropractic methods to help end neck pain and heal injuries associated with neck discomfort include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Graston Technique
- Kinesio taping
- Dry needling
- And others
You deserve to live pain-free. We’ll help you heal, recover, and strengthen so you can return to your active lifestyle. Schedule your appointment today and get neck pain relief safely and quickly at the source.
