When your neck is in pain, it can make everyday tasks almost impossible. Neck pain is a common issue, especially if you have a job that puts repeated strain on your neck, such as mechanics or dentists. Even lack of movement can cause discomfort.
Ways to Relieve Neck Pain and Tension
Neck pain can often be relieved by at home treatments, such as applying ice packs. Small injuries, like strains or bruises, usually do not require medical intervention and will heal by themselves. But, as discussed in our previous blog, if the pain lasts longer than one week, you may need to seek medical treatment.
To alleviate discomfort at home, you can use these tips:
- Ice/Cold packs: Apply a cold pack to your neck for 10-15 minutes three or more times daily.
- Stretching: Relieve tension from your neck by turning your neck side to side, and up and down. Avoid rolling your neck fully as this may strain it further.
- Good posture: Keeping good posture can help alleviate not only neck pain, but also back pain. This allows your spine to be in its best position.
- Massaging: Rubbing and kneading your neck muscles can relieve muscle spasms, tension, and pain.
When You Should Seek Medical Treatment for Neck Pain
Symptoms of neck strain can include a stiff neck, sharp or radiating pain, headaches, and more. Along with the warning signs that we wrote about in our previous blog, be wary if you are experiencing any of the following:
- New or worsening numbness in your extremities
- Experiencing long term neck pain
- Pain wakes you up in the night
- Having a difficult time speaking or swallowing
- History of cancer, with you or in your family
These could be signs that you’re suffering from neurological complications.
If you are experiencing chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack (shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, etc.) or you experienced a traumatic injury (fall, car accident, etc.), call emergency services immediately.
At our clinic, we emphasize a drug-free and surgery-free alternative to medicine. If you’re still experiencing the same level of pain, or worse, after self-treatment, we suggest scheduling a consultation with your doctor. Dynamic Health is here to aid you in relieving your neck pain. If you would like to learn more about our practice, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.