Neck pain is nobody’s friend, so, understandably, you want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. This guide from our team at West Hartford Chiropractic provides seven tips to help you find neck pain relief.
1. Consult Your Chiropractor
Consulting a chiropractic physician is the most effective method for dealing with neck pain. We provide cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, and x-rays to diagnose the cause of your neck pain. Neck pain treatment might include adjustments, decompression therapy, cold laser therapy, exercise therapy, traction, and extensive workstation modification for ideal ergonomic assessment and prevention.
2. Apply a Cold pack or heat
Heat and ice can both help your neck pain, however, ice is the best choice for acute inflammation while moist heat should not be applied within the first 72 hours - 5 days, as this may cause the pain and inflammation to increase. Moist heat is effective for chronic inflammation, however, you should contact your chiropractor prior to applying a hot pack to avoid any flare-ups. Ice is the best choice if there is inflammation or swelling. Moist heat, such as that from a warm bath or moist compress, can help with muscle pain.
2. Upgrade Your Pillow
Your pillow could be the direct source of your pain – especially if it’s not offering the right support. Cervical pillows are designed to properly support your neck while you sleep. You should only sleep with one pillow, either on your back or on your side, and avoid stomach/ tummy sleeping, for that is one of the main sources of neck pain.
3. Stretch Every Day
Muscle tension in and around the neck can be reduced or eliminated through simple stretches. Aim to spend a few minutes in the morning and a few minutes before bed stretching your neck. If possible, fit in a few extra minutes at various points throughout the day.
4. Implement Neck Exercises
Strengthening your neck can help reduce the chance of developing tension and stiffness. You can fit a few exercises, like simple side-to-side and circular movements, into your stretching routine. All exercises should be approved by your chiropractor at the right phase of care to prevent any flare-up of your acute or chronic condition.
5. Practice Proper Posture
Proper posture is an essential key to neck pain relief. Sadly, though, many people sit with poor posture each day as they text or scroll through social media. Be mindful of how you are sitting and standing and take care to keep your back straight and your shoulders rolled back and relaxed. West Hartford Chiropractic provides extensive workstation modification for ideal ergonomic assessment and prevention.
6. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can affect every component of your body, including your muscles, ligaments, and the nerves in your neck. Staying hydrated can help both treat and prevent neck pain and injuries. Recent research shows that one should drink 63% of your body weight in ounces of water daily. as opposed to previous assumptions/ recommendations of 6-8 cups of water per day.
Schedule Your Appointment for Neck Pain Relief with a Chiropractic Specialist at West Hartford Chiropractic
Schedule an appointment with our team at West Hartford Chiropractic in West Hartford, CT. Call our team today at (860)-232-5556 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
