Neck pain is very common in adults. Too much stress, not enough sleep at night, and different illnesses can all cause both acute and chronic neck pain. Neck pain usually happens gradually and becomes worse over time, and doesn’t happen overnight.
Causes of Neck Pain
There are several different things that can cause acute or chronic neck pain. Here are just some of the things that can cause neck pain:
- Chronic inflammation
- Bad posture
- Not sleeping well
- Straining neck or back
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
Ways to Relieve Neck Pain
Thankfully, there are several ways to treat and relieve neck pain. Some of these you can do on your own, and some require seeking treatment from others. The following section covers some of the most popular options for treating neck pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
The use of anti-inflammatory supplements has increased in recent years. These supplements can help your body fight inflammation and pain, especially if taken regularly. There are several options when it comes to treating inflammation with supplements. Some of the most effective anti-inflammatory supplements are SPM-Active, Myocalm, and Kaprex.
SPM-Active is a marine lipid concentrate that is great for reducing excess inflammation and discomfort in everyday activities. Myocalm is recommended for those who have muscle pain. It helps the muscles relax and is made from calcium and magnesium. Kaprex is a plant-based supplement that relieves pain and inflammation without harmful side effects.
Hot or Cold Compress
People have been using heat and ice to treat pain for a long time. They are well-known remedies for muscle soreness, swelling, stiffness, and for strained muscles. Try using a hot compress to apply heat to areas that are feeling pain. You could do this a few different ways, such as taking a hot shower or using a heating pad or compress.
Using ice in a cold compress can help with neck pain, also. Try starting out with ice, or even frozen vegetables, then following up with a hot compress. Make sure to wrap your hot and cold compresses in a towel to protect your skin.
Get a new Pillow
If you are having a lot of neck pain, your pillow could be to blame. Soft, saggy pillows do not provide enough support for the neck, resulting in the neck resting in odd, painful positions. Getting a new pillow could help reduce your neck pain. Try looking for a firm pillow or one that is contoured specifically to provide support for the neck. Another option is a water pillow, which can be adjusted to suit your neck support needs.
Stretches for Pain Relief
Stretching is a great way to provide some quick relief for all kinds of pain, including neck pain. There are several helpful stretches to relieve pain in your neck. Try some of the following stretches:
- Neck Rotation– sit straight, gradually turn your head as far as it can go without pain; hold for several seconds. Repeat the other way.
- Shoulder Roll– roll your shoulders back and downwards. Repeat 10 times or as needed.
- Ear Stretch– bring your ear down to your shoulder; repeat 10 times. Then do the other side.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is another great option for treating neck pain. Massage can help relax muscles, increase circulation, and reduce stress, too. If you suffer from a stiff neck, consider scheduling a massage therapy session.
The Wellness Center of Plymouth provides all of the massage therapy services you need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
