Neck pain is among the most commonly reported types of chronic pain affecting 15% of the population according to painmed. Symptoms associated with neck pain include spasms, stiffness, and tenderness. Some of the more severe symptoms attributed to neck pain are a loss of bowel and bladder control and an inability to walk. Acute neck pain can lead to migraine headaches that render your ability to function almost impossible. Neck pain should be taken seriously because it can diminish the quality of your life. Below are some options to take into consideration when finding the right treatment for you.
Massage Therapy for Neck Pain
Pressure and pain in the neck can be the result of stress and sore muscles. The best and most natural option, in this case, is to consider a massage. Massages are very therapeutic and not only relieve stress, but they increase blood flow which could be causing some tightness in the neck.
Neck Pain Chiropractic Stress Relief
Neck pain can be caused by a multitude of factors such as injuries and accidents, age, osteoarthritis, sciatica, and daily life causes such as poor posture, obesity, and weak abdominal muscles. Chiropractors help realign your spine to create better blood flow and help combat some of the symptoms from accidents or age. Chiropractors also increase the mobility of the spine and restore range of motion.
Exercise for Neck Pain
Exercise along with the other suggested options can help ease some pain you have been experiencing for quite some time. Resistance exercises; place your right hand against your head above the ear and gently press, resisting the movement. Repeat this on the other side. Side stretches; when standing, stretch your neck slowly to the left trying to touch your ear to the shoulder. Do this on the other side as well. Head lifts; lay flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Next, lie on the one hand and lift your head toward the ceiling. Do this on both sides. Rotations; while sitting turn your head slowly to the left and then to the right as far as you can. Shoulder circles; while standing raise shoulder straight, then rotate in circles down and back up. Do this is both directions.
Topical Compounds for Neck Pain
As more and more people seek alternatives for pain relief, topical compounds are emerging as an excellent way to treat pain without the side effects that medications such as opioids cause. Topical compounds can be applied directly to the affected area, and can be used throughout the day without fear of dependency.