If you are suffering from neck pain and searching for its proper treatment, then first you ought to get some basic idea about the neck. The neck is also termed as the cervical spine. The neck is a complex structure that is composed of seven separate vertebrae. It begins at the skull and extends way down to our upper back.
Which are The Best Home Remedies for Neck Pain?
The neck is involved with multiple structures, including skin, muscles, lymph nodes, veins, arteries, thyroid gland, and so on. That means issues with any of such structures can be the reason for neck pain sensation. It is regardless to say that our head takes weight around eight pounds that signifies our cervical vertebrae perform a bit of work for holding it up regularly.
Due to this reason, it is really easy to realize that the occurrence of neck pain is quite common and obvious. A sprain or strain in the neck can simply result in tightening of the surrounding muscles and restrict the motion range, eventually result in considerable pain.
Neck pain can be the result of various conditions and it is essential to consult a specialist in case you are suffering from severe neck pain so that the root cause or the actual reason can be found out and you get the proper treatment. Common causes associated with neck pain are;
- Neck injury or strain
- Improper posture
- Common viruses or infections resulting in swollen lymph nodes
- Stress that can hold tension in the neck
- Fibromyalgia
- Pinched nerves
- Uncomfortable sleeping
- Degenerative disk disease
In case your neck pain has developed because of a severe injury or underlying medical condition, then it is a must to consult a specialist for having your customized treatment plan that might be composed of medication or physical therapy. Nevertheless, it might also the case that it has caused due to your poor posture, day-to-day stress, or exercise, then you can follow some simple steps given below that can be used to treat your neck pain.
#1 Acupuncture
According to studies, the age-old practice of acupuncture can be incredibly effective in the treatment of chronic neck pain, as compared to more conventional approaches, including physical therapy or medication. This ancient practice is sourced from a belief that more than 2,000 points are there on our body that is connected with 20 meridians. Such meridians conduct energy all over the body.
Acupuncture is employed with the utilization of thin needles and the placement of them in particular combinations of such 2,000 points to correct the energy flow in the body to lower the pain. You might have requirement of a couple of acupuncture visits to start experiencing relief. Hence, you ought to be patient.
#2 Hydrotherapy or Water Therapy Exercise
It is an incredible therapy exercise that can significantly alleviate neck pain, specifically in case you are suffering from osteoarthritis. Aquatic exercise, such as water aerobics is a gentle way to enhance the motion range and alleviate pain, as compared to land-based exercise.
Epsom salts can also be added to your bath for the treatment of neck pain. Epsom salts contain magnesium that alleviates muscle pain and inflammation. Just add Epsom salt of two cups to a warm bath and then soak in the tub with the relaxation of your muscles.
#3 Heat or Ice
Many people experience confusion regarding the application of ice or heat for alleviating pain. You must remember that ice is used in injuries and heat is appropriate for muscle spasms or sprains.
In case you have pulled a muscle in the neck, you can try heat following the cure of the primary swelling or in case you have experienced injury, such as whiplash, a cold pack can be used for icing.
#4 Hydration
It might sound simple but maintaining hydration is very important for lowering neck pain as well as preventing future problems. The discs between the spine vertebrae have a requirement of water for the maintenance of spinal alignment and taking pressure away from the spine. With the passage of time, staying sufficiently hydrated can be helpful for you in preventing extended damage to the cervical discs that, in turn, alleviate the possibilities of neck pain in future.
#5 Massage
Massaging of the neck or around its muscles can be helpful in relieving tension and breaking up of the fascia in the neck. You can get benefits from even some light cranial massage because the neck and head are intertwined. Daily massage can also be helpful in keeping the joints limber that, in turn, alleviates the possibility of straining or pulling muscles in your future.
#6 Stretching
Certain age-old stretching might help alleviate neck pain by breaking up the tension. Relieving neck’s tight spots with the help of some simple poses of yoga help alleviate pain and also open up space for more oxygen in your head.
#7 Proper Pillows are very important
Many people suffer from neck pain due to their sleeping habits. Uncomfortable sleeping or an uncomfortable pillow can misalign your neck. The two ideal sleeping positions for the neck are on your back or on your side. The pillow type contributes the issue of neck pain to a great extent.
- You can try the simple tips below to find out a better and comfortable pillow for you and have a relief in the neck pain:
- You should use a memory foam or feather pillow that can follow your head’s contour easily.
- Don’t use extremely high pillow stack because it can keep your neck flexed and stiff for the rest of the night.
- In case you are habituated to sleep on your side, always keep the spine straight by taking a pillow- higher under the neck, as compared to the head.
Neck traction devices are very useful in neck pain problems. Cervical traction is a type of light stretching activity that is useful in relieving pressure on the sufferer’s compressed vertebrae and it also maintains the placement and good health of spinal discs. You can know more about this treatment from a Physical therapist. Such devices can be effective and simple tools for spinal treatment at your comfort zone.
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