Coping with Neck Pain
By Sara Butler
The chiropractors at The Joint see a lot of patients due to neck pain. In fact, neck pain is one of the top 5 reasons people seek medical care each year in the United States, so to say it’s prevalent is an understatement. If you suffer from neck pain, then there are things that can be done to help you find relief. Here are a few tips from the chiropractors at The Joint.
Stretch
Start your day off the right way by making sure to stretch when you wake up in the morning. After all, you’ve been in bed for several hours, so stretching can help to loosen muscles and help you avoid pain or injury.
Start by simply folding forward and reaching for your toes. Let your head hang loose for a few moments to allow stretching of the muscles that help support your neck. This pose also helps to stretch your back muscles, helping to give your back and neck a proper start to the day!
Watch Out for Tech Neck!
The chiropractors at The Joint have begun to see a new phenomenon as the use of handheld electronic devices has increased -- tech neck. This condition causes pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back as a consequence of looking down at a handheld device. In order to help prevent this, hold your phone or another device up to eye level as you use it.
Use the Headrest
Your car has a headrest for more than just looks -- so use it! When you drive, position yourself in such a way as to use the headrest. By leaning back, you’re naturally raising your chin to take the pressure off your neck and shoulders. Just make sure you’re able to do this and still see the road well -- safety first!
Use Heat
At the end of the day, don’t be shy about whipping out your heating pad to help relax the muscles in your neck. The heat will feel great and help the stress and strain of the day melt away.
See the Chiropractor
Regular chiropractic care is one of the best strategies for addressing neck pain or discomfort before it becomes a larger problem. Working with the chiropractors at The Joint can help eliminate joint dysfunction and restriction before it becomes a problem that manifests itself as pain and soreness.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Marietta, Ga.