Taking Care of That Pain in Your Neck!
By Donna Stark
Sometimes, it just happens. You aren't sure what caused it, but the minute you woke up the other day, you knew that something was wrong. And it hasn't gotten any better since. You're sore, your head hurts, and thank goodness you're not the driver in your carpool this week because it's nearly impossible to turn your head from side to side! A stiff neck can certainly add some misery to your days, but there are some things that you can do to speed the healing and alleviate the pain. Let's take a look at a few here.
Rest
There are times when the only thing a hurting body needs is rest. Resting for a day or two allows the sore area of the body to heal, which in turn reduces the stiffness and alleviates the pain. But you need to be careful with this, as too much inactivity can lead to weakness.
Stretching
Gentle stretches can help ease the stiffness and improve flexibility and function in your neck, but be sure to do it slowly! Start with the following.
- Roll your shoulders backward, down, and then back up
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together
- Tilt your head backward and hold for 30 seconds
- Bring your ear to your shoulder, rotating from side to side
Obviously, if a particular movement increases your pain, stop immediately and try a different movement.
Ice and Heat
Safely applying ice to the area for the first two days will help reduce any inflammation and may relieve your neck stiffness. After the ice, heat can be applied with warm showers or heating pads. Applying heat will help to increase blood flow, which encourages quicker healing.
Low-Impact Exercise
Exercise does a body good and a low-impact exercise, such as walking, can be especially beneficial. That's because it can help loosen the body, reduce inflammation, and encourage blood flow to the area that is sore. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are your body's natural painkillers, and on top of that, the more you exercise, the less likely you will get injured or feel stiffness in the future.
Chiropractic Care
No matter what the severity of your neck stiffness is, it is always wise to seek treatment from your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic. The adjustments your chiropractor provides will encourage proper alignment, speed the healing and recovery process, and offer long-lasting pain relief.
Feeling Better
Start taking care of that neck pain and stiffness today! By following the simple recommendations listed above, you may begin to feel better a lot sooner than you imagined! And that couldn't happen at a better time because your week for the carpool is right around the corner!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pooler, Ga.