Ease Your Neck Pain With Chiropractic and Stretching
By Paul Rothbart
A type of pain experienced by many is neck pain. It's fairly easy to end up hurting in this part of the body. A poor sleep position, especially with a pillow that doesn't provide proper support, can leave you waking up with neck pain that can last for hours. Looking down at your smartphone is a very common cause of neck pain as is sitting at a desk with bad posture. Any of these situations can cause problems that leave your neck sore. A chiropractor can provide relief and stretching can help prevent a recurrence. These stretches are approved by chiropractors for easing neck pain.
The Chest Opener
Neck pain can be exacerbated by tight chest and front neck muscles. This stretch is designed to loosen those muscles and should be done daily. While standing or sitting up straight, clasp your hands behind you. Straighten your arms and squeeze your shoulder blades together while pulling your shoulders down. Tilt your head back and stretch your throat. Make sure you extend your neck so you are not bunching it up in the back. Do this five times, holding each stretch for five seconds.
The Side Neck Release
Stand or sit up straight and turn your head to one side, with your nose facing your armpit. Take the hand on the side you are facing and place it behind your head. Put your other arm behind your back so it can keep that shoulder down. Pull your head down gently to the side, stretching the neck. After holding the stretch for 30-40 seconds, do it on the other side.
The Hand Behind the Head Stretch
In a sitting or standing position, straighten your back. Place your hands at the base of your skull and clasp them. With your elbows pulled in, gently pull your head down so your elbows are pointing at the ground. Pull your shoulders down and relax them, feeling the stretch in your neck. Hold it for 30-40 seconds. Repeat five times.
See a Chiropractor
Doing these stretches daily can be very helpful in relieving and preventing neck pain, but getting professional help is also advised. A chiropractor can find subluxations or other problems in your neck and fix them with adjustments. This can be very effective at relieving pain and also help your stretching work even better.
Neck pain is a common affliction. You don't have to grin and bear it. Try these chiropractor-approved stretches and consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't need an appointment. You may find that regular treatments combine with your stretching to help your neck stay pain-free.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Albuquerque, N.M.