When Your Neck Aches, Chiropractic Can Help
By Sandy Schroeder
If your shoulders and neck are stiff or sore, chiropractic may have the best answers. Easing the pain and learning how to take better care can make the difference in your workday and the weekends to follow.
The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you staffs a wellness center with licensed chiropractors who specialize in finding lasting answers for pain. No pain pills or surgery are needed.
When you talk with your chiropractor, you will discover how improved spinal health can be the way to stay pain-free. The spine keeps us mobile and the central nervous system housed inside keeps the systems of the body functioning.
Gentle targeted spinal adjustments align the spine and nervous system to create pain relief and generate a host of other benefits. You may sleep better, feel more alert, and gain energy. As your neck feels better, your chiropractor can provide more tips to keep your neck healthy and pain-free.
As you evaluate your benefits, you may choose to use 15-minute weekly spinal adjustments to stay at your peak. Your chiropractor will monitor your activities and provide more tips on staying pain free.
Start with your posture - When you stand up straight with your head centered over your spine, there is less tension on your neck. Get someone to take a picture of you sitting and standing to see what is needed. Posture exercises and yoga or tai chi will help you perfect your balance and your posture.
Watch what you carry - Most of us tote a lot wherever we go. Take a minute and pare down the contents of your totes to the minimum. Then use two totes to distribute the weight that you are carrying, placing less of a burden on your neck and shoulders.
Lose that slump - Most of us hunch over our phones and laptops, putting all of the weight of the head on the neck. Keep all screens up at eye level and consider hooking your laptop up to a larger monitor.
Release the tension - Relax your neck and shoulders with simple stretches as you take breaks throughout the day to change position and avoid tightness.
Get the right chair - Find an adjustable chair that supports the back and shoulders. Then make sure you are looking straight ahead at your screen with your feet flat on the floor.
Mayo Clinic suggests these stretches.
Stretch No. 1
- Stretch while at work
- Bend head forward slightly to the right
- Use right hand to gently move head downward and feel a stretch
- Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on left side
Stretch No. 2
- Move your chin down to your chest and hold for 15 seconds
- Rotate your head left and right, holding 15 seconds
- Tilt head to side, leaning ear toward shoulder, and hold for 15 seconds
Whenever you have pain, see The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you and find out more about the personal healthcare plans that eliminate the hassle of insurance. Walk-ins are welcome.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Charlotte, N.C.