Taking Care of Your Neck
By Sara Butler
If you were to post a relationship status about your neck on Facebook, then you would have no choice but to label it as “complicated.” Your neck is one of the most complex structures in your entire body, and it must be cared for or it can become a real pain in the neck! Here’s how you can best take care of your neck with the help of your chiropractor!
How Do You Know Your Neck is Healthy?
A healthy neck will let you know it’s healthy because you should be able to turn, twist and bend it without feeling discomfort or stiffness. When your neck is out of proper alignment the first symptom is often stiffness, so pay attention to it.
What’s the Big Deal?
Neck pain may be a common complaint, but it has ramifications beyond just some discomfort or pain. Neck pain can cause you to miss work, lose sleep, and just generally be less productive at home and work – among other things. If the spinal nerves in your neck become compressed or irritated, then it can cause pain to radiate to other areas of your body. Neck problems can also cause headaches that can range from annoying to debilitating.
The most common causes of neck pain are:
- Sports injuries
- Accidents such as falling
- Weak muscles
- Whiplash
- Stress
- Poor posture
- Joint degeneration
What You Can Do
If you’re having neck problems, then you need to see your chiropractor! They can evaluate your neck pain and determine how to best treat it. You will likely get an adjustment to your neck which will help reduce irritation of the spinal nerves, help reduce muscles spasms, help increase circulation, and also increase your mobility. Once normal alignment is restored, then your body can begin to do what it was meant to do – heal itself.
Keep Your Neck Healthy
Between visits to your chiropractor, you can also ensure neck health by doing just a couple of things. Make sure you practice good posture when you’re sitting as well as standing. You will also want to make sure you sleep in a healthy position with pillows that are supportive to your neck. Sleeping on your back is best to preserve the natural curves of your spine.
Remember that questions you may have concerning your neck health can always be brought up to your chiropractor, who can help you understand the importance of neck health. So, keep your chin up for good neck health!
