5 Fast Ways to Get Rid of Neck Pain

There are several ways that neck pain can manifest. It could show up as a throbbing pang, stiffness, or a series of muscle spasms. Whatever form the pain embodies, neck pain can really get in the way of your favorite activities.

Luckily, there are ways that you can quickly treat neck pain so that it doesn’t prevent you from enjoying time with the people and things you love most. Following are five easy things you can do to reduce neck pain.

1. Limit Stress to Reduce Neck Pain

To relieve neck pain, you should first try to consider its root cause. This is often attributable to stress. There are myriad things that you can do to reduce your stress to limit the tension that leads to neck pain. Be mindful of how you feel throughout the day and give these stress-relieving activities a try:

·   Quiet your mind with meditation or a positive mantra

·   Enjoy calming music

·   Paint, draw, dance, or do some other relaxing activity you enjoy

·   Give yourself periodic 10-minute breaks from the stresses of work or home life

 2. Give Your Neck a Stretch

Exercise is one of the best ways to improve your neck’s flexibility and relieve tension. If you have spoken with your physician and been given the okay to exercise your neck, here are some movements you can use throughout the day:

·   Slowly bend your neck with your ear close to your shoulder. Do this ten times on the left and right sides.

·   Roll your shoulders ten times backward then 10 times forward

·   Tilt your head backward and hold for 30 seconds

·   Squeeze your shoulder blades together 10 times

 3. Try an Herbal Remedy

In a pinch, an herbal remedy can provide quick relief as the natural healing process ensues. Here are just a few that you can try: 

· White Willow Bark

· Capsaicin Cream

· Devil’s Claw

Many modern medicines are derived from natural ingredients like these. In their natural form, they are free from additives that the body cannot process, and they can be just as effective.

 4. Use Warm and Cold Compresses

Cold and heat therapy are two very effective ways to alleviate neck pain. You can alternate them strategically to reduce inflammation and encourage healthy blood flow to facilitate the healing process.

You can begin with an ice pack, a small bag of ice, or even a bag of frozen peas. Wrap the ice pack in a washcloth to protect your skin from frostbite, and place it on your neck for 15 minutes, every three to four hours.

Next, apply moist heat by standing in a hot shower or soaking in a tub. Moist heat is especially effective if your neck pain stems from muscle issues. Another option is to place a heating pad on the affected area for 20 minutes, every three to four hours.

Be sure to stay awake while using compresses, to avoid injury to your skin.

 5. Seek Chiropractic Care

The actual meaning of chiropractic is “done by hand.” This natural form of treatment uses manual manipulation techniques to realign the spine and joints. A chiropractor can also provide therapies for the soft tissues surrounding joints, to support overall healing. They will also recommend exercises to extend the benefits of your treatment. 

Visit NYDNRehab

The neck pain specialists at NYDNRehab can help you overcome neck pain, so you can  return to an enjoyable life.