Neck pain is one of the most debilitating injuries out there. What is the worst neck pain that you’ve ever experienced? Many people would say 10/10 on the pain scale. Yikes! Fortunately, humans do not have the longest necks on the planet. We are not giraffes. However, that does not mean we are free from neck aches, pains, and injuries. Here is a background on what neck pain is and how to treat it.
What is Neck Pain?
Aches and pains around your neck can occur in small doses. It is very easy to brush them under the rug. People often shrug off severe neck pain as ‘not a big deal’ or ‘happens all the time’. Is this you? Be brutally honest with yourself when identifying the pain that your body is in. Small aches can cascade into huge, chronic injuries. Our necks are vulnerable and fragile at times. You cannot properly treat neck pain unless you identify it.
Before doing anything, you can do a self-scan of your neck, shoulders, and back. Identify if you are in severe pain. Don’t waste time if your pain is excruciating. Call a health care professional, like a chiropractor, immediately. As you scan your neck for pain and discomfort, ask yourself these questions:
- Does anything feel different?
- What feels out of place?
- Am I in pain?
- Does it hurt when I perform certain activities?
- What time of the day does it hurt?
These questions, along with a self-scan, will give you a better idea of where you’re at. From here, determine your next steps. For people in discomfort, the best way to treat neck pain is by visiting a chiropractor.
1. Visit a Chiropractor
Chiropractors are masters of the spinal cord, back, and neck. If you have neck pain, there’s a great chance a chiropractor can treat it. Experiencing pain relief can be a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. Chiropractic care can help people – even with chronic neck pain – experience pain relief.
How is neck pain so common? Think about it. Humans are a very active species. We are constantly moving our bodies in different physical activities throughout our days. Take driving a car for example. How many people reading this have been in a car accident before? It’s unfortunately very common. Neck whiplash happens all of the time during these events.
Consider seeing a chiropractor for car accidents if this has happened to you. Don’t live your life with neck pain. find a local chiropractor near you to help treat different pains in your neck. this will help you get back on track and keep living your life. Contact us for more information on how a chiropractor can help treat your neck pain.
2. Morning Stretch Routine
When you first wake up in the morning, try stretching. Warming up your muscles and joints before kicking your day off is a great way to decrease different aches and pains that you are experiencing. The same goes for treating neck pain. a morning stretch routine can be simple. Don’t overcomplicate it if you’ve never done it before.
Take 5 minutes after rolling out of bed to loosen up your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Try bending from side to side. This will help loosen up your shoulders and neck muscles. People oftentimes experience neck pain first thing in the morning because of their mattress or pillow. purchasing a new mattress is expensive, but stretching is free. Warm-up your body first thing in the morning to help get rid of neck pain.
3. Massage
Getting a massage does not always mean seeing a therapist and paying a ton of money. You can also give yourself any 5 to 10 minute massage with your own hands. This, combined with morning stretches, can help you treat your neck pain.
Not all neck pain is made equal. If you are experiencing pain from muscle knots in your neck, a massage can help. Consider purchasing a small massage tool if your hands aren’t doing enough. You can treat muscle knots with light massages consistently throughout the week. have you tried a massage without any success? Consider calling a chiropractor to help treat your neck pain. They specialize in helping you recover and heal from neck injuries.