Do It Yourself Tips for Neck Pain
Increasingly we are seeing more and more neck pain in our office. Historically chiropractors have worked with more low back pain than neck pain but over the past several years neck pain has been a more common complaint. If you are suffering neck pain we highly recommend you make an appointment to our Woodstock office but until then here are some simple recommendations that may help you achieve some pain relief in the meantime.
Try an Ice Pack
When your neck pain that is a recent injury, especially if you can pinpoint a specific incident such as a car accident, hit in sports, or fall ice can ease the pain. This reduces the swelling and helps the area heal more quickly. Just be sure to put a towel or piece of clothing between the pack and your neck and do not fall asleep using the ice so you don’t cause frostbite. (It has happened before)
Use heat.
When dealing with neck pain that is chronic in nature, a heat pad can oftentimes help as it eases the muscles and tissues in that area. If you don’t have a heat pack, you can make one easily by putting rice in a sock and tying off the end. Put it in the microwave for approximately 20 to 25 seconds and you have an instant heat pack.
Watch Your Posture
Poor posture really is the biggest reason as to why neck pain is becoming more frequent than in the past. As a whole our posture is very poor and it is becoming worse. New technical advances have played a factor in this for . Having poor posture can and will contribute to your neck pain. Keep your spine in line by sitting and standing with your back straight, shoulders back and down, and head up and you may notice a little relief.