The Best Ways to Relieve Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons that people visit a chiropractor. That’s because at some point in their life, 20-70% of adults will experience disruptions to their life due to neck pain. These pains can come from many different sources, whether it be a sports injury, bending your neck to look at a phone too much, or the result of an accident.

Regardless of what caused your neck to start hurting, there are a few different ways that we recommend you treat your pain. We’ve put together a list of the best ways to relieve neck pain for your convenience.

Use ice then heat

If your neck pain came from sudden movements and a jerking of your head, your muscles and tendons are probably going to become inflamed. The best way to slow that process and numb the pain is by using ice. However, ice is only effective for the first two days or so. 

After that, it’s a good idea to switch to heat, which will increase blood flow to the injury and speed up healing. It can also help your muscles relax and ease the tension that you might be feeling. Once your muscles are warmed up, you’ll be ready to try the next tip.

Complete neck stretches

After a neck injury, it will hurt to move your head. However, keeping your neck mobile is often one of the best ways to avoid prolonged pain. To help keep your muscles from stiffening up and getting even more sore, it may be helpful to stretch a few times a day.

Using a heat pack beforehand will make it easier and less painful, since the muscles will be already warm and ready to go. Try exercises such as slow head rolls and apply gentle pressure to your head in one direction to encourage healing and reduce your pain in the long run.

Do a gentle massage

Another measure you can take to reduce neck pain is to ask a partner to gently massage your neck and shoulders. This will also help relieve tension and warm up the muscles. Something to keep in mind is that you will have to experiment and communicate with your partner to find the methods and locations that feel the best for your injury. 

Your partner should remember to always massage towards your heart. Encouraging proper blood flow is safer and will feel better. They should also avoid being overly aggressive, as the neck can be a sensitive area. 

Get a chiropractic adjustment

Sometimes, if your neck and spine have fallen out of place, all of these measures will only provide limited relief. Getting an adjustment from a chiropractor can help align your bones and allow the healing process to begin. Making sure that your bones are where they should be will allow the muscles and tendons around them to relax and return to normal. 

Most chiropractors will help put together a plan for your treatment and recommend an adjustment schedule. Warming your muscles beforehand can help the adjustment go smoother, and massaging afterwards can help you feel more immediate relief. In the end, chiropractic care will work well with all of these treatment options to help get you back on your feet. 

Recovering is a process

Although all of these methods are great ways to relieve neck pain, it’s important to have realistic expectations. No matter how you treat your pain, it most likely won’t be a one-and-done experience. Consistent efforts and diligent care for your health will yield the best results in every case of neck pain.

For more information, please contact us.