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In 2010, approximately 12% of men and 17% of women reported experiencing some type of neck stiffness and pain. These numbers are significantly rising with the increase and frequent use of computers and mobile devices, making people lean at their screen in poor sitting posture. A stiff neck is usually very painful and will hinder your ability to carry out your everyday activities. In this article, we will discuss some of the main causes of neck pain and stiffness as well as the possible treatments for Friendswood neck pain.
1. Stress Reduction
Reducing stress can help lessen the tension in your neck muscles, resulting in reduced neck pain and stiffness. Below are some stress-reducing mechanisms:
- Listening to music
- Taking a break or a vacation from your daily activities
- Doing your hobby
- Meditation
2. Stretching
Some of the main causes of neck pain and inflammation are frequent sudden movements. Nonetheless, below are some types of stretching exercises that can help relieve the stiffness and pain:
· Slowly turning your head sideways
· Gently rolling your shoulders forwards and then backward
· Pressing your shoulder blades together and maintaining the position for a few seconds
3. Heat or Ice
You can treat neck pain and stiffness at home by simply applying ice on the affected area for 20 minutes daily. You can also opt to use a heating pad or take a warm shower to help with neck inflammation.
4. OTC Pain Relievers
The following are some Over-the-counter pain relievers that may help with neck pain:
· Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
· Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
· Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the process of inserting tiny sterile needles into certain pressure areas on your body. A number of scientific researches have suggested that some of the benefits of acupuncture include treating neck pain and stiffness.
6. Regular Exercise
Exercising is a great way of strengthening your body muscles to help improve your posture and prevent the risk of neck stiffness or injuries. However, if the main cause of your neck pain is excessive physical activity, you are advised to limit strenuous activities that may exert too much pressure on your neck muscles.
7. Massage and Chiropractic Care
A licensed chiropractor normally performs this type of therapy to help provide pain relief to your muscles and joints. It is often advisable to consult with your doctor before undergoing this treatment as it can be painful or uncomfortable to some people.
8. Proper Sleep Environment
Sleeping in a suitable environment can help treat neck pain. You can adjust your sleep environment by:
- Wearing a mouth guard to prevent grinding your teeth
- Using a neck pillow
- Sleeping only on your side or back
- Relaxing before going to sleep
- Getting a firmer mattress
Conclusion
In most cases, particularly minor cases of neck pain and stiffness, they can be easily treated at the comfort of your home with heat, ice, and some simple stretching exercises. However, if these mechanisms prove unsuccessful, you are advised to visit the nearest medical center for professional treatments. Forever Well Chiropractic provides Chiropractic treatments that target the structural causes of your neck problem. Feel free to call our team of specialists today for a professional assessment of your neck pain.
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