The neck bears a lot of weight (on average, the head weighs 12 pounds if we’re being literal), and we put it through a lot on a daily basis. Relying on the neck’s impressive range of motion is essential for numerous everyday movements and activities.
When we drive a car, make the bed, exercise, scroll on our phones, and even relax on the sofa, the neck is most likely at work. With all this pressure, neck discomfort is usually more of a when question than an if question
This article gives five natural, effective ways to help end your neck pain quickly and safely. And if you read to the end, you even get a bonus.
1. Ice and Heat
After an injury, applying ice to the affected area will decrease painful inflammation, swelling, and cramping. While applying heat soothes and relaxes tense muscles and soft tissues. Both provide comfort to the neck and can help with recovery.
2. Rest
Natural therapies often rely on movement to help the healing process, and while movement is an integral part of that, you must also listen to your body and not overdo it. Rest allows us to recover and is essential for proper restoration.
Ensure you get enough sleep and give your neck a rest from physical activity that is offering more discomfort.
3. Stretching
Gentle stretching of the neck’s tissues and slightly rotating the spine provides flexibility and movement that reduce tension and stiffness in the neck. Be sure you don’t move too aggressively while injured, as you may do further damage.
Slowly moving your chin toward your chest and rocking your ears down to meet your shoulder can give you a quick fix for neck discomfort.
4. Massage
Massages decrease stress and anxiety but also promote physical well-being and comfort too. Whether you massage yourself, have another do it, or use a massaging device, a good massage provides soft tissue healing, healthy circulation of oxygen and nutrients to injured areas, and decreases inflammation and scar tissue, all of which can contribute to your neck’s discomfort.
5. Support
Supporting your neck while working or at rest can be an excellent way to take some of the pressure off the neck’s tissues and spine and get you some quick relief. U-shaped pillows provide stability and give your neck something to lean against if you have to be upright for significant periods of time.
While sleeping, it’s important to keep your neck protected and supported, also. Using a firm pillow and staying on your side or back is best to help you sleep well with an injured neck.
Chiropractic Care to End Neck Pain
While all of these tips can significantly decrease your neck discomfort, they may not heal the injury altogether. Chiropractic methods are a safe, reliable, and effective way to heal the injury that’s causing your pain.
Getting a comprehensive analysis of how your body is functioning will help identify where your pain is stemming from, so a thorough treatment plan can be designed around your needs.
Common chiropractic solutions for neck pain include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Soft tissue therapies
- Rehabilitation exercises and stretches
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
These treatments, combined with take-home guidance and strengthening exercises, can help your neck injury heal quickly and give you the tools to keep your good results and a healthy neck going forward.
Visit One of Our Southern Oregon Chiropractic Clinics for Neck Pain
At Total Performance, our chiropractors and therapists redefine the usual chiropractic process. We utilize numerous treatment modalities, physical therapy, and personal training to get your body recovered and strong as quickly and safely as possible.
We know you’re ready to return to your activities; let our team end your neck pain at the source so you can feel confident in your comfort and performance.
