Neck Pain & Headaches

 

Neck Pain: Serious Problem, Simple Solutions

The neck pain pandemic affects millions of people across the world. It is a silent epidemic that spreads and grows when new technologies and pressures are added. We have transitioned into an economy with more desk workers and a less active lifestyle, which has resulted in a rise in neck pain among individuals. We’ve also become increasingly more reliant on medicines. What are we to do when there is so much information out there that it’s difficult to know what’s true and what isn’t? Let’s start with educating ourselves:

What Symptoms Accompany Neck Pain?

In some ways, neck pain is a condition all to itself. The symptom you experience is just that – pain in your neck. This problem can lead to stiffness and immobility in the neck. There is also the potential to experience pain in the shoulders and upper spine and even tension headaches, all of which result from neck pain.

What Causes My Neck Pain?

Neck pain can result from a variety of circumstances and stimuli. Consider these potential causes and note any which might apply to you:

• An excessively sedentary lifestyle
• A desk job with poor ergonomic Stress
• Strain from repetitive movement
• Injury or Residual Pain from Poor Recovery
• Poor Sleep Habits
• Shoulder Strain

What Can I Do For Relief At Home?

Home remedies vary in effectiveness and are never a complete cure for pain. In order for pain to be entirely alleviated, the cause would have to be found and eliminated. Then, any residual pain would have to be handled through therapy or recovery. Still, if you are waiting for your appointment with a medical expert, there are a few things you can do to help yourself.

• Exercise, Stretching, and Movement

  There are various exercises and types of stretching that you can do to try to help your neck loosen up and lengthen out. Yoga and pilates provide many good avenues for neck extension and release of stress. Simple, gentle movements of your neck may help, too. The important thing is to be sure that all movements are safe, especially following an injury. Consulting a doctor is your safest bet, even for this home remedy.

• Hydration & Proper Diet
  While these actions cannot cure you, they can certainly help. A poor diet and poor hydration can cause your muscles and bones to weaken. In order for your neck to be at its best, you will need to strengthen it from the inside out.
• Ice & Heat
  This solution will do no more than to numb the pain. If your pain is severe and you are waiting for your appointment with an expert, you may want to try this just to bide time and get through your day. Still, this is not a permanent solution.
• Removal of Cause(s)

  Probably the most useful solution, especially long term and even alongside medical treatment, is to remove or reduce the stimuli or circumstance that has caused your pain. If you believe your pain was caused from a desk job, try to better support your head and spine at work. If you may have strained it in a sport, be more cautious. If stress caused your pain, try to relax.

What Medical Treatments Are Available?

Reject the idea that you have to take side-effect laden narcotics or risky injections to feel better. Your best bet is to seek chiropractic treatment at Family Tree Complete Care. Here in Oklahoma City, we are situated in a convenient location and are ready to welcome new patients like you!