Every year, millions of people search for a way to find neck pain relief. Even though neck pain is temporary, it can become chronic without proper care.
Luckily, most of the time, you can treat your discomfort at home with simple healing methods. With the right knowledge and lifestyle modifications, muscle pain and tension in the neck can be alleviated.
Quick Takeaways
- Neck pain is experienced by 15% of adults in the US, making it one of the four most common types of chronic pain
- Discomfort is caused by inflammation or injury to the bones, ligaments and muscles that make up your neck
- Using a cervical traction machine is one of the most effective ways to stretch your muscles and find neck pain relief
- The application of ice to heal is centuries old and proven to minimize neck pain in just 20 minutes
The non-invasive, natural healing methods discussed below are not only healthiest for your body but often prove to be most helpful in achieving neck pain relief.
Learning about the cause of your neck pain will help you determine which healing method will be most effective in relieving your discomfort.
Understanding Your Neck Pain
Your neck is made up of bones, ligaments and muscles that provide support and mobility to your head. If these elements become inflamed or injured, you’ll likely experience neck pain or stiffness.
In most cases, neck pain isn’t a serious condition and relief can be found in just a few days. Although, if you have experienced a serious injury or illness, it’s important that you seek a doctor’s care.
To find neck pain relief, you must first assess the cause of your symptoms and find the method of healing that works best for you.
Causes
Pain or stiffness in the neck can occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of discomfort are:
- Muscle tension and strain
- Injury
- Heart attack
- Meningitis
- Osteoarthritis
- High stress and anxiety
- Concussion
- Poor posture
If you have not experienced any of the causes listed above, your neck pain could be more serious than expected. Be sure to consult your doctor to understand what may be causing your discomfort.
Symptoms
If you’ve experienced one or more of the causes above, you may experience one or more of the symptoms below associated with neck pain.
- Stiff neck
- Sharp pain
- Numbness
- Headache
- Decreased mobility
These symptoms are common and should not raise serious concern. Below, you’ll learn about treatments and devices that can help treat these symptoms and find relief.
Treatments and Devices
To make sure your condition doesn’t worsen, it’s important that you find neck pain relief as soon as possible. The methods discussed below are proven to reduce discomfort caused by muscle strain and inflammation.
Stretching
Carefully stretching your neck muscles can not only help relieve pain and stiffness, but also prevent it from happening again in the future. Stretching gently and slowly is key to ensure you don’t cause further injury.
Stretches to relieve pain are simple and can be performed at home. Watch the video below to learn basic stretching techniques that can provide neck pain relief.
In addition to simple exercises, you can also receive the benefits of stretching from a cervical traction unit. Cervical traction works by stretching the muscles and spine, relieving pain and pressure.
The main benefits of this treatment include:
- Relaxed joints and muscles
- Alleviated pain from spasms and sprains
- Enhanced alignment of the spine
- Improved mobility & posture
One of the best cervical traction units is the Theratrac Glide Neck Traction Device. This machine focuses on reducing pressure and providing neck pain relief while maintaining user comfort.
Enjoy the short video below to learn more about how this machine provides neck pain relief.
Massaging
Gently pressing around painful areas can help soothe muscles and alleviate tension in the neck.
Working with a trained practitioner will help target specific areas that need relief. Although, whether you buy an electronic neck massager or book an appointment at the spa, massaging the area will stimulate blood flow and help reduce pain.
For best results, use this treatment in conjunction with other methods recommended by your doctor.
Cold Therapy
Ice is proven to help reduce inflammation by lowering blood flow to an area, ultimately providing neck pain relief.
The application of ice to an injured area:
- Soothes strained or torn muscles
- Promotes a quicker healing process
- Provides instant pain relief
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, ice should be applied to soft tissue injuries for 20 minutes several times a day. One of the most effective ways to receive healing benefits of ice is from a cold therapy machine.
Convenient and versatile, the Polar Care Kodiak is a great unit for neck pain relief. This cold therapy machine is easy to enjoy and has a compact design that makes it perfect for both in-home use and travel.
In addition to pain relief and accelerated healing, cold therapy can also:
- Speed up metabolism
- Improve sleep quality
- Heighten focus
- Strength immune system
If you’re interested in natural healing methods, consult your doctor to see if the Breg Polar Care unit is right for you.
Acupuncture
This form of Chinese medicine has been practiced for thousands of years to relieve stress, tension and pain.
Acupuncture is performed by inserting thin needles through the skin to stimulate specific areas of the body. Studies show that by doing so, the body’s natural painkillers are activated and the brain can better process pain.
Acupuncture is also believed to help with:
- Anxiety and depression
- Allergies
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Strokes
- Morning sickness
- Osteoarthritis
When seeking benefits of acupuncture, you must consult a licensed practitioner. If you’re looking to gain similar benefits without a professional, you can gently massage the acupressure points on your hand depicted below.
To learn more about how acupressure can provide neck pain relief, continue reading here.
Find Relief Today
It’s hard to fully enjoy your life when you’re searching for neck pain relief. Talk to your doctor about your neck pain to determine which healing method is best for you.
When you’re ready to take action, OrthoBracing can provide support. Visit orthobracing.com today to find all the devices needed to get back to pain-free living!
- 4 Best Neck Stretches for Immediate Relief
- 7 Best Cold Therapy Machines for Faster Recovery Times
- Top Benefits of Cold Compression
- What is Cryotherapy? Benefits & How to Do It At Home or a Clinic
