5 Steps to Fighting Neck Pain

Do you suffer from neck pain? Chances are you are one of the millions of Americans that suffer from it every day. There are many causes of neck pain including poor posture, car accidents, sports injuries, bad sleeping positions and stress to name a few. Below are some suggestions for things that you can do to help relieve your neck pain:

1. Stretch – Stretch your neck daily to relieve tension and pain. Start with bringing your chin to your chest to stretch the back of the neck. Then look up to the ceiling to stretch the front of the neck. Next, tip one ear toward the shoulder on the same side. Followed by doing the same with the opposite side. Hold your stretch in each of the 4 directions for 5 seconds each. Repeat this entire series 5 times.

2. Massage – Massage relaxes and balances tight muscles thereby decreasing pain.  It also increases circulation while flushing out toxins. In the following days after a massage, expect to see a decrease in your neck pain but also increased mobility and reduced stress overall.

3. Get a good cervical pillow. – A lot of pillows have a hump built into them. That hump is there to support the natural curvature of your neck. Use a good cervical pillow to relieve the pressure on your neck that might be causing your neck pain.

4. Correct your posture.- Many people sit at a desk all day with their head too far forward looking at a computer screen. The stress that this position places on the muscles, joints and the nerves of your neck often lead to neck pain. So watch your posture and get your head back and upright.

5. Chiropractic adjustments – Adjustments are able to normalize imbalances in the spine and thus release pressure off a nerve root causing neck pain. Typically more than one adjustment is necessary to stabilize neck pain, but many find considerable relief after the first adjustment alone.

If you or someone you know is suffering from neck pain, we may

be able to help you at Health Quest through chiropractic, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture or family medicine. Call us today to schedule an evaluation at 573-635-9655.

Yours in health,

Dr. Ted Tang D.C.