Age, prior injuries, activity level, and even your profession can lead to a stiff neck and subsequent pain on varying degrees. In previous years, reports indicated that around 15% of men and women had been affected by some type of stiffness or pain in their neck. Not only can it make completing your daily tasks challenging, but your sleep pattern could be suffering too.
Computer desk work, smartphones, and other technological advancements have people in a slumped over position for more extensive lengths of time. So the number of people that are reporting stiff necks is continuing to rise.
If you aren’t someone that sits in an office or uses a mobile device excessively, there are other causes. Poor posture, repetitive neck motions, stress, clenched jaw, osteoarthritis, or neck or spinal injury can lead to neck pain and stiffness as well.
Before applying any form of treatment for your neck, you should always consult with a medical professional. Prior approval from your doctor is necessary to ensure you don’t cause more harm than good by overworking these areas beyond the point they should be.
1. Prevention of Stiff Neck
The best way to treat stiff neck, or any medical issue for that matter, is preventing it from happening in the first place. If you spend a lot of time at a desk, you need to make your workspace more ergonomic. Ergonomics allows you to have a better posture, and it eliminates the added stress to the areas of your body where it is natural to sit in the same spot for extended periods. There are a plethora of products and devices on the market that can assist you in making this possible.
For example, this car neck pillow with memory foam cushion can be attached to your desk chair headrest. It gives you additional support for the head and cervical spine that would otherwise lead to pain and stiffness. It’s easy to travel with, and you can quickly move it from your work chair to your vehicle, to your favorite seat at home.
Other ergonomic additions for your workspace include a mouse, keyboard, mousepads, and various other office supplies. You should make sure that your desk and chair are adjusted so that you can sit with your feet flat on the floor with your knees a touch lower than your hips. Your arms should be level to the desk, and your back should be straight as well.
2. OTC Pain Relievers
Many people find relief from over-the-counter pain relief medications. Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and acetaminophen all have active ingredients that have proven effective in the treatment of stiff neck or pain.
3. Heat and Ice
Neck inflammation is often why you feel pain. To reduce the swelling, you can apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time several times throughout the day. Some patients find that alternating between ice and heat works more effectively. A warm bath is one source of heat application, or you can use a device like the cervical alignment chiropractic pillow with neck massager and heat and magnetic therapy.
The massage pillow is designed to provide support through a semi-circular curvature that fits correctly around the neck for traction and support. It gently cradles the neck and removes pressure while improving any misalignment at the same time. Massage and heat can be adjusted to suit your needs, and patients have found this a valid form of therapy for neck tension pain from herniated discs, poor alignment, pinched nerves, compressed discs, headaches, jaw pain, and more.
4. Exercise and Stretching
Gentle, slow, controlled stretching exercises help by reducing pressure and strengthening muscles for both treatment and prevention of pain and stiffness. There are several out there, and it’s always best to discuss with your doctor which is best for your condition. If you complete any sudden movements, you could wind up with a more severe injury. Before stretching, start with a warm compress or heating pad to loosen the area.
Some stretches you can begin with include:
- Slowly turning the head from one side to the other.
- Pressing the shoulder blades together and holding; release and repeat.
- Roll your shoulders in a circular motion backwards and forwards.
A neck head hammock cervical traction device is similar to exercising. It is capable of stretching out the spinal cord and muscles around the area for cooling, soothing relief. It allows for more oxygen flow, which leads to increased relaxation.
5. Stress Reduction
Stress is one of, if not the biggest, trigger when it comes to neck pain and stiffness. When you’re under stress, you naturally tense up your neck and shoulder muscles, many times without even realizing it. It’s your body’s way to put up a defense against whatever is making you feel this way. Everyone’s method for reducing stress is different, but some things or you to consider include:
- Listening to your favorite calming music or sounds
- Mediating
- Yoga
- Walking
- Taking a vacation
- Doing something involving your favorite hobby
- Getting a massage
- Using a massage neck pillow
Try out one or implement several into your daily routine, and you should start getting some relief from pain and stiffness within a short time.
Calling Your Physician
As mentioned, before practicing any of these five suggestions, you should always consult with your medical expert first. If your pain is so severe that you can’t complete your everyday tasks, you need to call and make an appointment right away.
In the event your stiffness or pain is a result of a car accident or other sudden impact, go to your local hospital right away. If your pain spreads from your neck down your arms and legs, if you have a chronic headache, or if you can’t move your legs, hands, or arms, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
Most often, minor neck pain and stiffness can be treated at home. When you have gotten your doctor’s approval for home treatment, and you aren’t seeing any improvements after a few days, or if things get worse, make another appointment for further recommendations.
Cervical Traction Pillow
Pros
- Innovative Design
- Reduce Pain and Headaches
- Effective for Chronic Neck Pain
- Counters Forward Head Posture
- Stimulate Natural Circulation in Your Neck
Cons
- Special Offer Is Limited Time Only