The neck takes a beating in everyday life. The pain you experience in your neck and shoulders, spending hours at a computer or cradling the phone to your ear, may be all too familiar. The onset of neck discomfort is usually gradual. As a rule, it develops over time. If you suffer from Memorial Area neck pain, you may want to try these suggestions for treatment and prevention.
Try a water pillow
One of the most common complaints from those who suffer from chronic neck pain is that it prevents them from sleeping or makes their symptoms worse in the morning. While there is no “best” pillow for neck pain, certain individuals have found that using a water pillow greatly helps. You can change the quantity of water in a water pillow to change its firmness. Adding more water makes the pillow harder while decreasing the amount of water makes the cushion softer.
Pay attention to how you sleep
Pay attention to how you are sleeping if you have neck pain. Avoid sleeping on your stomach and stick to the side or back. Stomach sleepers often spend the night with their heads twisted to one side or the other. If you don’t have adequate support, sleeping on your stomach might harm your lower back since your stomach will sink into the bed.
Consider cognitive behavioral treatment
It is irritating when prescribed treatments for chronic neck pain don’t alleviate the discomfort or appear to have any effect. The coping skills you learn from a cognitive behavioral therapist may be useful. You may have greater success with your neck pain treatment strategy if you adopt some new tactics for increasing your positive outlook.
Although research on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for neck pain has been mixed, some patients have reported improvement after participating in the program. Mindful meditation and writing are other techniques that a cognitive behavioral therapist may recommend.
Put some heat on it or some cold on it if it hurts
Initially, apply ice for up to 72 hours before switching to heat. You may use a heating pad, a hot shower, or hot compresses to provide heat. Avoid burns by not dozing off with a heating pad or ice bag on your skin.
Check-in with a physiotherapist
Physical therapy is often thought of as a treatment to aid in recovery from specific injuries, including those sustained in sports or car accidents. While this is true, physical therapy for the neck can also provide additional advantages, including but not limited to:
- Finding the causes of pain and stiffness, such as bad posture or habits.
- Helping you learn preventative measures against future harm.
- Targeted workouts to strengthen the weak links in the neck.
See whether your doctor thinks physical therapy might help your persistent neck discomfort.
While a sore neck is usually nothing to worry about, you should see a doctor if it is accompanied by other symptoms like pain radiating down your arm or leg, weakness, or numbness. Contact Expert Pain if your neck is bothering you.
