Let’s Talk About Your Neck Pain
Do you work a desk job? Have you been in a recent car accident? Maybe you just text a lot and you’re constantly looking down at your phone. Depending on the cause, neck pain can come in a variety of different forms and severities. If you’re reading this, chances are you know this kind of pain well, and it’s not just central to the neck, but can affect the shoulders and even cause headaches! It can be in one spot or it can fan across your whole upper body, including the arms. You may also experience numbing of the arms, muscle weakness and mobility issues. YIKES!
Here are some all-natural methods that may be able to help you out:
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Not only does inflammation make your muscles more susceptible to pain and injury, but it can also slow down the healing process. Consider adopting an anti-inflammatory diet that will do the body good.
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Wild-caught salmon
- Bone broth
- Healthy fats like organic, unrefined coconut oil
- Probiotic foods (yogurt)
- Fermented foods
ICE Therapy
For tension and muscle soreness, ice therapy is a great form of pain relief! Cold restricts blood flow and reduces inflammation and swelling. Don’t put bags of ice or packs directly on the skin, instead, wrap it in a soft towel and set it on the area for no longer than 20 minutes a session!
Essential Oils
Depending on what kind of pain it is, there are lots of options to choose from. Here are only a few!
-
- Peppermint Oil: Cooling and anti-inflammatory
- Lavender Oil: Relief from pain and swelling
- Sandalwood: Tension relief
Bedtime Neck Support
The kind of pillow you use has the ability to hurt or strain your neck. Invest in one that’s firmer and effectively supports the head, while contouring the neck and shoulders.
The Text Neck Stretch
A common reason for neck pain? Excessive texting! As you look down at your phone, it can push your head forward and hunch your shoulders, putting strain on your spine. Ouch! For a quick stretch:
- Sit or stand with your hands behind your head.
- With your elbows out, slowly squeeze your shoulder blades back.
- Bring your head and shoulders backward, arching the upper middle back.
- Hold this position for 10-20 seconds and then slowly release.
See A Chiropractor
A chiropractor utilizes the chiropractic adjustment to manipulate the spine back into optimal alignment—taking pressure off the nerves and allowing the body to function at its best!
To discover how chiropractic care can be helpful for you, visit us, The Madison Clinic, located at 4950 Yonge St. North York, or contact us, at 416-222-8235. Other services include physiotherapy, naturopathic medicine, active rehab and massage therapy.