Neck pain can be caused by many things, such as extended hunching, jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or holding your head down too far when reading books and screens. Whatever the reason, muscles in the neck become strained and tired, resulting in pain.
Neck pain is one of the most common reason’s a person goes to find a local Vancouver chiropractor, who can perform muscle manipulations and assign preventative techniques to help relieve the symptoms. Here are a few examples of care tips that may help a person to relieving pain within the neck.
Stretches
As neck pain is primarily caused by sore and tired muscles, stretching these muscles throughout the day can help from stiffness and soreness from settling in.
A good example of a neck stretch is to stand or sit with a relaxed stance and posture, then (while keeping your shoulders down) bring your left ear to your shoulder, holding for ten seconds. You should feel a gentle pull on the neck on the opposite side while you do this. Return to your starting position before repeating on your alternate side. Repeat these three to four times daily.
Muscle Strengthening
Like stretches, performing certain exercises can help you to strengthen your neck and chin, allowing them to withstand more strain without weakening.
A great neck strengthening exercise is a chin tuck, which is performed by either laying down on the ground or by standing in place. Then, with a neutral posture, pull your chin down, pushing in as if you were trying to create a double chin. Hold this position for ten seconds before releasing, repeating three times daily.
Keep Your Body Moving
One of the most important things you can do for your neck (and your body as a whole) is to not stay in one stationary position for too long, regardless of if it is standing or seated position. Being stationary in either pose for too long can be negative for your health.
If your day-to-day requires extended sitting, ensure you take several walking and standing breaks throughout the day. Likewise, if you find yourself stationary on your feet for long periods, such as standing behind a cash register or a security guard position, be sure you take moments out of the day to get off your feet.
Seeking a Chiropractor
Many types of neck pain are usually temporary and correct themselves once adjustments have been made to the daily routine. However, for chronic or persistent cases of neck pain, seeing a chiropractor can help you with techniques such as muscle stimulation, joint mobilizations, spinal adjustments, electronic stimulation, and more.
Always ensure you are seeing a registered healthcare professional and never attempt chiropractic care on yourself or by somebody unqualified.