Neck pain could happen to any of us, but it has become more prevalent in women than in men. Research shows that they are 1.38 times more likely than men to go through neck pain than men. This is due to cervical degenerative disease. This condition is one of the most common causes of neck pain. This inflicting pain has caused a lot of problems for women and has affected their daily lives. However, if you have found yourself being a victim of this condition, there are ways you can find help. Here are four ways you can treat your condition.
Neck Exercises or Manual Therapy
If you have neck cramps, you can try doing some stretches with your neck. Doing occasional stretches in your neck is a great way to alleviate pain. Try moving your head from left to right to avoid stiffness. You could also try raising your head or doing neck rolls.
Manual therapy is another good form of neck pain treatment. This treatment is performed mostly with the hands. The goals for this treatment include relaxation, decreased pain, and increased flexibility. Some of the techniques that it includes are:
- Massage- Pressure is applied to the soft tissues of the body. It also relaxes muscles and eases pain.
- Mobilization- Slow, measured movements are used to mobilize bones and joints into position to loosen tight tissues.
- Manipulation- Pressure is applied to a joint with hands or a special device.
A lot of these techniques are usually performed by a physical therapist or a chiropractor.
Prescription Medication
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication for chronic neck pain. You may get some medication to help you sleep or relax your neck muscles. If you feel you need these, you could also ask your doctor about taking any acetaminophen such as Tylenol. An anti-inflammatory medicine could also relieve neck pain.
Home Treatments
In addition to physical therapy and medication, you could also opt for at-home treatments such as an ice pack. You can try applying an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. A heating pad is another good option for your condition. You can do even better by opting for a warm shower in place of one session with the heating pad. Single-use heat wraps could last up to 8 hours.
Change your Habits
Your daily habits also play a big role in the health of your neck. If your lifestyle isn’t healthy, your neck will be badly affected. Make a daily habit of stretching your body every morning. Be more aware of how you sit at your computer. Change the way you sleep to avoid serious neck cramps.
Experiencing neck pain is always a bad thing. But if you follow these suggestions, you may start to have the pain relief from your neck you always wanted. If you’ve experienced some severe neck pain, how do you treat your condition? Share your best advice on treating neck pain. As usual, like or share this post with the next woman you know.
Excellent article, many things can cause neck pain and can be easily eradicated.