According to statistics, about 10% of the adult population suffers from neck pain at some point, and more than 65% experience it once in their life. The most common causes of neck pain are excessive exercise, poor sleeping/sitting posture, sitting in the same position for a long time, and high levels of stress.
But there are ways to deal with it. We offer 6 easy and natural ways to say goodbye to your neck problems!
Say Goodbye to Neck Pain
For Recent/acute Pain: Apply An Ice Bag
Put a bag of crushed ice for about 15 minutes on the most affected part. Cold packs are most effective for acute pain involving swelling, as they help reduce blood flow by constricting blood vessels.
Never apply ice directly, always put it in a bag, as it prevents skin irritation and frostbite.
For Chronic Pain: Use Moist Heat
Heat small bags filled with rice or wheat in the microwave for about 2 minutes and apply to the affected part. Hold for 15 minutes. For best results, use in the morning upon waking and before exercising.
Taking a hot bath can also help. For best results, you can add Epsom salt to the water. The magnesium in Epsom salt relaxes and soothes tight muscles and tendons.
Turmeric
You can get the benefits of turmeric by seasoning your food with it or by drinking turmeric tea with honey. Turmeric contains a powerful antioxidant called curcumin. It also helps the body fight inflammation.
Food Rich In Vitamin B12
Consuming foods rich in vitamin B12 helps relieve pain by thickening the protective layer that lines the nerves so that they do not react to pain.
Neck Rotation Exercise
This 3-step exercise will not only relieve neck pain, but it will also help strengthen your neck muscles:
- Twist your neck in a circular motion. Do this 3 times.
- Move your head to the left side. Go as far as you can and turn your head to the right. Do this 3 times.
- Rock your neck back and forth. Do this 3 times.
Towel-pull Exercise
Incorrect posture when sitting and staying on the phone for long periods is the leading cause of neck pain and headaches. This pain caused by the bulge of the head can be effectively combated by taking the following steps:
Roll a towel and place it around your neck, holding the ends with your hands. Reposition your head behind the bump and move your chin toward your neck (not toward your chest).
Pull the band a little tighter while tensing your muscles. Hold the position until the muscles start to feel a little tired.
Have you ever had to fight neck pain? If not, you’re in luck and we hope you’ll share your secret in the comments! For those struggling with occasional neck pain, we hope that our recommendations will help prevent these problems.
If they work for you, we recommend that you make these changes to your long-term lifestyle.
