It’s been several days, and nothing seems to help you feel better. Your neck pain just won’t subside, and it’s making you miserable. Unlike some aches and pains that come and go, neck pain tends to linger and can be more difficult to get rid of. Why is that? In this post, you’ll learn four reasons that neck pain can present a challenge and what you can do to fight back with the help of a chiropractor.
There Usually Isn’t Just One Cause Behind Neck Pain.
To stabilize and turn your head, your neck has a complex system of muscles and other tissues. As a result, it is rare that there is only one reason for neck pain. It usually manifests over time and is the result of an accumulation of factors. As a result, treatment may not be as simple as you think or hope it will be. It may require several treatment approaches to fully resolve the problems behind your neck pain.
You Aren’t Doing the Right Stretches.
Unfortunately, neck pain is not going to fade away on its own. It’s likely going to take some effort on your part through the use of cold and hot therapy and stretches through the day. Stretching can help your muscles stay loose and flexible, help you maintain proper posture, and relieve some of the pain you may be experiencing.
One commonly recommended stretch is to stand or sit straight looking forward. Gently tilt your head to the right and touch your ear to your shoulder. Repeat with the left side. Doing this stretch and others on a regular basis can help with your neck pain.
You Aren’t Staying Active.
Being active plays an important role in preventing pain throughout the body, including the neck. Although you probably don’t specifically work on your neck while you’re at the gym, there are muscle groups you can focus on that can help support your neck and head. For instance, you could work on strengthening your upper back and shoulders to reduce the strain in your neck.
You’re Trying to Handle Neck Pain Alone.
As helpful as at-home care can be, it’s often not enough to get rid of neck pain. You need the assistance of a highly trained chiropractor to help diagnose and treat these issues if you want faster and longer-lasting results. Plus, this professional can teach you how to manage your neck pain at home and how to do certain beneficial stretches.
In the end, neck pain may be more complex, but that doesn’t mean it’s insurmountable. By taking action both at home and with a chiropractor, you can overcome neck pain and keep it from interfering with your everyday life.
About the Author
Dr. Zinovy Chukhman has more than 20 years of clinical experience in chiropractic care. He is certified with the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners for physical rehabilitation and is proficient in many techniques, including Graston, Diversified, and more. If you have persistent neck pain, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Chukhman at AlignRight Chiropractic through his website.