Kinky Neck? 5 Tips to Get Rid of That Neck Pain
Kinky Neck? 5 Tips to Get Rid of That Neck Pain
Is there a kink in your neck you’ve been trying to work out? Looking for a way to relieve neck stiffness without hours of therapy?
It’s winter, and that cold weather isn’t exactly relaxing for your achy neck muscles. In fact, an upcoming storm or significant change in weather can create all sorts of pain in your neck and back.
In this article, I will give you a few tips to get rid of that neck pain and relieve the stiffness at home or work.
How Does a Kink in the Neck Happen?
A crick or kink in the neck happens due to injury to the small vertebral bones in the cervical spine.
The neck is very susceptible to injury because the bones are small, and the joints provide tremendous motion without many supporting structures. These are a few of the reasons why whiplash is so common after a car accident or slip and fall.
A kink in the neck is often caused by one of the following:
· Placing your neck in an awkward position for an extended period, such as while sleeping.
· Sitting slumped in your chair or looking down at your phone for a long time.
· Stretching or lifting abnormally.
· Improper form while weight-lifting or running.
· A pinched nerve, infection, or arthritis.
5 Tips to Get Rid of That Pesky, Kinky Neck Pain
One of the most common reasons you have a kink in the neck is you slept wrong or suffer with poor posture. Here are five things you can do right now to fix the neck pain and relieve stiffness.
1. Try the 60-second fix, which involves kneading away the cramp-like sensation in your neck by following these steps:
a. Identify the exact spot of stiffness or soreness.
b. Firmly push into the spot with your fingers, as hard as you can tolerate. If you feel a sharp pain, stop immediately and call your provider or me. You’ll want to get that checked.
c. While you have pressure on the area, turn your head slightly in the opposite direction of the neck pain. Bend your neck diagonally and point your chin toward your armpit. Hold for 5 seconds.
d. Repeat those steps 20 times in a row, stretching your neck and upper back afterward.
2. Another option is to identify the acupressure points in your neck based on the pain’s location and use those to help massage out the kink.
3. Change your sleep and sitting positions. Invest in ergonomic furniture that will put less pressure on your neck and other muscles.
4. “Text neck” is a massive problem today. Please stop looking down at your phone so often and for so long.
5. Leverage movement. Stretching and exercising will go a long way to keeping your spine strong and healthy.
Can a Chiropractor Help?
Obviously, I’m going to say yes; however, I encourage you to try the tips above first before trekking to an office in the dead of winter (or any time, really).
If you’re having trouble getting past the stiff neck pain, call my office! We’ll set up a safe time for an appointment, and I’ll help you work out the kink in your neck.
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Sources:
Healthline – how to get rid of stiff neck
Healthline – Crick in the neck
Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy – Solve that Kink
Body Works Medical Center – Natural treatments for neck pain