Neck pain affects many people and can be quite uncomfortable and can also cause debilitating headaches. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help combat the uncomfortable feeling that comes with neck pain. Whether you decide to perform your own physical therapy or see a specialist, follow these tips to help you get relief:

Improving Your Situation

One of the main reasons for common neck pain is bad posture. Begin to think about how you sit during the day, and focus on keeping your shoulders back and your head straight. Slumping at your desk can put pressure on the shoulders and the muscles that hold the neck up, which results in neck strain and pain.

Get an ergonomic chair that will help encourage you to sit up straight. Walk around every hour or so if possible to help keep your back straightened, and walk with your shoulders rolled back. Doing neck rolls every half hour can also help.

If you find that neck pain persists after a few weeks of posture focus, try applying some heat therapy to your neck. A heating pad can help loosen your muscles and relieve pain. Work on strengthening your core muscles. The muscles of the abdomen can actually help to hold your spine up, resulting in better overall posture. Use an exercise ball to help you sit up straight by practicing your balance at home.

Getting Professional Help

Sometimes neck pain can be so persistent or severe that you will need the help of a physical therapist professional. A chiropractor may be able to help adjust the muscles in your neck and restore your spinal alignment. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor before you seek the help of a chiropractor or physical therapist. Another option to try is something called cervical traction. This process slowly and gently separates the spaces in the bones in your neck. This can relieve the pressure you may be feeling in your neck.

A professional physical therapist can work with you to ensure you perform good exercises yourself at home and even while at work. They can train you to work on strengthening the muscles of the neck, which should help to relieve the pain. Cervical pillows can help to keep your neck straight as you sleep. It is important to be very conscious of your posture both while awake and sleeping so you can pinpoint and identify the possible problems and causes of your neck pain. With practice, you should be able to get relief from neck pain.

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