Cervical pain can be extremely frustrating and hard to manage, but it’s not necessarily something you must live with forever. You can do many things to alleviate your cervical pain and make it easier to cope with the other symptoms that come along with it, such as headaches and difficulty concentrating. This article will discuss ten proven ways to ease cervical pain, whether it stems from an injury or other factors.
1. Maintain a Supportive Posture
Sitting, standing and even sleeping with good posture can help alleviate chronic neck pain. With your back straight, tuck your chin slightly to maintain a naturally upright position throughout the day. Also, keep your neck in line with your spine; avoid craning it forward to look at a computer screen or tilting it backwards to read documents.
2. Visit your chiropractor
Visit your chiropractor, who can pinpoint any misalignments in your spine and do their best to fix them. While visiting your chiropractor is a good idea, taking steps on your own, like taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, is also essential. One study showed that these drugs might be as effective as going under the knife.
3. Use a heating pad
Heat therapy is one of the most effective ways to ease cervical pain. Heat stimulates blood flow to your muscles, making them more pliable and less tense. As a result, applying heat will reduce muscle spasms and help relax your neck. It’s essential to apply heat as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms—try using a heated pad set on low or soaking in a hot bath. You should also avoid cold treatments such as ice packs, which can irritate inflamed tissue and cause further irritation and inflammation.
4. Reduce exposure to EMF’s
Electromagnetic fields are everywhere these days, and they’re not always good for you. It is well known that EMF radiation can cause brain tumours, so anyone who uses a cell phone regularly or spends a lot of time talking on one should limit their exposure to electromagnetic radiation by using an air tube headset. If you don’t like those, you can also put a phone card in your ear to reduce some of that transmission.
5. Try essential oils
Several essential oils can ease tension and inflammation in your body. The two most popular essential oils for reducing cervical pain are lavender and chamomile. Try mixing them with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and rubbing it directly on your neck, shoulders, or even temples for a few minutes. Massage is also an effective way to stimulate blood flow to areas of pain, so take a little time out each day to give yourself some TLC!
6. Drink water instead of coffee and soda
If you need a caffeine boost, opt for some water first. At the same time, sodas and coffee dehydrate you, and water hydrates. Drinking water when you have a headache can help you feel refreshed and re-energized, which will lead to better concentration in your work. You’ll also think more clearly if your head isn’t throbbing with pain!
7. Eat anti-inflammatory foods (vegetables, fruits, fatty fish, nuts, seeds)
Eating a diet rich in healthy fats and plenty of fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce inflammation. Some people have found that following an anti-inflammatory diet for several weeks or months can ease pain and help prevent future issues. Here’s a list of foods that can are known to reduce pain:
Salmon
Turmeric
Tart Cherries
Ginger
Blueberries
Pumpkin Seeds
Virgin Olive Oil
Chili Peppers
8. Follow good ergonomic practices at work and home
Ergonomics refers to how our body interacts with our environment. Proper ergonomic use has significantly reduced injury and chronic pain (such as that experienced in neck and back conditions). Here are some practical tips for keeping your cervical spine healthy.
1. Work on a laptop, not a desktop
2. Do not hunch over your computer or phone when texting or talking on it
3. Use a neck supporting chair
4. Sleep by keeping a pillow between your knees
5. If you have to work at night, make sure that your room is well lit and that there is enough light coming in from outside so that your eyes do not strain from working in low light conditions
6. Don’t sit for too long without taking a break (especially if you are working with computers all day)
9. Exercise regularly (Yoga, Pilates, swimming, walking, etc.)
One of your best remedies for cervical pain is exercise. You can maintain a healthy weight and increase your overall fitness level when you exercise regularly. Keeping a healthy weight, in turn, will help ease neck pain by putting less pressure on your neck. As a bonus, exercise has also been shown to reduce stress levels, contributing to tension headaches. So get moving!
10. Stay focused on the present moment
Mindfulness is something of a buzzword these days. But what does it mean to be mindful? Simply put, being mindful means focusing your attention on what’s happening in the present moment without letting your mind wander. It’s a simple practice that can have powerful results. By staying focused on whatever you’re doing right now—eating dinner, walking to work, doing your laundry—you will prevent tension from building and help ease any stress or pain in your neck or back.
The Bottom Line
For some people, cervical pain can be persistent and difficult to manage. Cervical pain can make it difficult to work, play with your kids, and enjoy life. If you’re suffering from chronic cervical pain, you may be looking for some relief. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms and make your pain more manageable daily.
