Pain In The Neck? Natural And Drug-Free Ways To Get Relief
Chronic pain can at best be a distraction from your day to day tasks, and at worst cause irritability and depression. Neck pain is a common occurrence, with around 70% of people experiencing some form of neck pain during their lifetime. While pain killers can help to alleviate the severity of neck pain, they will only mask the symptoms and generally do nothing to eliminate the cause of the pain. Fortunately, there are drug-free and natural ways that you can get to the root of the problem and rid yourself of the proverbial pain in the neck.
See a chiropractor
Chiropractors specialise in correcting misalignments, or subluxations, of the vertebrae in your spinal column. Neck pain can be caused by misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck, known as the cervical vertebrae. It can also be referred pain caused by misalignment of vertebrae further down the spinal column in the thoracic or lumbar areas.
A chiropractor will give you a thorough initial examination, which generally includes x-rays, to identify which areas of your spine are misaligned. They will then treat the problem with adjustments, both manual and with the use of a mechanical activator, to realign the bones of the spine. The pain relief after an adjustment is often almost instantaneous, and with a series of adjustments over a course of weeks, can be eradicated entirely.
Take up Pilates
Pilates is an increasingly popular form of exercise that focuses on spinal alignment and core strength. Pilates can be performed using only a simple exercise mat, but also can utilise equipment such as resistance bands, fit balls, and hand weights. Some Pilates classes also use specialised machines, called reformers, which allow you to use resistance to enhance the core strength building effects of Pilates exercises.
Pilates can help relieve neck pain by teaching you how to use correct posture to keep your spine optimally aligned, and to help develop and strengthen the muscles which support your neck and spine. It also enhances your core strength, focusing on the role your abdominal muscles play in supporting and protecting the muscles, bones, and discs in your spinal system.
Neck pain can be mild, moderate, or severe, but whichever type you suffer from, you'll feel better once it's gone. Before you begin a series of doctor's appointments, medications, or even invasive surgeries, try out these two highly effective and completely drug-free ways to combat neck pain. They can both address the reason for your neck pain and give you the foundations for living a healthy and neck pain free life.