Do you have a sore neck? It's common. Most people experience neck pain for similar reasons and they often also suffer from lower back pain as well (we'll be doing an article on lower back pain at a later date, stay tuned!). For the vast majority of people, neck pain is a result of constant muscle strain. Our neck has to support the heavy bowling ball on top of it, and it can take its toll over time. Learn about pain management at Health Wise.
Neck pain is a very common condition that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. Everyday life is not kind to our neck. You may be experiencing neck pain right now. Perhaps you're all too familiar with the onset of stiffness in your neck when you start to use your phone for too long or when you strain your neck from poor posture from working in front of the computer? Click here to learn what is the best sitting posture.
The important thing to understand is that neck pain rarely starts overnight. It evolves over time. It may be spurred by arthritis or a degenerative disease, poor posture, insufficient muscle strength, stress, or lack of sleep.
We see this condition at our clinic every day. We can help you with your neck pain right away! Click here to make a booking with us and together we can help you get rid of that persistent neck pain by treating the root of the problem. If you cannot find the time to make a booking, don't worry we've composed an article just for you. Take 5 minutes to read this article to see self-treatments for neck pain. Solve that pesky neck pain and feel better today!
Article Contents:
Neck Pain Symptoms
Neck Pain Symptoms
Let's start with a bit of background knowledge. Your neck and back are made up of small bones called vertebrae. The top seven bones in the spinal column help to form your neck and are called the cervical vertebrae. Between the vertebrae are discs of cartilage. The discs act as shock absorbers and give the spine flexibility. The spinal column supports the head and protects the spinal cord. This is the main structure that links the network of nerves throughout the body. Messages travel along this network sending signals, such as pain, to your brain. Let's take a look at the different neck pain symptoms.
Pain and stiffness
You may feel pain in the middle of your neck or on either side of your neck. You may also experience pain or weakness in your arms. Tension headaches can lead to the pain traveling to the back of your head and sometimes into your ears or behind your eyes. Muscle spasms can occur when the onset of this type of headache stems from the sudden stiffening of muscles.
Numbness or tingling
A nerve can become pinched when the muscles, bones, or tissues surrounding the nerve apply too much pressure upon it. As a result, you may feel numbness, pins, and needles, or a tingling sensation. The tingling sensation can be felt down your arms and fingers.
To get the best efficacy out of your neck pain treatment, visit our clinic Health Wise Chinese Medicine for an acupressure session. Our experienced practitioners will help you relieve your pain quickly, comfortably, and effectively. Click here to make a booking today.
Dizziness and blackouts
If you feel dizzy when you're looking up or turning your head, this may be due to the pinching of arteries that run alongside the spine. This can happen as a result of changes in your vertebrae, as the blood flow is temporarily reduced.
Neck Pain Causes
Many people develop a stiff and painful neck for no obvious reason. Yet, the real culprit of your pain often stems from routine muscle strain or sprain. It can be the result of holding your neck in the same position for too long. However, other things can also cause neck pain, such as:
1. Worry or stress.
2. Sleeping awkwardly.
3. Whiplash.
4. Sprain or a strain.
5. Flare-up of cervical spondylosis (the aging of spinal discs).
Neck Pain Self Treatments
Here are a few different types of neck pain self-help treatments that you can try at home.
Combining these simple self-help treatments along with a day or two of rest can often clear up the pain. Here are 3 meridian channels and acupoints we use in Chinese Medicine to treat cervical neck pain.
1. Pain in the middle of the neck (Pattern 1)
With your palm facing yourself, draw a line from the wrist (on the thumb side) all the way up towards the elbow and focus on the section close to the wrist. Use the pictures below for reference.
2. Pain on either side of the neck (Pattern 2)
With your palm facing yourself, draw a line from the wrist (on the little finger side) all the way up towards the elbow and also focus on the section close to the wrist. Use the pictures below for reference.
3. Massage the Scalp
The scalp reflects the whole body. Massage the middle and front part of the scalp that is close to the hair line.
Massage the most tender spots. Press and hold for 10-15 seconds, at the same time move the neck gently, then move on to the next tender spot and repeat.
Do this a few times a day, or whenever you start feeling the pain and tension flaring up again!
Do you want to learn a few more self-help treatments that you can do at home for fixing your neck pain? We've got you covered. Click here to learn more.
When to see a doctor? If your neck problem lasts more than few days, you should see a healthcare professional for treatment. Click here to make a booking with us at Health Wise and we can help you with your pain.
Learn More About Chinese Medicine
We hope you enjoyed this article. Here's another series of articles that we think that you may enjoy:
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