Many people experience some degree of neck pain, often as a result of stress, poor posture, or misalignment. Other health care issues that can result in neck pain include arthritis and soft-tissue injuries like whiplash. Fortunately, with a few stretches and simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce this discomfort. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. 

4 Health Care Tips to Help Relieve Neck Pain

1. Up & Down Neck Tilts

Even slight stretching increases mobility in the neck, relaxes tense muscles, and reduces pain. A neck tilt is a simple move that can produce noticeable results. Sit down, look straight ahead, and lower your chin to your chest, holding for five seconds so you feel a gentle stretch in the back of the neck. Move the head back up to eye level and repeat the exercise five more times.

2. Side-to-Side Neck Tilts

This stretch is a bit more intensive than a standard neck tilt, but it can offer quick relief for neck pain. Sit down, look straight head, and slowly move the head in the direction of the right shoulder, leading with the ear. Hold the stretch for five seconds, come back up to an upright position, and stretch the other side. Repeat this five times.

3. Downsize Your Pillows

Sleeping on too many pillows can put undue stress on the neck and limit mobility. If you're waking up with a stiff and painful neck, the culprit is likely the number of pillows you're using. Only utilize what you need to feel comfortable and supported. According to health care professionals, the goal is for your neck to remain relatively straight during sleep.

4. Position Screens at Eye Level

From phones and tablets to PC monitors, most people spend the bulk of the day immersed in a screen. Unfortunately, it's common practice to constantly look down at a screen, placing pressure on the neck and causing tightness and discomfort. Instead, always work with your computer screen at eye level, and when using a smartphone or tablet, hold or prop it up so your neck can remain as upright as possible.

If lifestyle changes don’t relieve your neck pain, contact the experts at Spectrum Healthcare. Their team of integrated health care professionals serves patients throughout Habersham County, GA, with a range of treatments for neck discomfort, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, and pain management solutions. Call (706) 778-0077 to schedule an appointment with the team today, or visit the website to learn more about their services.