Neck pain can be a constant issue, interrupting you at work and making it difficult to relax. There are several pain management tips to try at home, and you must be careful so you don’t cause further injury. Use the following as a guide for a swift recovery and to ensure you receive the care you need.

Do:

Stretch.

The cause of much neck pain is muscle strain and tension. Poor posture while working at a computer is a common culprit. Reduce tension by stretching. Slowly turn your head side to side, holding for 10 seconds. Then, tilt your head to touch your ears to your shoulders. Next, bring your chin to your chest and hold. It’s important to do all of these slowly, and if you experience sharp pain, stop right away.

Use ice and heat.

If neck pain is related to an injury, use ice and heat to help with inflammation and pain. In the first days, ice your neck for 15 minutes. Take a 15-minute break after. If a few days pass and you still need pain management, use the same method, but with a heat pack or heated neck wrap.

Don’t:

Rely on pain-killers.

If you’re taking over-the-counter pain-killers like ibuprofen every day to manage pain and inflammation, it’s time to consider professional care. These medications are meant to aid in acute pain recovery, but not to serve as a primary treatment.

Wait to see a professional.

If neck pain or stiffness continue for more than a week or worsen, you’ll need to see a chiropractor. They will take a close look at your spine and the sensitive muscles and tendons in the neck to see what’s causing the issue. It may be rooted in a deeper injury, such as whiplash, that requires focused treatment to recover fully. A chiropractor will make a personalized treatment and pain management plan to get you back to normal.

If neck pain and other joint issues are a common problem, the professionals at O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates will assist. They’re proud to serve St. Charles County, MO, and provide comprehensive pain management and rehabilitation services. A chiropractor and physical therapist will closely diagnose the issue and create a custom treatment plan for a successful recovery. Call (636) 978-3000 to schedule a consultation and connect on Facebook for more health tips. You can explore their practice further online.