7 Natural Remedies to Relieve Neck Pain

As an upper cervical chiropractic doctor in Kembangan, Singapore, I see an increasing number of patients seeking help to relieve neck pain. Neck pain can arise as a result of bad habits and posture, or a specific incident such as a slip and fall or a sports injury. According to the Workplace Safety and Health Institute, Singapore loses $3.5 billion annually on ergonomic problems like neck pain. 

How to Ease Chronic Cervical Pain

Neck pain usually resolves on its own within a couple of days. However, in some more stubborn cases, the pain persists longer and may require self-care and an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication. Neck pain becomes a big problem when it begins to get in the way of your daily activities. Those with chronic neck pain must adjust how they do their jobs and perform tasks such as driving a car and several other things that those without neck pain can do without a second thought.  Do not wait for your neck pain to become a chronic health issue that you have to deal with every day. There are natural, simple things you can do to relieve your neck pain and keep your upper cervical spine in good condition. Below are tips that can give you a head start toward feeling better.

• Sleep in the proper position

Sleeping on your stomach can be contributing to chronic neck pain. Stomach sleepers have their heads turned to one side throughout the night, putting undue strain on the neck. Consider switching your position and sleep on your back to alleviate the stress on your neck. Also, use a thinner pillow with built-in support for the neck. If you’re a side sleeper, your spine should be parallel with the mattress, and you can achieve this by using a pillow that is higher under your neck than it is under your head. Choose a pillow that’s a bit taller and firmer. Regardless of your sleeping position, we recommend keeping your spine in a neutral position. 

• Keep your computer and gadgets at eye level

Many of us spend long hours behind a screen. In your workplace, make sure you set up your computer workstation correctly to not force your head into an unnatural position. Place your computer monitor at eye level. If it sits too low, you will need to crane your neck forward and down to see it. To apply this, you can stack a few books beneath your computer screen to raise it. When you use your smartphones and tablet, also keep them at eye level.

• Allot time to stretch

If you experience neck stiffness or soreness, doing some gentle range of motion stretches can loosen your tense muscles and return the neck’s normal movement. Without using force, try to look up and down; turn your head left to right, and move your head from side to side.  Your neck should be able to achieve these wide ranges of motion.  Drink lots of water Each vertebra of the spine has discs that serve as shock absorbers. Your discs are made up of about 80% water, so drinking enough water throughout the day makes the discs properly hydrated and healthy. How much water should you be drinking? About 8 glasses of water per day, depending on your weight and how much you exercise or sweat. It will benefit you to carry a water bottle or to set a reminder on your phone. Make it a habit to drink a full glass of water at specific times of the day, like upon waking up in the morning, or when you sit down during a meal. 

• Try ice or heat therapy

Doctors recommend ice or heat therapy for neck pain. If you have a brand-new neck injury or pain, apply an ice pack on it to reduce the swelling and control the pain. Ice is most effective when you use it within the first 48 hours. On the other hand, if you have a neck injury older than a few days, apply heat to increase blood circulation and raise skin temperature. Heat is great for stiff neck and chronic pain.

• Choose your seats wisely

No matter what we do for a living, nearly all of us spend most of our time sitting. If possible, choose an office chair with support in the right places so that you don’t have poor posture while sitting. When you’re driving your car or at home relaxing, use a neck-specific pillow or a headrest for added support to your neck. It reduces your neck strain and keeps your neck in a more neutral position.

• Try upper cervical chiropractic care

Upper cervical chiropractic is a unique treatment for neck pain. It relieves neck pain naturally by focusing on the topmost vertebrae in the neck, the atlas and axis. These vertebrae enable most of the head’s movements and happen to be the most susceptible to misaligning. Upper cervical chiropractic care adjusts the bones of the upper neck to correct any misalignment and help patients overcome neck stiffness or inflammation. Upper cervical adjustments are customized to each patient’s needs and require only low force to accomplish positive outcomes. They should hold in place for as long as possible, allowing the body to heal naturally over time.

A Natural Fix for Neck Pain

If you have been enduring chronic neck pain for a long time, visiting us here at Vitality Chiropractic Centres in Singapore is the next logical step. As an experienced chiropractor for neck pain in Singapore, our objective is to help you address the root cause of your neck pain rather than give a band-aid solution for your symptoms. We have been successful in helping many chronic sufferers relieve neck pain, achieve lasting, natural relief. You might be just a few gentle adjustments away from being pain-free!   Since 2013, Upper Cervical Chiropractor, Dr. Shaan Rai helped patients achieve greater health, relocating to Singapore in 2016 and founding Vitality Chiropractic Centres. He has an impressive track record in providing relief and solutions for people who experience nerve system problems, such as headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo or neurological conditions. Take your life back. For a Complimentary, no-obligation call with the Doctor or to book a Consultation, call +65 8438 9550 or email help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com to find out if we can help you at our Chiropractic Clinic in Singapore.   References: https://www.coreconcepts.com.sg/article/ergonomics-problems-neck-pains-cost-singapore-3-5-billion-year/