What to Do When You’re Experiencing Neck Pain

Everyone has experienced neck pain at least once in their life, whether they slept in a funny position or just happened to move wrong. It can be excruciating—neck pain can cause headaches as well as a loss of productivity. When you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s important to treat the problem as soon as possible so that you minimize the chances of exacerbating the problem and experience neck pain relief in Napa County, CA as soon as possible.

Neck sprain symptoms

If your neck feels worse than usual, you may be experiencing a neck sprain, which can range from mild to severe.

Neck strains are caused by muscles being twisted or forced into unusual or painful positions, whereas neck sprains are caused by joints forced out of their normal limits—think whiplash, falls, and severe twisting movements. However, they can result from a slow buildup of poor posture or sleeping positions as well. Sprains affect the ligaments, which hold the bones together at your joints.

The symptom of a neck sprain is pain, which is worsened by movement and is concentrated mostly in the back of the neck. Neck strains may cause pain in additional areas, mostly focused around the muscles of your neck and shoulders. You might also experience stiffness, a sore throat, swelling and trouble sleeping.

Bear in mind that after a traumatic injury, such as a car accident, the pain may take a few days to present itself. Wait at least 48 hours before you decide you’re unaffected.

Home remedies for neck pain

To combat neck pain at home, there are a few simple remedies you can try. However, if your pain is especially severe or if you have just suffered a traumatic injury, seek the care of a medical professional as soon as possible:

• Stretches: Roll your shoulders back and forwards, 10 times, then squeeze your shoulder blades together for 10 seconds at a time, 10 times. Slowly bring your ear to your shoulder 10 times, letting the muscles stretch naturally.
• Heat and ice: Ice reduces inflammation, while gentle heat can encourage muscles to stretch and loosen. Ice should be used for the first 48 to 72 hours, and heat thereafter.
• Don’t sleep on your stomach: Invest in a good ergonomic pillow and never sleep on your stomach, which can cause your neck muscles to twist uncomfortably.
• Massage: You can gently work out the knots yourself, or with the help of a partner. If you experience additional pain, stop at once.

Get neck pain relief in Napa County, CA with physical therapy

When you need neck pain relief in Napa County, CA fast, look to Focus Forward Wellness & Physical Therapy. We believe that physical therapy begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the cause or causes of pain and dysfunction for each client. We use a comprehensive approach to identify all of the contributing variables. After the assessment is made, goals are set by the client with the physical therapist, and a treatment plan is established to optimize healing. Call us today to set up your first appointment.

Categorised in: Neck Pain

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