When Your Neck Hurts

Many times our necks hurt and ache. Believe it or not, this is quite a common complaint, and one that we can help alleviate by using a few simple "exercises" and neck care tips. Following, I've included some information and care tips for your convenience:

Our heads are supported by muscles found in the upper back and neck. We are usually wrestling with supporting around 8 pounds or so, and don't even know it! Things we do on a daily basis can put extra strain on our already working muscles, and a few of those are: stress and tension, working at a computer monitor for even a short length of time, sitting in a vehicle or even at a desk at school or work, of course, bad posture, bad sleeping positions or beds, and trying to carry heavy loads that make your body "off balance" or wabbly.

Tips That Help:

You can swim! Swimming is a gentle exercise that actually helps to strengthen all the muscles in the neck and upper back.

You can receive a heat massage, and apply heat to the affected area.

You can do a few gentle stretching exercises, and then rest the neck muscles by lying down.

Your blood flow can be increased by using heat in the area and on the muscles. Some ways to do this may be to take a warm bath, place heat packs on the neck, warm mud packs, and possibly spending some time in a sauna or hot tub.

If Your Injury Is Severe, Heat Should NOT Be Applied! The Same Goes For Muscles In The Area That Might Be Inflamed! CALL YOUR DOCTOR!

Performing isometric exercises can help with the problem as well. Ex. Hold your hands together behind your neck and push your head gently, but firmly against them for a count of 3. Stop the pressure, and try to concentrate on relaxing the muscles. Now, do the opposite, press your head forward against your clasped hands and count to 5. Release this and relax. Do these exercises for 3 to 5 repetitions. If You Feel Any Pain In The Neck Or Surrounding Area, DO NOT CONTINUE! CALL YOUR DOCTOR!

To help alleviate stress which may be the cause, be sure to gently shrug your shoulders, roll your neck slowly from left to right, and right to left. DO NOT ROLL IT BACKWARDS OR IN A COMPLETE CIRCLE! Very, very slowly bend your neck to the right (as if to bring your ear to your shoulder), and repeat this to the left, (AGAIN, If You Feel Any Real Pain, STOP And CALL YOUR DOCTOR!)

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