Neck pain usually results in dull or sharp pain in the shoulder and neck areas. It can also cause difficulty while eating, numbness, stiffness, and headache, making even the simplest of tasks seem daunting. Neck pain can be caused by bad sleeping postures, stress and/or tension, bad body postures, and hours of leaning or sleeping on an excessively soft pillow or mattress. Muscle tension and injury in the neck are the leading causes of neck pain today.
If you suffer from frequent neck pain, you know it can be confusing to get the right way to get rid of the problem and resume your normal life. Visits to your physical therapist is time-consuming and costly and medications may simply dull the pain without eliminating the problem. Here are some of the best natural remedies for neck pain:
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For Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief Try The Neck and Shoulder Relaxer
The neck and shoulder relaxer is a simple portable device that offers the numerous benefits of cervical traction for relieving neck pain. It helps relieve muscle tension and neck pain in as little as 10 to 15 minutes a day. A Neck relaxer is an affordable device that helps the muscles stretch and relax while allowing the intervertebral muscles to gradually expand and allow better circulation.
Better circulation and blood flow help to oxygenate nerves, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, thus increasing mobility and decreasing pain. Therefore, besides relieving neck pain, the neck relaxer also helps relieve headaches, reduce herniated discs, relieve overall pressure and release pinched nerves. Cervical traction involves stretching and relaxing the neck muscles in order to increase circulation and blood flow.
Unlike most cervical traction devices which are hard to use on a regular basis, the neck hammock can be used consistently because it’s easily portable and takes only 10 minutes to be effective. This makes it easy to treat and cure neck pain naturally no matter where you are.
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Exercises
Doing stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve neck pain by reducing stiffness and making your neck strong and flexible. Poor stomach muscles often cause the upper back to curve backward and this can cause your neck to curve forward. Simple exercises such as knee curls can help strengthen your abdominal muscles and relieve neck pain. Other exercises that can help relieve neck pain include:
- Nodding your head slowly from side to side and then start nodding forward and backward.
- Once your neck and shoulder muscles start feeling less tense, turn your head completely towards the right, and then completely towards the left. Take it slow because this might result in slight discomfort.
Repeat this simple exercise for 20 to 30 repetitions every few hours and the pain or stiffness in your neck will vanish.
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Essential Oils
You’ll need:
- A few drops of warm olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil
- 1 teaspoon of lavender oil
- 1 teaspoon of cypress oil
- 1 teaspoon of basil oil
Instructions:
Make a blend of the oils and gently massage it on the neck for about 3 minutes at least twice per day.
Why does it work?
Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory properties and a relaxing effect on the muscles. It is commonly used to treat body pain including headaches and neck pain. Basil oil is analgesic and antispasmodic in nature and will help reduce neck pain. Lavender oil helps relax the muscles and the mind, thus relieving physical and/or mental stress. Cypress oil effectively treats sore muscles and muscle cramps. It aso helps stimulate lymph and blood circulation.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
You’ll need
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- A tissue or paper napkin
Instructions:
Soak the napkin in vinegar, place it on your neck, and leave it for an hour.
Repeat this at least twice a day until the pain slips away for good.
Why does it work?
ACV is a great natural remedy for neck stiffness and pain. The anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants present in Apple cider vinegar will relieve the stiffness and stress in your neck muscles and eventually reduce neck pain.
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Use a good pillow
The type of pillow you choose should be determined by your sleeping habits. The best pillow for side sleepers should not allow the head to drop down towards the shoulders while sleeping. It should support the head and keep the neck and head in a straight line. On the other hand, back sleepers should consider a contour pillow with a comfortable conclave place for the head to rest. A conclave pillow helps relieve neck pain by keeping the head and neck in a supported but relaxed position.
Sleeping on the stomach is one of the primary causes of neck pain. Therefore, if you’re experiencing frequent neck pain as a result if sleeping on your stomach, it is time to change your sleeping position.
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Wishing you all wellness and a good night’s sleep!
