With so many of us slouching our necks and gazing into computers and smartphones, most of the day, it’s no wonder that neck pain is a common affair. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 20 percent of us have experienced neck pain within the past three months.
A stiff neck occurs as a result of the weakening of muscles over time due to strain, poor posture, and misuse. Several causes like driving for long periods, lack of sleep, prolonged sitting, aging or injury can be attributed to neck pain. In this article, learn some easy tricks to set your neck right and ease neck pain.
Ayurveda and Neck Pain
The traditional practice of Ayurveda can be very effective to treat chronic neck pain and address its root causes.
According to Ayurveda, neck pain referred to as Greevastambh predominantly occurs due to vitiation of the Vata Dosha. When Vata gets aggravated it leads to stiff joints and constriction of organs.
In Ayurveda, the treatment for the same includes administration of oral drugs in the form of herbs to strengthen digestion and remove toxins from the blood. In addition, panchakarma treatment is also done to pacify Vata dosha and give strength to the muscles.
Along with it, a Vata pacifying diet is also recommended with warm foods like soups, cooked grains, khichdi and moist foods like ghee, coconut oil, buttermilk, olives, whole milk (preferably non-homogenized).
Remedies to Ease Neck Pain Naturally
Neck pain usually evolves over time and if ignored can lead to cervical spondylolysis, arthritis or degenerative disc. Here are some tips to take care of your neck pain:
1. Don’t Stay in One Position for Too Long
Bad posture is the prime reason for neck pain. So, don’t maintain the same position for a long time, get up and move around often to avoid getting your neck stuck in an unhealthy position. Ensure to make ergonomic adjustments to your seating posture if you sit and work for too long.
2. Stretch and Strengthen
Stretching exercises will get the muscles working and remove stiffness. Always make it a point to stretch your neck muscles every now and then. You can do this while you are even sitting down. Besides, you can also try Yoga to ease your neck pain with dedicated poses like cat stretch, cow pose, ear to shoulder pose and more.
3. Use Ice/Heat Therapy
Heat fomentation helps to soothe stiff joints and relax muscles. While cold packs help to numb sharp pain and reduce inflammation. You can apply ice or hit to relieve pain depending on the condition.
Or else, you can also try contrast therapy by combining both heat and ice on your neck. For example, combine a hot shower with a cold shower and alternate the timings. This will not just help relieve pain but also increase the blood flow and boost your immunity.
4. Increase Magnesium Intake
Magnesium is a mineral that helps in the contraction and relaxation of muscles. It is commonly found in green leafy vegetables, Celtic salt, whole grains, and organic soy. It can also be absorbed through the skin by taking a bath with Epsom salt. Also, ensure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
5. Use the Right Pillow
Using the wrong pillow while sleeping could also be a reason for your neck pain. Don’t use too many pillows and ensure to select the right firmness of the pillow to support your neck. The key is to find the right pillow with the right height, firmness according to the individual’s size, sleeping position, and personal preferences. You can also try a water pillow for its therapeutic effect to ease neck pain effectively.
6. Massage
Massage your neck with essential oils like lavender oil, castor oil along with menthol and camphor, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and marjoram. This will help your strained muscles relax and also help you de-stress after sitting a long time in the same position to finish a grueling task.
Generally, neck pain is not a serious condition if you recognize its early signs and take the right steps to prevent it. Alternative therapies and home remedies are very effective to treat neck pain and curb its root causes.