How to Cure Neck Pain (Cericalgia)

Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is one of the most common problem, affecting almost two-thirds of the global population at some point in their lives.

Its felt in the neck but could be due to numerous spinal problems. It surfaces due to tightness of muscles in the neck or upper back or pinching of nerves emanating from the cervical vertebrae.

Head is supported by the lower neck and upper back and these areas are the primary reasons of neck pain. The top 3 joints in neck are responsible for most movement in the neck where as the lower joints of neck and upper back create a support for the head. Any adverse affect on this support system will lead to tightening of muscle and eventually neck pain.

The most common causes of neck pain are.

• Stress.
• Prolonged posture.
• Minor Injuries.
• Referred pain (upper back)
• Overuse and strain.
• Whiplash (sudden distortion of neck)

Here are some ways to treat your neck.

1.      Wait. If there’s nothing worn, the pain will be gone in 3 to 4 days at the max.

2.      Improve your posture. This is the most common cause of neck pain. Sit straight and tall, raise your chest up, lower your chin slightly and pull your head back so that your ears are directly over your shoulders, and not in front of them. This posture will also help you with your lower back, in case you have one.

3.      Use cervical collars. They can be really helpful but keeping your neck immobile for a longer period of time can adversely affect your neck muscles.

4.      Hold the phone properly, not between your ear and shoulder.

5.      Check your pillow and the surface that you sleep on. Your pillow should provide right cervical support. Choose the one that suits you the most.

6.      Use cervical roll. It’s designed to slip under your neck to reduce the stress on neck joints.

7.      Avoid stress. Your head weighs around 4.5 kg, and if pulled out of its natural position by your reaction to stress, your neck muscles are forced to work harder. This leads to tightness of neck muscles and causes pain.

8.      Use pain killer but only as a short term approach. Pain killer at least allow you to have a good sleep and this rest can be very beneficial.

9.      A gentle massage on lower neck, upper shoulders and trapezius muscles can be very relaxing.

10.  Avoid abrupt temperature changes. If you are sweating, don’t do directly in front of the air conditioner. Wait for your body temperature to normalize before you switch it on.

You can also do some exercises but do them under the eye of your therapist, or you might end up worse than before.

I hope these suggestions help. If your symptoms persist, please seek medical help immediately.