The vast majority of neck problems are associated either with muscle pains of tension, or with worn joints. These situations do not require special treatment. Discomfort usually goes away within a few days.
Relieve pain if it really spoils your life, what doctors recommend :
- Take pain medication - aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol.
- Put a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin towel around your neck - this will also help relieve swelling, if any. You can use cold during the first 2-3 days.
- If the discomfort persists after 2-3 days, it is better to alleviate the condition with the help of moist heat. For example, taking a hot shower or applying a towel dipped in hot water to your neck.
- Do exercises that help gently stretch your neck muscles and improve blood circulation. Please note that training is prohibited in case of acute pain or suspicion of diseases of the cervical spine - pinched nerve, hernia, and so on. Once again, check your feelings with the item “When the pain in the neck is really dangerous” and in case of the slightest doubt consult your doctor as soon as possible.
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What to do so that the neck does not hurt
The most effective way to deal with neck pain is prevention. To make life easier for this important part of the body, follow these guidelines.
- Watch your posture . When you are standing or sitting, make sure your shoulders are directly above your hips and your ears are above your shoulders.
- Take breaks and warm up. If you work a lot at the computer or travel while sitting, at each opportunity, get up, move, stretch your shoulders and stretch your neck.
- Adjust the height of the table and chair, monitor and computer keyboard. The display should be at the level of your eyes, and your knees should be just below the hips. Keyboard - lie on a table so that you can comfortably work on it, resting your elbows on the armrests of the chair.
- Get rid of the habit of holding the phone between your ear and shoulder while talking. If your hands are busy, use a headset or speakerphone.
- If you smoke, here's another reason to quit . Smoking worsens the condition of the nourishing muscles of the blood vessels and cartilage. As a result, the risk of developing pain in the neck increases.
- Do not carry heavy shoulder bags over your shoulders.
- Sleep so that the head and neck are at the same level with the body - this will reduce the load on the spine. Ideally, sleep on your back with a small cushion under your neck and a flat pillow under your hips.
- Keep an eye on your menu, even if nothing hurts right now. A balanced diet will provide muscle nutrition and prolong joint health.
- Be careful to avoid drafts and injuries.
- Carefully monitor your health during the cold season. Life hacker already advised how not to catch the flu .
