Neck pain: how to help yourself quickly

In the article we will talk about the causes of pain, instant help and prevention.

Different causes can cause pain in the neck

The pain in the neck prevents him from focusing on work, does not allow to take a comfortable position for sleep or rest.Sometimes it signals about problems with the spine.In the article we will talk about the causes of pain, instant help and prevention.

Why hurt?

Acute pain in the neck usually appears due to sharp movement or injury.For example, when you looked at the computer screen for a long time, and then sharply turned your head due to noise in the corridor.Paining and growing gradually - the result of diseases of the spine or prolonged loads on the cervical region.The cause of pain can be:

  • sharp turn/tilt of the head;
  • Incorrect organization of a working or sleeping place - too high a hard pillow, a soft mattress;
  • hypothermia;
  • muscles and spine diseases - fibromyalgia, myosites, osteochondrosis, etc.;
  • overstrain of the neck muscles.

Pain Reling Exercises

  • Rotations and inclinationsThey will help relieve acute pain anywhere: in the subway, during a lunch break at work, on the road, if you are not driving.Start with rotation - smoothly lower your head to the left, move it to the right, carefully lowering the chin to the chest, then the pause and the other way.Slowly turn your head to the right, linger for 5 seconds, return to the position face forward, repeat in the other direction.
  • rotation of the head will relieve pain in the neck
  • Dog poseEspecially useful for those who have pain in the neck in the shoulder.Stand on all fours, palms and knees shoulder width apart.Begin in the lower back, raise the buttocks, leaning on your hands and straightening your knees.Try to ensure that your hands and back are one line.
  • Slip.Sitting with a flat back, put the chin forward, then pull it back.It should slide in a straight line.

What else can be done in pain in the neck

Massage.In the cervical muscles there are trigger points or muscle nodules - they irritate muscles, which causes pain.With soft rubbing and pressure, it can be reduced.You can find such points by drawing with your fingers on the surface of the neck, trigger points are dense stripes under the skin.

Collar.You can use the finished or make a semblance of a collar yourself.Turn the towel and wrap around the neck so that the base of the skull “lay down” on the upper part of the collar.

Compress.In the first two days after the appearance of pain, it is better to put a cool compress.After - warming is allowed using a heating pad, or if it is not, a towel dipped in hot water.

How to prevent?

To prevent pain in the neck, sit with a flat neck and back.Organize the workplace so that in a sitting position, the hips are above the knees.Do not tilt or put your head forward.Here is a clear example of how and does not need to work at the computer:

To prevent pain in the neck, sit with a flat neck and back

Put even feet on the floor - adjust the height of the chair to your height.Change the situation, you can from time to time back.

In a lying position, put the pillow under the head and neck so that it touches the shoulders.This will allow you to unload the neck muscles.Keep your head level when you are going to fall asleep.

When is it necessary urgently to the doctor?

  • After 7-10 days, the pain does not subside or the car is sharp, it does not allow to fall asleep, does not weaken in any position;
  • general health worsens (weakness, strong dizziness, nausea, etc.);
  • One or both hands go numb.

Knead your neck, do simple exercises with smooth turns and inclinations even in the absence of discomfort, crush every hour, if you work sitting, watching the posture - this is an excellent prevention of muscles and cervical spine.