How to Get Rid of Neck Pain Naturally in 20 Minutes?
28-05-2018 | Posted By: Chhavi | 5352 View(s)
‘How to get rid of neck pain’ is a common question asked by people who have desk jobs. Neck pain is not a serious medical condition and can be relieved within a few days. Muscle tension, injury, rheumatoid arthritis, tumours, and infections can cause neck pain. Neck pain results in a sharp aching in the neck, shoulders and nearby muscles. There are many remedies to treat neck pain.
Let us explore tips on ‘How to get rid of neck pain.’ But before that, let us understand the causes and symptoms of neck pain.
What is Neck Pain?
Our neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from our skull to our upper torso. There are seven vertebrae that are the building blocks of the spine in the neck and surround the spinal cord and canal. The bones, muscles, and ligaments of the neck support our head and allow for motion. Any abnormalities, injury, or inflammation can cause stiffness or neck pain.
In most cases, neck pain is due to poor posture, and people who have desk jobs experience neck pain or stiffness occasionally. However, if neck pain continues for more than a week, or is accompanied by other symptoms, go for a health checkup and consult a doctor immediately.
What Causes Neck Pain?
There are many causes of neck pain including:
1. Muscle Tension and Strain
Some of the behaviours and activities that lead to muscle tension and strain are:
a. Poor posture
b. Working at a desk for too long
c. Not sleeping in a right position
d. Jerking the neck during exercise
2. Meningitis
Meningitis is a condition characterised by an inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of meningitis are neck pain accompanied by fever and a headache. It is a severe condition and if you have symptoms of meningitis, seek medical help immediately.
3. Injury
Injuries to the neck can also lead to neck pain and stiffness. If the neck bones or cervical vertebrae are fractured, the spinal cord may also be damaged. Sudden jerking of the head can also cause neck injury.
4. Heart Attack
One of the common symptoms of a heart attack is neck pain. But it is often accompanied by other symptoms of a heart attack, such as:
a. Sweating
b. Chest pain
c. Nausea
d. Vomiting
e. Arm pain
f. Shortness of breath
If you experience any of the symptoms as mentioned above, seek medical help immediately.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common medical condition that causes pain, bone spurs, and swelling of the joints. When the pain, and swelling occur in the neck area, it can lead to neck pain.
6. Osteoporosis
This is a condition which makes bones weak and can lead to minor fractures. Generally, this condition happens in hands or knees, but it can also occur in the neck.
7. Fibromyalgia
It is a health condition that causes muscle pain throughout the body, especially in the neck and shoulder region.
8. Spondylosis
As you age, the cervical discs degenerate. This is known as osteoarthritis or spondylosis of the neck. This can add stress to your joints by narrowing the space between the vertebrae.
9. Cervical Disk
When a disk protrudes, as a result of trauma or injury, it can add pressure to the spinal cord or nerve roots. This is known as a ruptured disc of a herniated cervical disk.
10. Spinal Stenosis
This condition arises due to narrowing of the spinal column, which in turn causes pressure on the spinal cord as it exits the vertebrae. This is the result of long-term inflammation caused by arthritis or other conditions.
Some of the rare causes of neck pain include:
a. Congenital abnormalities
b. Infections
c. Abscesses
d. Tumours
e. Cancer of the spine
When To Consult a Doctor?
If neck pain persists for more than a week, seek medical help.
You must schedule an appointment with a doctor if you have:
1. Severe neck pain without any obvious cause
2. A lump in your neck
3. A Fever
4. A headache
5. Nausea
6. Vomiting
7. Swollen glands
8. Trouble swallowing
9. Difficulty breathing
10. Weakness
11. Numbness or tingling
12. Pain that extends to your arms
13. Inability to move your arms or hands
14. Bladder or bowel dysfunction
How is Neck Pain Diagnosed and Treated?
The doctor will first conduct a physical exam and then ask some questions to take your complete medical history.
The doctor may also ask you to go for some tests, such as:
1. Blood tests
2. X-rays
3. CT scans
4. MRI scans
5. Electromyography
The tests mentioned above help doctors to determine the cause of your neck pain. Treatment for neck pain generally include:
1. Ice and heat therapy
2. Physical therapy
3. A neck collar
4. Antibiotics for infection
5. Muscle relaxants
6. Acupuncture
7. Massage
8. Pain medication
How to Get Rid of Neck Pain at Home?
There are many home remedies that work effectively in treating neck pain. Want to know ‘how to get rid of neck pain?’ Here are some of the best and highly effective home remedies for neck pain:
1. Ice Pack
Want to know ‘How to get rid of neck pain?’ Try an ice pack. Ice is a wonderful home remedy for neck pain. It helps to reduce inflammation and gives relief from pain.
Take a few crushed ice bags and put them in a plastic bag. Then wrap the plastic bag properly in a thin towel. Place the ice pack on your ice pack. Keep this for 15 minutes. Do this two to three times a day.
Note: You should never apply ice directly on your skin.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain quickly. On top of that, it contains essential nutrients that fight inflammation.
So, how to get rid of neck pain? Simply, mix two cups of apple cider vinegar in lukewarm bath water. Soak your body for about 15 – 20 minutes in it. Do this once a day until you get proper relief from neck pain.
Alternatively, take a paper towel and soak it in apple cider vinegar. Keep it on the affected part of your neck. Let it stay for a few hours. Follow this excellent home remedy two times a day until the pain is gone completely.
3. Epsom Salt Bath
How to get rid of neck pain? Try Epsom salt bath! An Epsom salt bath helps reduce muscle tension and alleviates pain. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate that helps relax muscles and reduce swelling. Add 2 – 3 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath. Soak your body in it for 15 minutes. Do this daily until your neck pain is treated completely.
Note: Do not try this if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems.
4. Turmeric
Curcumin present in turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help ease the pain. Plus, turmeric helps in improving blood circulation, which helps a person recover quickly.
Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk. Heat it for about five minutes over low heat. Remove from heat, add honey and let it cool. Drink this two times a day until you get relief from the pain completely.
5. Cayenne Pepper
How to get rid of neck pain? Add cayenne pepper to your diet. Capsaicin present in cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help in reducing neck pain.
Take 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and mix it in two tablespoons of warm olive oil. Mix cayenne pepper and olive oil well and apply the mixture on your neck. Do this twice a day to get rid of neck pain.
You can also apply capsaicin cream on your neck and back muscles to get relief from neck pain.
6. Lavender Oil
How to get rid of neck pain? Massage your neck with lavender oil. Lavender oil helps ease tense muscle and relieve pain.
Take a hot shower to relax your neck muscles. Then, massage your neck and shoulders with lavender oil. Message for about 10 minutes. Repeat this daily until you get relief completely.
7. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help improve blood flow to the affected area and treat inflammation.
Take a small piece of ginger root and cut it into small pieces. Boil the ginger pieces in two cups of water for about 10 minutes. Strain and add honey. Drink this healthy herbal tea two to three times a day for a few days.
Alternatively, take three tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and wrap them in cheesecloth. Soak the cheesecloth in hot water for about 30 seconds. Let it cool and place the cheesecloth on your neck area for 15 minutes. Do this two to three times a day until you get relief.
Additional Tips to Get Relief from Neck Pain
1. Avoid using a pillow while sleeping to give your neck muscles a break from working.
2. Practise meditation to reduce stress.
3. Practise good posture.
4. Eat a healthy, balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.
5. Sit in a comfortable chair while working.
6. Use a firm mattress to sleep and keep your head aligned with your spine while sleeping.
7. Eat foods rich in calcium.
So next time anyone asks you ‘How to get rid of neck pain?’, share with them these tips. All in all, eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamins and exercise on a regular basis to treat and prevent neck pain.
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