Treating Neck Pain With Good Posture
When searching for neck pain treatments, one should realize that most cases of neck pain have a postural component as part of the underlying problem. In such cases, recognizing and understanding poor posture can play an important role in finding neck pain relief and help you avoid dependency on NSAIDS and muscle relaxers for neck pain. Avoiding poor posture can be considered one of the best treatments for neck pain.
The following six postural tips will help to prevent and remedy that stiff and painful neck:
- Don’t stay in one position for too long. If you get up and move around often enough, you’ll avoid getting your neck stuck in an unhealthy position. Positioning yourself in a certain way for an extended period increases pressure on your spine and decreases mobility. If you require the use of technology all day, take microbreaks. Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to get up and move around and change position in a sit/stand workstation every 20 minutes. Studies have shown that people who take these microbreaks are 21% less likely to suffer from neck and shoulder pain.
- Make some ergonomic adjustments. Position your computer monitor at mid screen, eye level to reduce the tendency to flex the head and neck to far downward causing unnecessary neck strain. Address any ergonomic issues whether at work with your desk, at home, or in your study. This can be one of the best home remedies for neck pain
- If you wear glasses, keep your prescription up to date. “When your eyewear prescription is not up to date, you tend to move the head forward or back to see better.
- Don’t use too many pillows, it’s best to stick with one that works for you. Sleeping with several pillows under your head can stifle your neck’s range of motion. I recommend the Sachi Organics adjustable millet pillow.
- Know your limits. For example, before you move a big armoire across the room, consider what it might do to your neck and back, and ask for help.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep problems increase the risk for several different conditions, including musculoskeletal pain.
