Neck pains are pesky and can stop you from doing your daily routines properly. It can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep and disturb you throughout the day,
In this article, we’ll talk about some simple ways you can reduce your neck pain. We provide some quick tips you can follow. Read on!
1. Get a New Pillow
A great way to reduce neck pain is to find a good pillow. The size and amount of comfort may vary from person to person, but the general rule is that it should support the neutral alignment of your spine and neck.
What works best for you depends on the reason for your neck pain and your sleep preferences. Some people feel more comfortable using flat pillows, while others prefer side-lying or reclined beds.
If you change positions a lot during sleep, make sure you have two or more pillows that can support your various sleep positions. It pays to invest in the best pillows for neck pain.
2. Stay Ergonomic at Work
Working in front of the computer for hours on end can result in a stiff, painful neck. Whether you’re working from home or in the office, you can make your workplace ergonomic.
Here are some quick tips to do that:
- Maintain an ergonomic posture while working
- Place your monitor or computer at eye level
- Adjust your chair into a comfortable position
- Use ergonomic keyboard and mouse
- Stretch and stand up every once in a while
Following these tips can help you prevent sudden stiff necks and long-term neck pains.
3. Don’t Drive for Too Long
Driving for long periods can also cause severe neck pain and stiff neck. Just like working long hours in front of a computer monitor, you can use some tips when staying behind the wheel:
- Set your seat in a way that provides good posture
- Take breaks and stretch now and then
- Don’t text while driving — not only is it not good for your neck; it’s also illegal and highly dangerous
It helps if you can set alarms that remind you to stop and stretch. It doesn’t only help you prevent neck pains; it’s also good for your whole body.
4. Stay Well-Hydrated
Your cervical discs, which are the spongy tissues between the vertebrae in your neck, also need water. Nourish and hydrate them by drinking water regularly. This will keep them strong and minimize your chances of getting neck pains.
Drink eight glasses of water every day, and keep a water bottle close by so you won’t forget to hydrate. Again, it doesn’t only benefit your neck but also your whole body.
5. Carry Even Weight
Pay attention to how much weight you carry and which side of your body bears it. A common mistake for a lot of people is carrying a heavy item on one side.
If you always carry an uneven load, you can expect your shoulders to become uneven as well, and it starts with your neck muscles. That can be painful.
The easiest fix is always to lighten the load. If you can, take only the most essential items in your bag, purse, or briefcase. Take an active effort to keep your shoulders level at all times or whenever you are carrying something.
Lastly, find backpacks that distribute weight evenly between your shoulders so you can better avoid having back, shoulder, or neck pains.
6. Exercise
Nothing beats exercising when it comes to fighting neck and body pains. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
The first thing you can do is to make stretching a habit. Keep your neck muscles active and strong by stretching throughout the day.
You can also do therapeutic neck exercises to further improve your neck mobility and strength.
