Neck pain is often caused by poor posture shifting your spine out of alignment and putting too much pressure on your spine. This can cause muscles to tighten and trap nerves. Repetitive strain injury from certain activities, such as working on a busy production line or using the handset of a phone for several hours a day, can also cause neck pain. Whatever the cause, doctors tend to offer painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs as a first-line treatment. However, these drugs come with a range of possible side effects, and people are increasingly seeking drug-free ways to manage their health. Here's an overview of three drug-free treatment options for neck pain:
Topical Capsaicin
The chemical compound in chilies that gives them their heat, known as capsaicin, can relieve pain and reduce inflammation when applied topically. It temporarily prevents pain signals travelling from your nerve endings to your brain, and this is beneficial as it can allow you to carry out targeted neck exercises that will loosen tight muscles without experiencing discomfort. You can get topical capsaicin from a pharmacy, and you only need to apply a small amount to feel the benefit of this natural cream.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses a combination of firm and sweeping strokes to loosen muscles and improve blood flow, which promotes natural healing as blood carries oxygen and nutrients to your muscle tissue. You'll need to have massages regularly to experience the full benefit of this type of treatment, and your massage therapist will assess your neck and recommend a treatment plan based on how tight your muscles feel. This type of massage can leave your neck feeling tender immediately after each session, but you should notice improved flexibility and reduced neck pain after a few sessions.
Chiropractic Adjustment
Chiropractors use manual manipulations to realign your spine and free trapped nerves. This treatment has been shown to be effective at improving neck pain, and comprises a series of high and low velocity manipulations, such as stretching and thrusting, to restore movement. A chiropractor can also show you exercises that will strengthen your neck muscles and minimise the risk of your pain recurring. If poor posture has contributed to you developing neck pain, a chiropractor can show you the best posture for various situations, such as sitting at a desk, and recommend aids that will help you maintain good posture, such as lumbar support cushions.
Neck pain can worsen if left untreated, so if you want to feel better without resorting to drugs, give these alternative treatments a try.
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