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Neck pain home remedies

I am having neck pain that feels like someone is
(26 Dec 2007)

Neck pain is a commonly occurring medical condition and can result from several disorders of the neck. These conditions include neck strain, whiplash, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves and herniated discs. Pain in the neck is usually experienced as a dull ache.


The pain and discomfort also tends to increase when the neck is moved in any way. Other symptoms may also be experienced such as tingling, sharp throbbing, soreness, pain while swallowing, dizziness and swelling of the glands. The neck consists of 7 vertebrae, between which discs are present. The nerves are also present alongside. There are also the muscles of the neck, veins, arteries, thyroid and parathyroid glands, lymph nodes, esophagus, trachea and voice box. Damage or disease to any of these structures can result in neck pain. You are most likely suffering from a pinched nerve, which occurs when there is excessive pressure on a certain nerve in the body.

The most common cause of neck pain is awkward postures that put pressure and strain on the neck muscles. This includes sitting in one position for a prolonged period of time and sleeping in one position for too long. Emotional and physical stress can also cause pain and soreness of the muscles in the neck. Injuries and trauma to the neck can occur due to sporting injuries or car accidents. Sometimes the pain experienced in the neck is referred pain that results from problems of the upper back. Muscular tension and strain due to over use of the neck muscles is another cause of neck pain. Whiplash occurs when there is a sudden abrupt movement of the neck, and also results in pain and stiffness.

In order to treat a pinched nerve or muscle pain in the neck, ice packs are the best option. Heat compresses may worsen the condition and hence must not be used for the initial few days. A moderate amount of physical activity of the neck is also necessary to ease the tension from the muscles. An effective poultice is made with a paste of honey, cinnamon powder and rose water. This can be applied to the affected area and then covered with a bandage or cloth for half an hour. This helps to absorb the pain and will provide quick relief. Application of potato juice is also known to aid the healing process. Gently massaging the area with mustard oil will help to alleviate the pain and stiffness. Use warm mustard oil for best results. Maintaining proper posture and minimizing strain on the neck will help to allow healing and prevent further neck problems.
answered by G M on 8 Apr 2010, 1:40:23

 

Neck pain is a disorder of the neck leading to a condition called cervical spondolysis. Our neck moves the most than any part of the body. When the muscles of the neck get tensed, the blood supply to the muscle decreases leading to pain and discomfort to the various parts of the body. Headache is also one of the symptoms of neck pain. In acute condition, the pain can become unbearable leading to stiff neck .Neck pain occurs due to advancing age, sedentary lifestyle, stress, wrong posture, sleeping on soft bed, using soft pillows.

Certain remedies that can be considered to reduce the neck pain are:-
  • Hot packs are very useful for relieving pain. Apply hot towel on the neck for 10 -20 minutes several times a day. Apply lotion or oil on the neck and massage the affected area in circular motion. This is the inexpensive way of reducing neck pain.
  • Certain neck exercises can be done during any period of time and at any place. Turn your neck side to side slowly, and then rotate clockwise and anticlockwise for 10 times. Rotate your shoulders both clockwise and anticlockwise. These exercises can be done even during work three times a day. Increase the number of rotations gradually depending on your comfort level.
  • Wrong posture can aggravate the pain. Keep erect posture while walking or sitting or standing. For guidance of posture, take the support of the wall. Stand straight touching your head, back, buttocks and heels to the wall. Move little further. Maintain this posture while walking.
  • Relax and avoid strain or stress. Certain breathing exercises can be useful for relaxation which can be carried out at any place. Meditation, yoga or simple recreational activities can help in relaxing our muscles.
  • Stay fit and maintain ideal weight as far as possible. Overweight can put pressure on our muscles including neck.
  • Avoid fatigue during work. Adjust the height of the chair, work table according to your comfort. Maintain eye to eye level at work. Take frequent breaks while working in order to stretchen up your muscles. Avoid carrying heavy objects especially with one hand.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress without a pillow, head aligned with the spine. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.

answered by J M on 10 Jan 2008, 11:56:25

 

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