3 Watery Ways to Relieve Your Neck Pain
Posted on: 11 March 2016
Are you suffering from neck pain? Unfortunately, it's a common problem across the world. Seeing a chiropractor is a great way to combat this discomfort, but there are also things you can do to alleviate neck pain yourself. Try some of these water-based techniques and see which one works best for you.
Sleep with a Water Pillow
Do you find your pain is worse after you wake up? A poor sleeping position can exacerbate neck pain, or even be the cause of it in some situations. It can be difficult to ensure your neck is well supported while sleeping as you move into different positions throughout the night without realising it. However, there is a way to reduce your risk of moving your neck into a painful position: new pillows. In particular, water pouch pillows are an excellent choice for people who suffer neck pain. These pillows have a built in pocket that you can fill with water, covered with a soft layer of microfibre. By controlling the fill level of the pillows, you can adjust their height and firmness of the pillow whenever you need to. You'll be able to create the perfect cushion for your neck's needs. Water pillows are a little expensive, but they're a great choice for people who have struggled to find relief with conventional sleep aids.
Use Ice Therapy
Water's not just good in its liquid form -- it also provides relief when frozen. Ice is particularly useful for injured necks. If your neck looks red and swollen, an ice pack can relieve your symptoms. The cool ice reduces swelling by constricting your blood vessels and numbs your nerves to alleviate some of the pain. If, like many, you find yourself experiencing headaches alongside your neck pain, you can hold an ice pack to your head too. Remember to wrap your ice pack in a cloth before using it, as ice can cause damage to the skin when applied directly. While ice can be great for reducing swelling and heat, it can make stiff muscles feel worse. Make sure you understand the root of your pain before trying this method.
Go Swimming
There are many exercises and sports that are bad news for neck pain -- any contact sport, for example, could cause injury. Swimming, however, can actually be beneficial to your neck. Immersing yourself in water acts as a form of hydrotherapy, often used by trained physiotherapists. If your neck muscles are aching, the best place to take a dip is a warm swimming pool. The warm water will help relieve some of the stiffness. For many people, swimming laps can be too strenuous on the neck. Unless you can do a lap without lifting your head to breathe, it's best to stick to more therapeutic exercise. Start by getting yourself neck-deep in the water, then try some simple pool walking. Move on to movements like arm circles and shoulder rolls when you feel comfortable. The buoyancy, viscosity, and pressure of the water all allow you to strengthen your neck without causing further harm.
For more help with neck pain, visit a chiropractor like Coogee Chiropractic.
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