The Best Treatment For Back And Neck Pain
That is the question we are tackling today. We will explore what actions you can take now to experience immediate and lasting back and neck pain relief. If you want to regain your sense of freedom, to live life to the fullest, continue reading this article until the end and take action today!
WHAT CAUSES IT?
Some of the most common causes of back and neck pain are bad posture, repetitive movements and a lack of exercise and stretching. This is probably something we can all relate to when we have a massive load of work, when the pressure keeps us from taking a break and, for us who are stuck at home, this is made even more evident when our daily commute is nothing more than getting from our bed to our desk. In the following sections, we will find out: What is the best treatment for back and neck pain?
HOW TO TREAT BACK AND NECK PAIN
If you suddenly realise that your back is aching, you are most likely hunching over your desk, spending too much time in an uncomfortable position or lifting something with poor technique. In order to change that, you need to make some changes (obviously). Please note that we are not talking about short-term changes here. Yes, there are always quick fixes, but the causes of your pain will not go away without a lasting change in your habits. So, let’s get to it. It might almost sound too simple to be true, but our first most effective tip is exactly that. Simple.
GET MOVING!
Stand up straight for a few minutes every hour to get your muscles moving and blood flowing. This could quickly clear up any pain and stiffness if done early and frequently enough. … It’s easy to understand how important movement is for the human body if you compare it to a bicycle or bicycle chain. If the bike gets used on a daily basis and oiled every once in a while, it will keep running smoothly. However, if it will be left in a shed for months on end, it becomes very rusty and and might need some work before you can take it for a ride.
(Tip: Try to keep a straight, but somewhat relaxed posture when sitting to avoid unnecessary strain on your spine. This tires your muscles out and damages the disks between your vertebrae when they need to pick up the slack.)
EXERCISE & STRETCHING
Exercise and stretching are very effective, especially in combination with a healthy lifestyle, to reduce and eliminate chronic back and neck pain. As the most common cause of back and neck pain is stiffness and overuse, we will need to loosen up and strengthen these muscles. Check out our neck pain relief stretches.
YOGA – POPULAR FOR A REASON
Another way of achieving that can be through yoga. Yoga is not only free, but also a very effective option. You are not putting your muscles under much strain (depending on the type of yoga), but still stretching and loosening up the ligaments and muscle fibres. While all this chill relief happens, another great benefit will sneak up on you. You will get stronger, more flexible and more confident with your body!
MASSAGE (WHO DOESN’T LIKE A MASSAGE?)
The next thing we highly recommend is to see a massage therapist (remedial or relaxation) on a regular basis. Yes, we know, it can be costly, but your health is definitely worth it. Even getting a treatment once every three months can be very effective. Alternatively, have a small electronic massager (massage gun) handy. These devices have been created with the express purpose to vibrate at just the right frequency to penetrate deeply into stiff muscles. It will help loosen up your muscle fibres and allows blood to flow freely to clear any waste and provide fresh nutrients. Read more about the wonderful benefits massage has for stiff and sore muscles.
HEAT IN OREDR TO HEAL
Another proven way to release tension in your neck and back is to apply even heat to the area, known as heat therapy. In the same way as the ancient hot stone massage works, a simple heated neck pillow can be a perfect evening treat after a long day of work. Read all about the benefits of heat therapy.
GOOD NUTRITION
It is equally important to stay healthy outside of the gym as well, because not eating right can contribute to your back and neck pain. Not having the right amounts of nutrients can hamper the body’s ability to heal and maintain itself. Which is why it’s equally imperative to keep an eye on what you put in your body as much as controlling what you do with your body. Learn more about balancing diet and exercise.
HELPFUL PRODUCTS
Here at Vitnesse, we have a carefully picked selection of self-care products that can help you treat all manners of muscle pains caused by overuse or stress. As mentioned above, we particularly recommend our Mini Massage Gun and Neck and Shoulder Wrap as it can be used at work or at home while focusing on other tasks. The heat from the wrap helps loosen up those stiff tissues which promote blood flow while embracing you in all its cozy glory!
Not to forget: Posture, Posture & Posture!
Your posture is just as important as exercise and diet. Having a bad posture puts undue stress on your spinal discs, which may cause a hernia. It also reduces blood flow to your core, which weakens muscles in this area. The bright side is that it is easier to maintain a healthy posture than it is to maintain an unhealthy one. It is all about breaking the habit and rebuilding your muscles. [1]
One thing you can do now is sit up, keeping the weight of your head balanced and resting on your shoulders. Relax your arms and let your elbows drop, then imagine all that tension just releasing.
Improving your posture does wonders, not only for back and neck pain, but also for your attractiveness to the opposite gender.
In a study by T. Vacharkulksemsuk et al. [2] the research team compared perceived attractiveness of people, based on presenting themselves with an open or closed posture. The team found that dominant, open nonverbal displays increased perceived attractiveness for both sexes, boosting your confidence and increasing the chances for you singles out there on your end-of-lockdown dates.
We hope that this article has taught you something new and that you now know what the best treatment for back and neck pain is! If you want to support us at Vitnesse, have a look at our collection of back and neck pain recovery products.
If you are one of these people that suffer from regular back and / or neck pain, please consult your local physician to make sure it’s not a serious condition and do everything you can to treat yourself at home.
Also, have a look at some of our posts that can help you ease your back and neck pain: How To Get Rid Of Shoulder Pain?, Stress, Tension – Coping Mechanisms, Why Do You Need A Massage Gun (e.g. Mini Massage Gun), Massage and Muscle Recovery, Benefits of Heat Therapy (e.g. Neck & Shoulder Wrap), Home Remedies for Headache, Neck Pain Relief Stretches, and many more.
