Experiencing pain from neck to shoulder is a common problem today. It can affect anyone, ranging from those who have desk jobs to those carrying a heavy load or doing repetitive movements like assembling products. If you’ve been struggling with a painful neck that spreads to your shoulders, our list of remedies like chiropractic atlas adjustment might help you heal and recover. Learn more in our discussion below so you can get rid of the pain and resume your usual routine at home or work.
can stem from a long list of potential reasons, including a pinched nerve and a previous neck injury. As a result, the symptoms or pain intensity can vary from one person to another. Some might find it helpful to rest the affected region for a few days. Others, on the one hand, resort to seeking procedures such as chiropractic atlas adjustment. To identify what would best suit your case, we suggest seeking help from a doctor.
Below are some of the finest and most popular remedies used by patients who complain of pain from neck to shoulder:
Besides making sure that you get enough sleep, it’s equally important to work on your sleeping position. If you sleep on your belly, you risk hurting your neck and lower back. It can also cause you to experience restless sleep, making you feel moody and irritated when you wake up. On top of all that, lack of quality sleep can increase your pain sensitivity. As much as possible, we recommend sleeping on your back to remove the undue pressure on the neck. You can also switch to a thin but sturdy pillow to provide ample support for your neck and spine.
Latest reports say that the US has shifted into a work-from-home economy. Are you among the employees in the country that transitioned to a remote working setup due to the pandemic? In that case, it’s a good idea to invest in WFH-friendly furniture such as ergonomic seats. If you also drive for long hours, we suggest using a headrest or a neck-friendly pillow to avoid developing pain from neck to shoulder.
Besides having a dedicated workspace, you will also benefit from positioning your gadgets at an optimal level. It’s a must to ensure that the screen is at the same level as your eye. If you need to tilt your head to view your PC, laptop, tablet, or phone, then it means you are straining your neck. Make the necessary changes by raising or lowering the screen to avoid developing poor posture while sitting.
Water isn’t just essential in running various body processes. Instead, it also plays a crucial role in keeping your vertebral discs – your spinal column shock absorbers – in good shape. Make sure you take at least eight glasses a day. If you are a physically active individual, you can adjust your consumption accordingly. If you tend to forget about hydration due to a busy work schedule, we suggest keeping your alarm on or jotting things down in your reminders.
Applying ice and heat to injuries are among the most common DIY remedies for pain felt from neck to shoulder. Remember to use cold therapy during the first few days you notice the pain or if you spot muscle soreness and tenderness. The cold temperature soothes the injured muscle and reduces the swelling. After a few days, you can shift to using a hot compress. Applying heat boosts circulation in the affected area. This helps the body deliver nutrients to hasten the recovery of your neck injury.
Neck stiffness can sometimes stem from tight muscles. That’s why some patients find it extra helpful to use simple neck stretching exercises. Some of the neck movements you can try to include are the following:
You can do these three simple exercises at least 10 to 15 minutes a day until the pain goes away. You can also integrate these movements into your usual physical fitness routine.
If none of the remedies above worked for you, it might be time to seek an upper cervical doctor for a chiropractic atlas adjustment. Some patients who experience pain from neck to shoulder have a history of a car collision, physical trauma, or sports injuries. Most of these folks have neck misalignment, which causes their atlas and axis bones to pinch or compress the nearby muscles and nerves. This causes neck pain that radiates towards the other parts of the upper body.
Thankfully with upper cervical care chiropractic, you can gradually address the bone misalignment. When you go to an upper cervical chiropractic doctor for your neck and shoulder pain, you can expect to have your neck bones assessed through physical examination and additional tests. This will help the doctor provide adjustments that will hold their place even after you complete the procedure.
It’s a gentle, precise, and evidence-based approach to helping patients like you to recover from chronic or recurring pain on the neck and shoulders.
Locate the nearest upper cervical doctor to book or inquire about a chiropractic atlas adjustment today!
to schedule a consultation today.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
