Neck pain is one of the most common complaints that people have. The good news is that there are options available that can help you find relief. 

If you suffer from neck pain, you don't have to just live with the pain or mask it with pain relief medication every single time. There are natural care options available that can provide neck pain relief. But you have to understand what can be the underlying cause of your pain.

One of the most overlooked yet prevalent reasons that cause neck pain is upper cervical misalignment. The best, if not the only, way to deal with this is through upper cervical care done only by a certified chiropractic doctor. Upper cervical chiropractic care is natural neck pain relief that can provide lasting results without harsh side effects.

The bones in your upper cervical spine and neck area are essential in your daily activities. For example, you may only notice how often you move your neck if your movement becomes inhibited due to neck pain. This is because your upper cervical spine bones protect your spinal cord and allow your head to move freely. When these bones shift out of their natural alignment, you may experience pain and other health problems.

Home remedies you can try

If getting upper cervical care is not possible for you anytime soon, you may explore home remedies too. However, we encourage you to make time to schedule a consultation with an upper cervical chiropractic doctor as soon as possible to avoid more pain and discomfort in your neck.

While waiting for your appointment schedule, you can follow the following steps to ease your neck pain at home. These are practical tips, too, so following them may help you avoid future neck pain woes:

When neck pain arises, use an ice pack for the first three days

Then, once the inflammation improves, we suggest applying a hot compress in the following days. It's essential to take extra precautions when using ice or warm packs and ensure you don't apply directly to your skin to avoid burns.

Give your body some time to rest and recover

Additionally, do not engage in physical activities that may worsen your pain and discomfort. Refrain from participating in sporting activities or heavy lifting. Only you can assess if your neck pain is improving, but we advise slowly returning to your usual activities as soon as you feel better.

Engage in gentle neck exercises to help ease stiff and sore muscles

Make sure you do this slowly and stop when more pain occurs. You can start by gently stretching your sidewards and upwards in opposite motions to balance movement.

Maintain proper posture

This is not limited to standing up but also sitting down and sleeping. Keep your neck neutral, and do not hold it on an unnatural angle for extended periods.

Avoid sitting for long hours and switch positions frequently

If your job requires extended periods of sitting, make sure you allot a schedule to stretch and move around once in a while. 

Invest in a pillow with proper neck support for sleeping

The proper pillow will vary depending on what type of sleeper you are. Ask your sales associate for their most recommended product when shopping for a new pillow.

Avoid holding your phone between your ear and shoulder when taking a call

Use the speaker option or a pair of earphones. In addition, don't look down at your phone or any gadget screen too much. This can lead to overextending of your neck. Keep your screens at eye level to maintain your neck's neutral position.

Indulge yourself to a relaxing massage session

A deep tissue massage can help release accumulated pressure and tension around the neck and its surrounding areas. So we strongly recommend indulging in a relaxing massage therapy session, even once a month. 

If you notice your neck pain still occurs even after following our recommendations, upper cervical chiropractic may be the next best option. It’s possible that your pain stems from longstanding posture issues, so it would help to undergo the initial diagnostic procedures performed by a cervical doctor.

How upper cervical misalignment leads to neck pain

Below are possible reasons why upper cervical misalignment can lead to neck pain:

• The misaligned bones put pressure on your spinal cord and nerves. This pressure can cause pain, stiffness, or numbness in your neck or other body parts. 
• Misaligned bones can cause your head to be positioned incorrectly on your shoulders, leading to muscle tension, fatigue, and neck pain. 
• Upper cervical misalignment can restrict blood flow to your brain and pressure the blood vessels in your neck. This can bring headaches or dizziness in addition to neck pain. 

How Does Upper Cervical Care Ease Neck Pain?

When your upper cervical spine is out of alignment, it puts undue pressure on your nervous system, leading to pain, inflammation, and other health problems. Correcting the misalignment using precise adjustments can relieve that pressure and provide lasting relief from neck pain.

Consulting an upper cervical doctor can help reduce pressure on your nervous system and provide lasting relief, especially if you suffer from chronic neck pain. 

Your upper cervical bones also protect your brainstem. It's a part of your nervous system that can cause a ripple effect throughout your entire body when irritated. Your brainstem can trigger painful symptoms when experiencing press and pressure, one of which is neck pain.

When the bones in your upper cervical spine are correctly aligned, your spine and the muscles, ligaments, joints, and nerves in the surrounding area can function normally. Upper cervical chiropractic care is also safe and gentle for all ages, including babies, children, pregnant women, and seniors. 

Schedule a consultation Consult with an upper cervical chiropractic doctor near you today to achieve long-term neck pain relief.

to schedule a consultation today.