Dealing With Cervical Pain

Cervical spondylosis is one of the most painful chronic conditions that affects a large number of people. Caused due to the wear and tear of the discs and the vertebrae in the spine, cervical spondylosis is an ailment that generally affects people over forty. If you are suffering from cervical pain, then finding out means and ways of dealing with the pain is necessary since it often interferes with your regular lifestyle and daily routine. In most cases, a combination of self-care practices and professional therapy may often yield good results.  

 

The tips below will not only help you deal with, but prevent cervical pain. 

 

Maintain Good Posture: Bad posture can not only trigger cervical pain, it can make existing pain worse. So make sure that you always pay attention to posture no matter where you are and what you are doing. The head, neck and spine should always be in a straight line whether you are sitting at your desk, standing or walking. When you are lifting, lift with your spine straight and knees bent. It is absolutely essential to make sure your work station at the office is ergonomically sound and promotes good posture.

 

Try Cervical Traction: Cervical traction does not necessarily require hooking yourself up to a traction machine. Gentle traction, like that from stretching or yoga exercises can give your spine a gentle pull, promote blood flow and ease up pressure on cervical disks. Such exercises should be made a part of your daily routine and practiced religiously to ease and avoid cervical pain.

 

Relax: Stress is a major contributor to cervical pain, and research shows that muscles over work in the case of a stressed mind. Getting rid of stress will help you get rid of cervical pain fast. Try de-stressing techniques like deep breathing and yoga or pick up a hobby that helps you de-stress. Just resting with an empty, peaceful mind can often provide you with great relief from cervical pain.

 

Keep Your Neck Mobile: When you are in the midst of a cervical flare-up, then you may need to rest for a couple of days or so. However, the best way of preventing cervical pain is to keep the neck as mobile as possible so that it does not stiffen up. Gently keep moving your neck left, right and up every couple of hours. 

 

Take Painkillers If Required: When you are in the middle of a cervical attack, you might need to take over the counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help reduce the inflammation. You might need stronger painkillers in case your cervical pain is very severe. However, always consult your doctor about what will be the right medication for you and always keep it handy to be taken as soon as cervical pain starts.

 

Stretch: Stretching exercises are quite effective in relieving neck and shoulder pain and should be tried as soon as your doctor gives permission. In many cases, your doctor may ask you to do the exercises during a cervical flare-up itself, in order to relieve the pain. Ask your physical therapist or doctor to tell you about stretching exercises that you should do and when you should do them. Make sure that whatever the time, you stretch your neck only when it has first been warmed up through a hot pack or a warm bath. 

 

Use Hot Or Cold Treatments: In the case of cervical spondylosis, you can use either hot or cold treatments depending upon which one you like more since they will both relieve pain. Most doctors recommend a hot water bottle or heating pad to be applied to the neck for around twenty minutes at a time. Give a break of 40 minutes before you apply another hot or cold pack.

 

Exercise: Exercising helps increase the flow of oxygen and blood to the neck and the spine, and thus helps in keeping the spine healthy and nourished. An exercise program that includes a combination of aerobic and strength training exercises can help in easing and controlling neck pain in the long run. Ask your physiotherapist or doctor for the right kind of exercises that will help you deal with cervical pain.

Diligently following the tips given above can help you avoid cervical pain to a great extent. However, if they do not get the desired results, or if your condition deteriorates in spite of following them, then see a doctor immediately as your cervical spondylosis might require instant medical intervention. 

Note: Please consult your Doctor for more details and guidance.  This is just for the general awareness of the readers