Stiff Neck Treatment Options
With over 70 percent of Americans experiencing significant neck pain at some point in their lives, more and more Kansas City residents are looking for stiff neck treatment options. A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine recently found that 6 neck exercises done on a regular basis brought neck pain relief.
The Culprit: Forward Head Posture
Most neck problems are caused by improper posture – both at home and in the office. An average head weighs 10 pounds when it’s positioned directly above your body, but for every inch the head moves forward, it gains 10 pounds in weight. This puts an enormous amount of pressure on the neck and upper back and can result in stiff neck, neck pain and headaches.
Stiff Neck Treatment Through Chiropractic Care
Stiff neck is often treated by chiropractic care. Chiropractors examine the joints in the neck to determine what areas are locked up or stiff. They then restore motion to those joints – freeing up the joint so that your bones can bend and move as your body bends and moves.
Stiff Neck Treatment Through Simple Exercises
Simple stretching exercises can provide relief for people who are experiencing mild or moderate discomfort.
These movements use neck retraction which helps the joints and muscles work together. The scientists who tested the movements at the Center for Clinical Studies at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN found that a series of 6-8 times a day may prevent stiff neck from ever occurring.
The Six Movements are Listed Below:
- Neck Retraction – Bring the head straight back, keeping your eyes forward then return to a neutral position.
- Head Drop – Tip your head back as far as it can comfortably go pointing your chin toward the ceiling. Return to a neutral position.
- Side Bend – Reach over the top of your head with your left hand and gently pull your left ear to your left shoulder. Repeat for the right side.
- Rotation – Turn your head to the left so that your nose is over your shoulder. Return to a neutral position. Repeat on the right side.
- Flexion – Clasp your hands behind your head and guide the head down – bringing your chin toward your the chest.
- Shoulder Blade Pull – Bend raised arms at 90 degree angles. Relax your shoulders and squeeze the muscles between the shoulder blades.
