Neck Pain Slowing You Down?
Neck pain, stiffness, or irritation is something we treat a LOT as physical therapists. With a neck injury, or even waking up with a stiff neck, we get really nervous about making things worse so we stop moving it as much as possible. After a few days (or even weeks) of not moving much, our muscles often get tight and guarded, leading to more limitations in movement at the neck. Here are a few tips and tricks to get your neck back in tip-top shape!
- Get your whole body moving!
One of the best things you can do for a stiff or sore neck is to get your heart rate up and blood flowing. Going for a walk, cycling, or using cardio equipment at the gym is a great way to get full-body movement in to decrease stiffness at your neck. - Gentle mobility movements.
Movements where you can encourage gentle movement at your neck goes a long way. Next time you are dealing with neck pain or stiffness, try incorporating the “open the book” exercise or movements that encourage rotational movements at the spine (check out our youtube for videos: search “open the book” or “2x2 thoracic rotation” on our channel)! - Manage external factors and stressors.
There are SO many things that contribute to injuries and pain, including things that we often overlook. Things that may also contribute include your diet, hydration, life stressors, and sleep habits. As you are recovering from neck pain or stiffness, you need to consider these factors as well, and make sure you are optimizing them to heal fully and quickly.
If you are experiencing neck pain or have dealt with neck pain in the past, try incorporating these tips to get out of pain. If neck pain or stiffness continues to limit your ability to lift, drive, or be a human, contact us HERE to chat about getting rid of that pain for good!
Thanks for reading!
Dr. Chrissy, PT
