How to Live With Neck Pain

Living with neck pain is a reality for people with chronic problems that cannot be solved through medical intervention. There are, however, a lot of things that can be done to alleviate pain or diminish the discomfort, making it more tolerable. Read on to learn how to live with neck pain.

Things You'll Need

• Heating pad

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Instructions

Learn to Live With Neck Pain

• 1

  Do as much as possible to change factors that contribute to neck pain. This includes replacing bad pillows, changing your computer chair and sitting away from cold air currents that can contribute to muscle stiffness.

• 2

  Notice the effect of bad posture on your body. If you start feeling stiff after 30 minutes of sitting in the same position, get used to taking small breaks and stretching.

• 3

  Prepare for difficult days and nights. Ask your doctor for a prescription or inquire about the right type of over-the-counter medication to take if the pain becomes overwhelming.

• 4

  Get frequent massages on the neck and shoulders. Learn to massage your neck on your own, ask a friend for help or visit a massage therapist. Have a massage at least once a month to help you deal with pain and tension.

• 5

  Seek a professional assessment. Neck pain can be caused by a damaged or displaced disk. If you are living with disk-related pain, a professional can help you assess the level of damage and consider your options.

• 6

  Get a heating pad and use it to relieve chronic discomfort. Acute pain does not respond well to heat.

• 7

  Learn about exercises you can do to increase strength in the neck and shoulder muscles. Weakness can often lead to pain, so exercising the area can sometimes help to diminish the problem.

• 8

  Consider alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractor treatment.