Often when people walk through our treatment room door, they have been suffering from neck pain for too long and are at a loss as to what their pain actually is or why they have it. Here are the Top 5 mistakes patients make with neck pain and what you can do about it today.
1. PUTTING UP WITH THE PAIN
As common as it is, pain isn’t normal. If you are suffering from neck pain, especially pain that isn’t relieved by some simple neck movement or stretches, you should seek advice. Putting up with pain can lead to you holding yourself differently, walking and moving awkwardly, therefore leading to pain or dysfunction in other areas. Seek treatment early to prevent longer-term pain.
2. RESTING COMPLETELY
Unless you have had an acute trauma (think motor vehicle accident or fall from a high level which may need rest and further medical advice) maintaining some degree of movement to your neck and your body, in general, can really help aid your recovery. This allows regular blood flow to the area, which promotes healing and keeps your muscles out of spasm.
3. OVER-DOING IT AT THE GYM
Lifting weights that are too heavy, or using too many overhead movements at the gym can create more pain and/or dysfunction in your neck if the underlying cause of the neck pain hasn’t been correctly addressed. We do encourage you to continue your movement and gym workouts in general, but seeking advice from your practitioner in what you can and cannot do is recommended.
4. THINKING ONE TREATMENT WILL FIX IT
Treatment and body healing can take time. Work with your practitioner on a treatment plan that is best for you and stick to it. It really is in your best interests.
5. NOT COMPLYING WITH YOUR TREATMENT PLAN AND/OR HOME REHAB
Seeing a manual therapist for your injury is great. You might need 1-2 sessions a week to begin with, but there are a lot more hours in the week where you could be further helping your body to get better.
9 WAYS TO EASE NECK PAIN
Looking for ways to ease your neck pain today? Follow our 9 simple strategies to help your neck pain today.
- Do your stretches regularly
- Drink more water to stay hydrated
- Eat a healthy, balanced and colourful diet
- Walk more regularly
- Take short breaks from screens and desk work
- Limit time on your mobile phone
- Ask for a strengthening program
- Get adequate sleep
- Check your pillow – how old is yours? It might be time for an upgrade. Check out our range of pillows here.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Check out our handy guide on the Top 5 Causes of Neck Pain. If you think your neck pain may be caused by one or more of these, then hands-on treatment by one of our Osteopaths, Myotherapists or Massage Therapists may be for you. They will help to identify the cause of your pain, treat you accordingly and provide you with strategies on how to improve and avoid your neck pain.
This article is for information purposes only. Please consult your Osteopath or primary healthcare professional for further information.