How to treat a stiff neck is a question I get asked almost every day in my role as an Alexander Technique Teacher. My answer usually comes as a surprise when I reply that I am not going to look at their neck or even try to treat it directly. Why? Because in my ten years of working with people suffering from neck pain and stiffness I've found it's rarely a 'neck problem'. If your doctor has not found a specific medical condition then it usually comes down to a single cause.
Find the cause and life gets a lot easier!
Before you read any further are you sure it's not whiplash? If you've had an accident in the last year you may be suffering as a result of an injury.
Hi, I'm Roy Palmer and I have helped hundreds of people suffering with stiff necks, whiplash or neck pain find relief where many other treatments have failed. I hope I can now do the same for you. I have listed below a number of options to find that much needed relief you are looking for, starting with finding the cause.
Remember - find the cause and you have the solution!
It is important that you seek a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner to rule out a serious medical condition before you consider other courses of action.
If you've found no specific reason for your neck problems have a look at the list of things you can try to get relief, or better still, get rid of your neck problem forever.
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You may have discovered the conventional approach to treating a stiff neck with drugs or traditional neck exercises haven't helped. If no specific medical condition has been diagnosed you could be carrying excessive tension in your neck and shoulders due to a number of reasons; stress and bad posture are two common factors.
Many of us spend long hours sitting hunched over our computers and suffer neck, shoulder and back pain as a result. For help on how to sit at your desk without stress see my advice on computer posture.
Or you could try my program - see below, based on the remarkable Alexander Technique, to help you release tension, relax and free your neck. I can guarantee no one will have shown you these simple but very effective exercises before.
'How To Treat Your Stiff Neck' contains 15 very effective exercises and techniques that will help you:
Release tension from your neck
Get an effortless upright posture
Prevent stress related neck and shoulder stiffness
Eliminate tension headaches
Stay relaxed throughout the day - even at your desk!
Start enjoying life again!
It's easy, just download the ebook and get started right now whilst sitting at your computer!
This is the easiest thing to check and can in many cases bring about quick relief. An old or 'lifeless' pillow can lead to a stiff neck as your muscles will contract if not supported sufficiently. We spend a third of our life in bed so make sure you are comfortable and your neck is rested.
A mattress that doesn't provide the support where it's needed is also a common cause in neck, shoulder and back pain.
The latest development in mattress technology to combat this problem is memory foam. Originally designed for astronauts by NASA the foam will mould itself to your body to give the ultimate support and consequently a great nights sleep.
When all parts of your body are supported it is easier to release the tension we tend to carry around with us all day. Now, thanks to better manufacturing processes the cost of memory foam products are now within most peoples budgets.
For more information on this remarkable product plus help on choosing the right one for you, please click memory foam mattress. Sleep is vital for your well-being, further health problems may occur if you are not getting enough or it's interrupted by pain or discomfort.
Also consider using a
memory foam neck pillow
, it may initially feel a little strange but you will soon get used to it and your neck will thank you for it. Check out the toxin-free, organic cotton covered memory foam pillows by Essentia Pillows
Massage can bring fast relief from a stiff neck and although temporary it's still very welcome! A qualified massage therapist will know which muscles to release to take the tension from your neck and shoulders. If you cannot afford either the time or money for regular trips to a therapist you could ask your partner or try a form of self massage.
There are many lotions and creams available over the counter or online.
Dynamint is a new product from Canada which blends four oils including calendula and teatree for deep penetration and fast action. For more information see natural muscle pain relief.
Another popular cream is Tiger Balm, a natural alternative to painkillers.
Pain relief on the go!
Neck pain is a common problem so there many products designed to help including instruction on massage and relaxation. Here are a few that may help bring you relief, see self help products. 4. Avoiding Stress
This is not easy in today's fast moving world. Stress will often cause the upper shoulder and neck muscles to tighten. This only has to be slight to start causing problems for the rest of your body. Your head weighs around 10 lbs and if pulled out of its natural position by your reaction to stress, your neck muscles have to work a little harder to keep you upright.
Whilst it may be impossible to avoid stressful situations, it is possible to learn how to prevent a negative response that will lead to a stiff neck - see stress and neck pain for more information.
Alternatively, you could use self-hypnosis techniques such as Richard Mackenzie's online audio programs. His downloadable self-help techniques for stress or anger management can be played on your mp3 or CD, click here for details.
5. Chiropractic And Other Therapies
An experienced therapist will check your neck and spine for misalignments that could be causing your discomfort. This can cost you time and money but if it resolves your problem it is certainly money well spent. Your therapist may also offer advice on posture, nutrition, lifestyle and physical activity as a longer term solution.
Check your local directory to find a qualified therapist in your area. 6. Neck Exercises
In most cases I believe traditional exercises may even make your condition worse. Do not attempt to use any neck exercises unless directed by your therapist.
If you attempt to strengthen muscles that are already working too hard this will add more tension to your neck.
In cases of whiplash injury following an accident, certain exercises may help with rehabilition, but on the whole I think they are best avoided.
A better approach is to find out why your neck muscles are working too hard.
My simple, new approach to exercises will show you how to build strength where it's needed (usually not in your neck) so you can reduce the tension inappropriately placed on your neck.
This option should only be viewed as a short-term approach just to give you some much needed relief. Painkillers will mask the problem but not solve it. Relaxants are only a temporary solution as they will not address the underlying cause.
New technology can now provide a drug-free approach to fast pain relief using micro-electric currents. For more information on these new products please click drug-free pain relief.
Many are put off using drugs for even short-term relief. Although muscle balms offer a good alternative people are often put off by the odour and sticky cream. Dynamint is rapidly becoming very popular thanks to it's pleasant minty aroma, non-sticky balm and a fast-acting formula. For more information see natural muscle balm.
Millions of people use Tiger Balm as a natural alternative to painkillers and relaxants. It's available in lotions, sprays and patches for fast relief to many aches and pains - for more information please click here.
Is Your Sport A Pain In The Neck?
We all know it's important for our health to keep active, yet if you are suffering from a stiff neck it can be difficult to get motivated. Even if you do it's not much fun and the benefits are much reduced.
My new book Zone Mind, Zone Body looks at how you can make your movements easier by learning to coordinate your body as nature intended. End result - training is more enjoyable and you will get fitter in the process.
You are welcome to search inside my book using Amazon's online reader. Find out how you can move more freely to prevent injury and allow you to train more. Please click on the cover or here to take a look.
Want to ask a question? My methods on how to treat a stiff neck differ from the conventional approach. If a conventional approach has not worked for you, why not try something different.
If you have a question about my program please feel free to contact me
Roy Palmer MSTAT
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Get Fast Relief From Lower Back Pain Without Exercise
