Neck pain is extremely common, occurring in approximately 1 out of 10 people, according to an analysis by the Medical College of Wisconsin. There are a variety of health conditions that can lead to chronic neck pain.
In general, the neck tends to hold a good amount of weight for long periods of time, which can be a common cause of chronic neck pain. That constant weight puts a strain on the neck, so the addition of any other emotional or physical sources of stress can quickly result in persistent pain.
There are several things you can do on your own to relieve neck pain being caused by stress. When these at-home techniques are insufficient, you may need to seek professional care for your chronic neck pain.
1. Stretching
Stretching the muscles that extend from your neck to your lower back can be effective when trying to eliminate pain. Many healthcare professionals advise using various stretching exercises. You do not need anything other than a small amount of time and space to perform these stretches at home.
2. Yoga
Pain, stress, and tension can all be relieved through yoga, whether you go through a series of poses in a class or at home. You can quickly boost your wellness and ability to manage your own stress through a yoga session of just a few minutes, according to a 2017 report from Harvard University .
3.Support From Loved Ones
To achieve stress-related neck pain relief, ask your friends and family for help. Simple reassignment of responsibilities or favor requests, such as asking your friend to get something at the store or giving your kids additional chores can help reduce some of the stress you’re feeling.
4. Stopping Bad Habits
Drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes soon before bed can bring about additional pain while you are sleeping. Even if your mood is generally strong, stress-related neck pain can arise from the tension in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems generated by stimulants ingested in the few hours before sleep.
5. Exercise
Alleviating neck pain is just one of the many health benefits of regular, moderate workouts. Through exercise, you can achieve shoulder, back, and neck pain alleviation while limiting oxidative stress and boosting your level of cortisol.
Professional Care for Stress-Related Neck Pain
Are you experiencing neck pain that is exacerbated by stress? We are an integrative medical center with a bold philosophy: surgery isn't always the answer. At Envista Medical in Bakersfield, we work with you to develop a holistic plan that uses non-surgical, minimally invasive methods for pain treatment.