An ounce of preventive measures can significantly lessen neck pain and be worth a pound of cure. Neck pain resulting from wear and tear might not be under your control. There are many things you can do to cope with neck pain. You should find a Woodbury neck pain expert who can guide you on home remedies to help deal with neck pain.

Best Sleeping Position for Neck Pain

When sleeping on the back, you should use a rounded pillow to support the natural curves, as a flat pillow can lift the head to an unnatural position. Feather pillows can easily conform to the shape of the neck and head; however, they will collapse over time. It is better to replace them each year to hold the neck better, preventing further pain. While sleeping on the side, you can use a standard memory foam pillow that conforms to the face’s contours. You can keep the spine straight by using a pillow that is higher under the neck or head.

Home Remedies That Ease Neck Pain

  • Immediately when you feel pain in your neck, you can apply ice for the first few days as it can numb the area. Moreover, heat therapy using a heated pad, hot compression, or a hot shower can reduce the discomfort from neck pain.
  • Over-the-counter painkillers can help relieve neck pain.
  • You can take time off from strenuous sports and activities, which may be aggravating the chronic neck symptoms. Heavy lifting can be strenuous, and when you resume everyday activities, you can start in slowly to ease your symptoms.
  • You can maintain good posture and avoid cradling at your phone between the neck and the shoulder as it may aggravate any existing pain.

When to See a Doctor

Although you can ease pain at home and practice better sleeping positions, you should consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for a long time. You should see the doctor if the neck pain is chronic without apparent cause.  Moreover, if there is a lump on the neck, fever, and headache, it could indicate a serious health issue. Trouble swallowing and breathing might be an indication of a severe issue that needs immediate medical attention. Numbness, tingling, and weakness could also be indications of severe neck and spinal problems. Pain that radiates the arms and legs and the inability to move the arms, hands, or reach the chin could be a severe health issue. Moreover, blood and bowel dysfunction due to chronic neck pain might require immediate medical attention.

Final Thought

Neck pain can reduce your quality of life, and you should learn some home remedies that can help you deal with the pain. When sleeping on your back, you can use a soft feathered or foam pillow. It could help if you replaced the pillows regularly to ease chronic neck pain. Additionally, you should see a doctor if the chronic neck pain is persistent.