Tips to Reduce Neck Pain
Neck pain is a very common complaint. It is so common that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied the prevalence in both males and females of several different age groups. They concluded that in the past three months alone, almost 20 percent of ALL of us have experienced neck pain! That’s a big number!
There can be many different causes for neck pain, including but not limited to compromised sleep, poor posture, excessive stress, and sudden movements. Regardless of the cause, neck pain can be very uncomfortable and even disabling.
While oral medications are an option to combat body pain, they can produce unwanted side effects. That’s where topical pain relievers come in! They are a proven, well-controlled pain relief option. Topical pain relievers can be prescribed by a doctor or bought over-the-counter. If you are looking to buy one, it is recommended to look for something that contains menthol or methyl salicylate, since the FDA recognizes them as pain-relieving topical agents.
Sleep is a critical part of our wellness and it plays a major role in our lives. I mean, we do it everyday. But sleep disorders are a serious problem that can cause a rather vicious cycle, especially for those experiencing chronic pain. It has been revealed that pain is the top contributor to sleep disorders. In turn, disrupted sleep contributes to pain conditions. See the cycle? Luckily, there are some things you can try to get better sleep at night.
Collagen is a protein; its main responsibility is to build the structural components of our bodies. Things like muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, and tendons contain mass amounts of these collagen cells. Without collagen, these tissues fail to perform properly and pain can develop in the body. So collagen is a very vital part of our health and maintaining a pain free life!
Traveling can be stressful, especially for those with chronic pain. Between the waiting in airports and the nature of being on an airplane, there is quite a bit to prepare for. However, this doesn’t mean that traveling can’t be a pleasurable experience! With planning, a little excitement, and some support, traveling can be a breeze.
If you’re suffering from any painful condition, whether its fibromyalgia, injury, arthritis, knee pain, or whatever the case may be, the last thing you might want to do is exercise! But research has found that the lack of movement is counterintuitive to the healing process and that low-impact exercise actually reduces pain and sets your body’s innate healing mechanisms into motion. Any kind of movement is good – as long as you move!
Everyone has experienced a muscle cramp at one time, 95% of people to be exact. Whether it is caused by poor circulation, dietary imbalances, dehydration, or a side effect from medication, all muscle cramps have one thing in common: They are no fun! They are simply the sudden contraction of one or more muscles that begins involuntarily and does not consequently relax. They can last anywhere between a few seconds to half an hour! But what can we do to prevent, treat, and avoid these unpleasant, prolonged spasms? Good question!
Road tripping with chronic pain can seem a bit daunting. There are a lot of things to be considered from medication to stretching techniques. However, with a little preparation and a tool belt of pain relief tips, you can still have just as much (if not more!) fun on the road!
