The holidays are here. If you're like most people, you're already in the process of running yourself ragged. If that's the case, you might have noticed a bit more pain and discomfort, especially in your neck. Neck pain can be a real serious problem during the holidays, especially if you don't take care of yourself. If the holidays have you experiencing more neck pain than usual, help is available. Here are four steps you can take to alleviate neck pain and discomfort.
Give Yourself a Break
If you find yourself running all over town trying to get as many errands completed as possible, it's time to take a break. You might not realize this, but stress can exacerbate neck pain. When you're stressed out, your muscles tend to tense, especially in your neck. Unfortunately, that muscle tension can lead to increased neck pain, as well as an increased occurrence in headaches. To alleviate the neck pain and the headaches, give yourself time to relax each day.
Change Your Posture
If your holiday preparations involve a lot of baking, decorating, and gift wrapping, you're probably not practicing the best posture. If that's the case, you can expect to experience an increase in neck pain. You can't eliminate those activities, but you can take steps to improve your posture. When you're standing in line, focus on standing with your shoulders back and your feet spread apart. When you're wrapping gifts, try wrapping at a table that allows you to take the pressure off of your neck. When you're cooking and baking, try to avoid putting too much pressure on your neck. These steps will help you alleviate posture-related neck pain.
Get Up and Stretch
If the holidays have you cooped up inside or standing in long lines, you might not be getting the exercise you need. Unfortunately, that can have an adverse affect on your neck. In fact, the lack of activity could increase your risk for neck pain. One way to reduce the risk for this type of neck pain is to get up and stretch throughout the day. Stretching your neck and back can help to eliminate the pain that can get worse during the holidays.
Seek Treatment
Finally, if your neck pain is getting worse now that the holidays are here and you can't seem to find relief, it's time to seek treatment from a professional healthcare provider. Physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care can all help to alleviate the neck pain you experience during the buildup to the holidays.
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