An Interesting Trick for Neck Pain Issues
Back and neck pain are the most common complaints amongst adults across the US. And while we’ve discussed the mysteries surrounding back pain before, neck pain is in fact even more of a mystery. Often times, some of the healthiest individuals in the world will just wake up with random neck pains, only to realize their pillow may have been slightly to the left during the night or something else just as random, and seemingly insignificant. According to neck pain specialist, Dr. Vikas Varma, while neck pain might seemingly occur due to the universe’s own randomness, it isn’t that random at all, and most likely, it is a result of your own poor posture!
Posture is important, especially nowadays as we are in a generation where the vast majority of us work from a computer and sit at a desk all day long. As a neck pain specialist, Dr. Varma believes the first and most important thing is to be aware of your posture and understand exactly where you are going wrong. Just try to sit up straight and take stock of where your arms, neck, shoulders, back and waist are all positioned. Be comfortable, that’s important too, but just don’t slouch and sit up whenever you can! No matter what you do, fixing your posture is of vital importance, as you do not want to end up with surgery issues. Other than just sitting better and posture changes, there is an interesting trick that comes to mind that definitely help end your back pain issues and it requires using a regular old bath towel!
Find a small or medium sized bath towel, any normal towel will do. Fold it in half, then roll it up so that it has a diameter of approximately 3 to 5 inches. Then, using a strong tape, like duct tape or even a series of rubber bands, use something to keep it held together in this position. According to neck pain specialist, Dr. Varma, this can be the secret to helping your neck, in two specific unique methods.
· Use this Towel Inside Your Pillowcase at Night
Put the rolled up towel in between your pillow and the pillowcase at night. This is done in two ways, if you sleep in your back, place the towel underneath your neck when you lay your head on the pillow – meaning the towel would be under the pillow. But if you sleep on your side, position the towel in the space created between your neck and the pillow.
o Generally, when we sleep our soft tissue in our neck is being strained but with the rolled up towel, this soft neck tissue has the support it needs. It is also aligned perfectly with the rest of your body.
· Use the Towel Behind You When Sitting
The towel can also provide you with lower back support when sitting, especially when its for long periods of time. This lower back issue can be the beginning of spinal damage that can make its way to the rest of your spine very easily. If you’re going on a long drive, watching a movie, or working at your desk, adding this towel behind you can help support the natural spacing that is created because of the natural curve of your spine. When your lower back is rounded, it’s difficult to keep your neck aligned straight over your shoulders. The muscles that support your neck and head become tired, and your neck droops forward. This angle can overstretch ligaments and affect your cervical discs, causing pain.
For more information on adjusting your posture and alleviating back or neck pain, contact DR. VARMA today.
