The 6 best products for neck pain, according to experts Livestrong

When you’re reading this piece, chances are you’re sitting in front of the screen of a smartphone, tablet or computer – while your head set in a forward direction instead of resting on your spine. (You have just done a check your spine, didn’t you?)

Neck pain is very frequent 80 percent of people will suffer from some form of neck pain at some point in their lives, as per Harvard Health Publishing.

A lot of neck pain is due to poor posture, according to Chloe Costigan, DPT, an occupational therapy practitioner and co-owner of Mobility Doc. “Poor posture is linked to all of our everyday tasks, such as using our laptops and phones and even driving,” she says. “Anything which requires you to be facing forward will end in moving your entire head towards the forward direction.”

In time, poor posture can cause neck pain, which Costigan calls stress accumulation. A poor posture isn’t the sole cause: Injuries and bad sleeping habits can contribute to neck pain, according to Brian Danshaw, DO, an orthopedic spine surgery performed by Main Line Health.

If you’re experiencing neck pain, whether due to improper posture, an injury, or another causethere are many products that can help reduce it.

We talked to an orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist to figure out what you should look for when selecting a product to aid in relieving neck discomfort. It is important to remember however that some of these items aren’t able to address the source of the issue. they only provide temporary relief (we’ve identified this when it’s relevant).

We picked products based upon the following requirements:

• The ability to stimulate blood flow
• Easy to use
• Effectiveness

Percussion massage guns are popular and effective method to increase the flow of blood to areas that are in need of attention, Costigan says. After the area has been loosened it’s easier to stretch. She suggests that combining treatments, such as stretching and massage will give the most beneficial results.

Hypervolt Plus Hypervolt Plus comes with five massage heads that work on in different ways to treat tight spots. Its three speeds are whisper-soft , so you can massage while watching your favorite shows without interruption. Costigan employs Hypervolt Hypervolt in her clinic as does the Dr. Danshaw uses the Theragun ($449, Therabody.com) in his private use.

This roller in the shape of a peanut lends itself to deep neck massage due to its shape. Costigan suggests that people place this “indent” over the bones that runs along the bottom of the neck. This allows the ball-shaped sides to gently massage into the muscles around the neck. The model is simple but there are some that can vibrate.

Rolling on a foam roller or ball similar to this is proved to ease knots and boost blood flow. The end result is that relaxing and circulation will ease neck discomfort.

The device’s odd shape is a straightforward method to get deep into the neck muscles. Relaxing those muscles, Costigan says, makes it easier to improve posture.

The shape of this tough plastic is a bit uncomfortable initially, but once you can maneuver it around your shoulders It’s extremely effective in deep massage , without the use of a lot of force.

While the best pillow play a crucial function in relieving neck pain, but getting a good night’s sleep has many benefits, like the recovery of muscles. While we’ve chosen option we’ve chosen, selecting the right pillow is a individual thing. We love our Royal Therapy Memory Foam pillow due to a variety of reasons. It is able to be removed to adjust to height preferences, and the lip sits comfortably underneath our necks, allowing it to be aligned with the spine.

“You should maintain a system that keeps your spine as level as is possible,” Costigan says. “People are often having issues with their necks due to their sleeping position.” She also says that sleeping on your stomach is a bad idea and is not recommended.

Heating pads can be an effective method to alleviate neck discomfort. However, Doctor. Danshaw explains that heat can actually increase inflammation during the “acute inflammation phase.” Also, during the initial two weeks after experiencing neck pain, the heating can actually worsen the issue. In those two weeks it is recommended to use ice instead.

However, after that time, heating pads can offer some relief. Costigan says that heating pads (just as the over-the-counter medications) can be a temporary solution since it doesn’t get to the root of the issue.

We love this Sunbeam model, which sits perfectly around neck and upper back and features an adjustable magnetic closure that keeps it in place. The heating pad has four different levels of heat, based on your needs and preferences.

Tiger Balm cream transports our back to the time of intramural sports injuries in college Lather up with the cooling and heating cream and move ahead. As heating pads, the creams are useful, however, those that have heating properties should be kept following the acute inflammation according to the doctor. Danshaw says.

Tiger Balm Rub for Neck and Shoulder Rub makes use of herbs to give a cooling and warming sensation.

It’s crucial to remember, Costigan says, that regardless of the method you select to relieve neck discomfort, it will require time.

“Establish an established routine in treatment] rather than chasing the symptoms” She says. “Commit to a plan for a three to four-week time frame doing the same activities and then review.”

She notes that using a massage ball, or percussion massage gun could be helpful in the event that you’re suffering from symptoms, however it’s just trial and error in determining the best way to address the source of the neck discomfort. For instance, sleeping badly isn’t necessarily related to your pillow, however purchasing an alternative pillow may aid in relieving neck discomfort.

Products that contain warmth (heating creams, pads) can be beneficial but following the 2-week “acute” phase of symptoms Danshaw explains. Heating during the first two weeks may exacerbate the issue, so Ice is the best option.

Get medical treatment for neck pain that is resulted from an injury or if the pain persists or worsens over a period of longer than a week, the doctor. Danshaw says. It’s always beneficial to remain active in your treatment and not wait until the it gets worse before seeking advice from a doctor or a physical therapist Costigan says.