Did you wake up with excruciating pain gripping the side of your neck? Are you hunching your shoulders toward your ears from an overload of stress? Is poor posture contributing to the discomfort in your neck?

If you are sitting in front of your computer for hours on end, you may not realize that slouching toward the screen can intensify neck problems. Maybe your schedule doesn’t allow a moment to breathe or relax. However, if you don’t take the necessary time to stretch, exercise or meditate, pain in your body will send a loud warning signal—demanding that you pay attention.

Simple Exercises to Ease Discomfort

Neck pain is a common problem, which many with arthritis have experienced. Some seek relief with over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. However, according to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, simple exercises may be more effective.

Here are some suggestions:

Stretch gently: If you must remain at your desk, take a few minutes to stretch your neck. Simply angle the top of your head away from your shoulder to lengthen this area gently. A few minutes of turning your head from side to side slowly may also offer some relief.

Check posture check: Focus on your posture, and make a deliberate effort to sit up straight. Check that your shoulders are back rather than curved forward. Align and center your head, making sure that you’re not jutting out your chin.

Breathe deeply: If you are swallowing accumulated stress, your breathing may be shallow, which adds to the knots in your body. Focus on the tight areas in your neck, and inhale deeply. Imagine the pain leaving your body as you exhale.

Take a nap: When you are short on sleep, your entire body aches even more. Even a short power nap of 10 to 20 minutes can lessen the pain in your neck. Give yourself permission to rest and heal your body.

Meditate and visualize: If you can’t fall asleep, just meditate. When you still your mind, while resting your back and neck, you may experience significant pain relief. Visualize a favorite getaway such as a beach. While you imagine the soothing sounds of the ocean, some of your pain may drift out to sea!

Beneficial Results From Acupuncture 

Some neck pain sufferers have experienced beneficial results from acupuncture, one of the specialties at Non-Surgical Orthopaedics. If you are experiencing any shooting pains or numbness along with neck pain, seek immediate medical attention. To ease the pain in your neck, call Non-Surgical Orthopaedics at 770-421-1420 now.