One small study found gua sha to relieve neck pain more than heat therapy, 3 but not all studies agree and more research is needed. When performed by a trained professional who uses sterile equipment, gua sha is generally considered safe. This treatment should not be applied to damaged or thinning skin. Also, as part of normal gua sha strokes across the skin, tiny capillaries break and cause petechiae red spots to form, which might be misinterpreted by others as a rash or bruising from abuse.
The petechiae typically clear up within a few days. Swimming is a great low-impact exercise for many people who have neck or back pain. Being in the water adds buoyancy, which means less stress on the spine.
Depending on the cause of your neck pain, consult with your doctor or physical therapist regarding which swim strokes may need to be avoided or modified.
For some, swimming is too strenuous on the neck. In that case, water therapy, which is gentle exercise done in a warm swimming pool, is often a great alternative to land-based exercises. See Water Therapy Exercises. Finding a quiet place to relax and focus the mind may help ease stress and bring new perspective.
Some examples of mindful meditation include controlled breathing exercises or guided imagery, such as envisioning the pain moving from your neck to your arm and then eventually floating off your fingers.
See Mindful Meditation vs. Chronic Pain. There are free videos and apps online to help you get started with mindful meditation. You should also see a doctor if you have:. You doctor will perform a physical exam and take your complete medical history. Be prepared to tell your doctor about the specifics of your symptoms. Treatment for neck pain depends on the diagnosis. In addition to a thorough history and physical exam by your doctor, you may also need one or more of the following imaging studies and tests to help your doctor determine the cause of your neck pain:.
Depending on the results, your doctor may refer you to a specialist. Treatment for neck pain may include:. Many people experience neck pain because of poor posture and muscle strain. Healthline and our partners may receive a portion of revenues if you make a purchase using a link on this page.
Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, is common. Although it can be unpleasant, it usually isn't a reason to worry. Here's how to treat it. For many people, a slightly pinched nerve causes no discomfort. For others, symptoms can include pain, numbness, and general weakness in the shoulder…. If neck pain is severe, lasts for weeks or months, drastically limits your ability to move your head, radiates into the shoulders, or feels worse in the morning, consider seeing a doctor.
Fever or weakness or numbness in the arms are other "red flags" that warrant additional evaluation. In some cases, an underlying physical problem, such as arthritis, an infection, or a compressed nerve, may be the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, you may need additional treatments or even surgery to relieve the pain and get back to your normal activities.
Be sure to keep your head level; you should be gliding your head backward, not bending or tipping it. Hold for five seconds. Repeat five times. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss A stiff neck is usually caused by your muscles weakening over time from poor posture or misuse.
Here are 4 simple stretches you can do to find relief. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.
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