Chronic Neck and Back Pain: Natural Relief Ideas

​Back and neck pain are very common. This pain can be acute, meaning it started suddenly, or it can be chronic, which means that the same pain has been present for a while. This pain can have a vast array of possible causes, including arthritis, muscle spasms, compression fractures, herniated discs, and obesity. Neck and back pain are sometimes treated with prescription painkillers and even surgery. This article will discuss some possible alternative treatments for chronic neck and back pain that don't involve drugs or surgery.

Try a neck hammock

​This is a simple and ingenious device for figuring out how to relieve a stiff neck both at home and on-the-go. All you need is a sturdy doorway and about 10 minutes of privacy. Simply attach the strings to the doorway, lie down, and place the hammock around the back of your neck. The device relieves pain through the action of traction, which works to relax and stretch the muscles in your neck.

Attend a wellness retreat

​Most modern-day wellness retreats offer natural therapies for chronic pain in a relaxing setting. These treatments may include nutritional support, yoga, massage therapy designed to help realign the body, hikes, herbal supplements, hydrotherapy, and meditation.

Inversion therapy

An inversion table is a device that allows you to safely hang upside down. Inversion therapy helps to relieve chronic neck and back pain by reversing some of the effects of gravity on your body, particularly the spinal column. The spine is constructed of vertebrae, or small bones, and discs. These discs are firm pieces of tissue that act as a cushion between the vertebrae. Discs are firm, yet still flexible. They contain a type of gel in the center. As people age, this gel can begin to solidify, causing the disc to be less effective as a cushion between the vertebrae.
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This therapy reduces the pressure normally present on these discs, allowing them to expand and even rehydrate. Blood circulation is improved, too. Inversion tables may also relieve pressure on certain nerves, reducing or relieving pain from this source. While many people find inversion tables to be an effective way to relieve neck and back pain, the relief isn't permanent. Daily use of the inversion table is typically necessary in order to maintain pain relief.

Exercise

One of the best forms of exercise is a brisk 30-minute walk at least 3 times a week. A regular regimen of walking can help relieve neck and pain in several important ways. Walking strengthens the muscles that help to support your spine. It helps to increase bone density. Walking improves circulation, which helps to bring important nutrients to the spinal area, and it helps to maintain overall body flexibility.

Walking may also encourage the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are natural brain chemicals that relieve pain and produce feelings of well-being. Walking may help your body to control your neck and back pain naturally.

Some Other Suggestions

​Reduce or eliminate your consumption of refined sugar. Refined sugar encourages inflammation, which can lead to chronic pain in the back, neck, and joints. Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine, too. Make sure you get enough sleep. Inadequate sleep can lead to a disruption of certain hormones that can lead to increased stress. This stress can cause muscle tension, which in turn produces pain in the neck and back.

You don't have to turn to drugs and surgery to get relief from neck and back pain. You can use what you have learned here today to see if some of these natural methods bring natural, welcome relief from your chronic pain.