Pain-In-The-Neck Alternative Therapies

I recently spent the entire day rehabilitating my locked-up neck!  It was so tight, I ended up with a horrible migraine and could not even move my head.  I have suffered from migraines since I was a child, and have had neck pain for the past seven years that has been getting worse as time goes by.  Over the years I have incorporated various alternative therapy modalities that have improved my mobility, decreased the frequency of my migraines and keeps me off prescription pain meds.  I currently use minimal advil as the only conventional medication.

As a nurse, and more specifically, as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who has been the anesthesia provider in various orthopedic and neurological OR's, I know I am not alone. Doctors estimate that seven out of 10 people will be troubled by such pain at some point in their lives. One in 10 adults is hurting right now. And between 50% to 85% of people with such pain will be bothered by it again within the next five years. (http://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/neck-pain-a-troubleshooting-guide-to-help-you-find-relief) My goal has always been to resolve the problems that are causing the neck pain.  On my journey, I have found numerous alternative therapies extremely helpful.  I want to share what has worked for me... as my neck mobility is very much improved and the frequency of my migraines has drastically decreased.  These are the therapies I use to keep me mobile and moving! Be sure to watch the video below!  I demonstrate two of the therapies mentioned and Heather Baur, Yoga Instructor, leads the staff of Primal Life Organics through a Pain-In-The-Neck Yoga session to help alleviate the strain and stress on the muscles of the neck, shoulders and back!  Join in, it's only 15 minutes and it feels so good!

Trina's Preventative and Restorative Alternative Therapies for Neck Pain

1. Hot Yoga: the heat helps warm the muscles and allows for more movement.  Stretching exercises are coupled with breathing to increase capacity.  I avoid all inversions that put strain on the neck.  Favorite stretches include [caption id="attachment_1186" align="alignright" width="217"] Breo Neck Massager[/caption] forward fold, eagle, side stretch, child's pose, plow (advanced but really stretches the neck).
2. Breo Ineck2 Shiatsu Neck Massager ($180) relaxes the cervical vertebrae by pressing and kneading the pressure points and muscles around the neck to help RELIEVE tension and stress, and alleviate stiffness to fully RELAX the neck and shoulders.  The price might seem steep, but it is lightweight, cordless, compact- all features that make it easily transportable to and from work, on vacation or for business trips.  Powerful and easy to use in multiple ways. Use: 2+ times a day for 5-10 minutes. [caption id="attachment_1195" align="alignright" width="227"] Halovie Cervical Collar Air Traction Neck Support[/caption]
3. Halovie Cervical Collar Air Traction Neck Brace Support ($73) helps people with cervical spondylopathy (age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal joints and discs in the neck that causes pain) do self-treatments.  Frequent use of the device will help people prevent cervical spondylopathy, relieve cervical pain and fatigue, release clinical symptoms by air traction.  This traction device is similar to cervical traction collars, except it has inflatable balloons on the inside.  When inflated, this decompresses the spine and stretches the muscles, all while keeping proper alignment.  Use: 2-3 times a day, for 5-10 minutes. (Not meant to be [caption id="attachment_1223" align="alignright" width="182"] Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table[/caption] worn all day).
4.  Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table with Back Pain Relief Kit ($378) Pricey, but totally worth the investment.  Lengthens the spine and has so many benefits, I can't possibly define them all!  Please read this or watch this for the benefits of inverting yourself like a bat!  Use: 5 days a week, usually before bedtime.
5. Cryotherapy (full body or local)- the use of intense cold to decrease inflammation and speed healing.  There are numerous benefits to cryotherapy.  I typically do full body cryotherapy treatments 4-6 days a week.  When my neck becomes locked up or painful, I will opt for a local treatment to my neck and shoulders instead.  To read more about the benefits of cryotherapy, read this.
6. Deep Tissue Massage Therapy: target the neck, shoulders a [caption id="attachment_1254" align="alignright" width="228"] Muse Meditation Headband[/caption] nd back 30 minutes, twice a week.
7. Meditation: benefits, too numerous to mention.  I really enjoy using the MUSE Headband because it provides biofeedback WHILE you are meditating!  It has greatly improved my meditation practice!  Mediation calms me, keeps me focused, provides energy and inspires me.  Practice: 7-12 minutes daily.
8. Preventative Health (natural): Petadolex relaxes cerebral blood vessels and TheraMend COX-2 Flex Capsules which eases pain, stiffness and inflammation.