Neck pain, or cervicalgia, is a common complaint. To reduce them, a physiotherapist known as @lisakine_ on Instagram, shared two extremely effective tips.
Neck pain refers to stiffness that limits neck movement. This cervical pain, at the back of the neck, is common among the French. Although there are no official figures corresponding to the number of cases, according to the French Chiropractic Association, they affect 30 to 50% of adults. According to this same source, 67% of the population suffers from a neck pain episode during their life.
Generally, neck pain is spontaneous and mechanical in nature: neck pain occurs without an obvious cause.
To relieve this sometimes debilitating pain, a physiotherapist, @lisakine_ on Instagram, reveals two practical tips.
Neck pain: how to reduce pain?
It was in an Instagram video that the physiotherapist shared her valuable advice. And more precisely, two actions – to be practiced regularly – to quickly reduce tension in the neck.
A massage at the base of the skull
On her Instagram account, the physiotherapist explains how to easily reproduce this massage at home. To do this, simply go up the neck and feel the base of your skull. Then, it should be massaged in small, deep circles.
Little additional “tips”? The expert advises not to hesitate to press during the massage, in order to increase its effects.
Stretch your head to the sides
In the same video, the physiotherapist recommends performing “stretching” to relieve the neck. To do this, she specifies that the head must be tilted to the side, accompanying it with the hand. This position must be maintained for 30 seconds – you should feel that it “pulls” slightly.
His advice? Don’t hesitate to repeat the movement!
View this post on Instagram
Other tips that work
To relieve tension and muscle contractures in the neck and shoulders, you can also apply a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth to the neck and shoulders for 15 minutes, 3 times a day. Hot showers also relieve tight muscles.
You can also self-massage for ten minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, with an anti-inflammatory oil or ointment.
Finally, on a daily basis, standing up straight is essential. When facing a computer, adjusting your screen is strongly recommended, positioning your head in alignment with your spine.
