Stiff Neck Relief: 8 Simple TipsPresented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC — Soft Touch Chiropractic, Porter Ranch & Northridge

 
A stiff neck can make something as simple as turning your head uncomfortable or difficult.
Neck stiffness may develop after sleeping in an awkward position, spending long periods looking down at a phone, working at a computer, prolonged driving, muscle strain, or other musculoskeletal problems.
Fortunately, uncomplicated neck stiffness often improves with time and gentle movement.
Here are 8 simple things you can try.
1. Try Gentle Heat A warm shower, heating pad, or warm moist towel may temporarily relax tight muscles and make movement more comfortable.
Avoid excessive heat and never fall asleep with an electric heating pad against your skin.
2. Keep Your Neck Moving When your neck hurts, your natural reaction may be to avoid moving it altogether.
However, prolonged inactivity can sometimes contribute to additional stiffness.
Within a comfortable range, gently turning and moving your neck may help maintain mobility.
Never force a painful movement.
3. Take Breaks From Your Phone Looking downward at a phone or tablet for prolonged periods can place additional demand on the muscles supporting your head and neck.
Bring your device closer to eye level when possible and take frequent breaks.
4. Check Your Computer Position Your monitor should be positioned so you don't constantly bend your neck forward or rotate your head to one side.
If you work at a computer for long periods, change positions regularly and take short movement breaks.
5. Try Gentle Neck Exercises Simple range-of-motion exercises may be appropriate for some types of neck stiffness.
Move slowly and stay within a comfortable range.
Watch my neck-movement exercise video below.
[KEEP YOUR EXISTING YOU TUBE VIDEO HERE]
Stop an exercise if it produces significant pain, dizziness, numbness, tingling, or other unusual symptoms.
6. Consider Your Pillow and Sleeping Position There isn't one perfect pillow for everyone.
The goal is to find a pillow and sleeping position that comfortably supports your head and neck without forcing them into an awkward position for hours.
7. Don't Stay Inactive All Day General physical activity and regular movement can help maintain mobility.
Even a short walk and periodic changes in position may feel better than remaining in the same posture for hours.
Watch my movement video below.
[KEEP YOUR EXISTING YOU TUBE VIDEO HERE]
8. If It Doesn't Improve, Get It Evaluated Persistent neck stiffness may involve muscles, joints, posture, previous injury, arthritis, or other conditions.
At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we first evaluate the patient to determine whether conservative chiropractic care is appropriate.
Depending on the findings, care may include gentle chiropractic adjustment, instrument-assisted adjustment, joint mobilization, stretching, therapeutic activities, or physiotherapy modalities tailored to the individual patient.
Watch my video comparing gentle instrument adjustment with traditional chiropractic manipulation below.
[KEEP YOUR EXISTING YOU TUBE VIDEO HERE]
When a Stiff Neck Needs Medical Attention Not every stiff neck should be treated at home.
Seek prompt medical evaluation when neck stiffness occurs with symptoms such as:

• Significant trauma
• Severe or unusual headache
• Fever
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Loss of coordination
• New numbness or tingling
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Severe or rapidly worsening pain

These symptoms may indicate something more serious than ordinary muscular stiffness.
Stiff Neck Care in Porter Ranch & Northridge If your stiff neck isn't improving or keeps returning, an examination may help identify contributing musculoskeletal factors.
Soft Touch Chiropractic serves patients in Porter Ranch, Northridge, and the San Fernando Valley with individualized, gentle chiropractic and supportive therapy.
Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC
Soft Touch Chiropractic
Porter Ranch / Northridge, California
*This information is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized

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