Healing takes place at home.

Q: I was recently diagnosed with a bulging disc at C5-C6, is there anything I can do at home to relieve my pain?
— El Paso, TX.

A: Great question because anyone that has woken up with a stiff neck can relate. This is the most common area of herniation in the neck. It is highly susceptible to regular wear and tear, but poor neck posture, like looking down at a phone for too long and improper motion mechanics, can also cause it.

Taking care of yourself without going to the doctor is very important, and it is critical to learn proper healing methods and techniques.

Healthcare professionals will say that most of the healing takes place at home.

There are various ways to reduce pain at home, but remember that there is a point when symptoms do warrant professional medical attention.

 

 

Good news

Bulging and herniated discs typically heal within six months — and less than 10% ever need surgery.

Non-surgical treatment for cervical bulging discs is usually enough to relieve pain, and the best part is that you can do many of these treatments yourself.

Under chiropractic/therapist supervision, these treatments can be utilized at home or with assistance.

Cervical pillow

A proper pillow will help improve sleep quality and give the neck proper support and position to heal.

 

 

Herbal remedies

The natural approach to medications is also welcome. There are plenty of herbal supplements to help relieve pain. There is a capsaicin cream that you can apply and helps reduces pain.

Ice and heat therapy

Ice should be applied in a bag or towel for 15-20 minute intervals, two or three times daily. Heat treatment comes in the later stages of the therapy but follows the same on-off interval technique.

Over-the-Door Traction

This therapy is very effective in helping relieve pain and muscle spasms. Your head and neck are attached to a harness. This is connected to a rope connected to a pulley system that goes over a door at your home. Then while sitting, leaning back, or lying down, you go through the exercise.

Motion exercises

A therapist or a chiropractor can show various exercises depending on the area of injury/stiffness. These exercises help the neck recover its full range of motion. This prevents stiffness from setting in and also helps strengthen the muscles in the neck.

However, if the pain does not go away, a physical therapist/chiropractor can be your best option. Passive physical therapy includes:

• Ultrasound
• T.E.N.S electrical nerve stimulation
• Mild neck traction

These treatment options are non-invasive and effectively help manage pain. It’s always important to remember that if your pain continues or starts to become worse, tell your doctor and get medical attention.

Chiropractic Alignment

If the pain continues, then you may be referred to a chiropractor for spinal alignment.

Chiropractors are experts at treating neck conditions.  Aligning the cervical segments of the neck is a must as the injury can return if the cervical discs are not in proper alignment or even worsen. Chiropractic treatment can give relief and also stop cervical spine degeneration.

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Neck Pain Chiropractic Care

 

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NCBI Resources

Neck pain is a work-related musculoskeletal disorder that can occur when a person works long or at a high intensity. People have a 70% likelihood of developing neck pain lives, and neck pain is an important issue affecting economic productivity in modern society. An increase in the number of individuals visiting hospitals with pain in the neck, upper extremities, and the head due to excessive tension. Home therapies can help reduce pain.