Have you ever called an annoying task a “pain in the neck?”  Neck pain is an irritation most of us would like to do without.

If you’re experiencing neck pain, call Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 for an appointment.  Chiropractic care can help you get rid of most neck pain quickly, safely and effectively.

Some kinds of neck pain require immediate medical attention.  If your neck is very stiff and accompanied by fever or headache; if your neck pain also comes with shooting arm or jaw pain, shortness of breath, and/or nausea; or if you’re experiencing numbness in your arms, trouble speaking, blurred vision, and/or loss of balance.  In these cases, call 911 immediately.

Minimize your risk of developing neck pain.

Poor posture is a common cause of neck pain.  Firstly, sit up straight.  Secondly, keep your head balanced directly over your spine.  Finally, don’t lean forward, tilt your head to one side, crane your neck, or keep your head bowed over for long periods of time.

If you sit for long periods of time – whether in front of your desk at work or enjoying books, TV or video games at home – take regular breaks to get up, walk around and stretch.

These breaks will also give you a reminder to “fix your posture” when you sit back down again.

Do you tend to get wrapped up in your work, game, or story, and forget to move around?  Set an alarm to go off in 45 minutes.  It will remind you.

Rather than bending down over your book, phone or tablet, change your position to keep your eyes looking straight ahead.

Manage your stress.  If you’re stressed out, it can increase your sensitivity to pain.  It costs nothing to devote ten or fifteen minutes a day to regular meditation.  All it takes is practice – the more you practice, the better you will get at it, and the more results you will see.  Some people also benefit from yoga or tai chi, which mix exercise with meditation and mindfulness.

Regular chiropractic care can help to relieve the day to day stresses we put on our necks.

Chiropractors are musculo-skeletal experts.  Your chiropractor will ensure the bones in your spine are aligned as they should be.  As well, chiropractic care can relieve that neck pain that’s been bothering you.

Your chiropractor can also recommend exercises to do at home that will strengthen your neck muscles.  Finally, chiropractic care can help your body cope with stress.

Contact Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 to schedule your appointment.