Finding Neck Pain Relief

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people come to my office, and it’s rarely just about the neck. Here are the tips I share most often with my clients.

1. Get Hands-On Bodywork

When your neck is bothering you, regular bodywork is part of taking care of yourself, not a luxury. Massage can ease muscle tension and help you feel more at ease in your body.

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, light-touch approach that many clients find deeply relaxing. Using very light pressure at the head, neck, and sacrum, I help release tension in the surrounding tissues and support your body’s natural ability to settle into a calmer state. Many people with neck and shoulder tension tell me they leave feeling lighter and more relaxed. Craniosacral therapy is a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care.

Look for a licensed therapist with good reviews and training in the approach you want.

2. Try a Neck and Shoulder Relaxer

I’ve used Dr. Riter’s Real Ease with clients and on myself, and we all find it comfortable. It relaxes the neck muscles, and my whole body tends to follow. I have no financial connection to the product. See it on Amazon.

3. Look at the Whole Body, Including Your Hips

Neck pain doesn’t always start in the neck. Pelvic and spinal alignment can affect how your head and shoulders are held, and a healthy pelvic girdle and spine support a healthy neck. A chiropractor or other qualified provider, working together with soft tissue therapy, can help you improve your posture.

4. Fix Your Tech Posture

Almost every client who walks into my office these days has forward head posture. For every inch your head drifts forward, your neck muscles work harder to hold up its weight. Some simple fixes:

• Raise your phone to eye level instead of bending over it
• Prop up your laptop or monitor so the top of the screen is at eye level
• Invest in an ergonomic chair and workstation
• Take a movement break every 30 minutes

5. Choose the Right Pillow

Few things are worse than waking up with a stiff, painful neck. A supportive pillow that keeps your head level with your spine makes a big difference. I sleep on my back, and I found a good one at Brookstone, though there are many good brands. My chiropractor also recommended chiropractic pillows from Scrip-Hessco.

When to See a Doctor

Neck pain is common, but that doesn’t make it easier when it hurts. If your pain lasts more than a week or two despite heat or cold, see a physician. Seek care promptly if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, pain after an injury, severe headaches, or fever with a stiff neck. Neck issues shouldn’t be ignored, so be proactive about your health.

Ready for relief? Book a massage or craniosacral therapy session in Columbus, Ohio.

Sharon Hartnett, LMT
📞 614-653-8111
🌐 www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com