Definition
Neck tensions are painful changes in the muscles due to increased muscle tension (= muscle tone) during a long period of stress. The neck musculature hardens and is felt by those affected as a very unpleasant pain, which can manifest itself as a pain in pressure as well as a pain in movement. It is not uncommon for this pain to radiate into the neck and shoulder. Reasons for such neck tension can be increased strain, poor posture, overstretching, heavy one-sided carrying, blockages in the cervical spine or stress. The neck muscles are stressed in everyday life in any form, making them very susceptible to tension.
What are the possibilities?
The treatment spectrum of neck tension offers many different possibilities. The therapeutic approaches to relieve tension vary greatly. Some possibilities also fulfill more preventive aspects.
The release of neck tension can be realized by the following measures: Patients can choose freely between these possibilities as they please and find out the best therapy for themselves.
- Sports (weight training, Nordic walking, cross trainer, swimming)
- Home remedies (heat therapy, ergonomics, substances such as comfrey, eucalyptus, cayenne pepper, apple vinegar, etc. )
- Acupuncture
- Osteopathy
- Yoga
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Homeopathic therapeutic approaches (Nux vomica, Causticum Hahnemanni, Rhus toxicodendron, Bryonia etc. )
- Schüssler salts (calcium phosphoricum and magnesium phosphoricum)
- Massages
- Black Roll
- Heat therapy (infrared lamp, cherry stone pillow etc. )
- Medicines (Finalgon ointment)
Which exercises help best?
In order to prevent neck tension from occurring in the first place, there are some preventive measures that should be observed and applied. These include an ergonomic neck posture, sufficient movement and strengthening the neck muscles through strength training. If neck tension is already manifest, those affected can choose from a variety of options.
Which variant or exercise is ultimately the best is considered a personal decision. Some sufferers prefer measures where they themselves have to be less active, such as acupuncture, osteopathy, progressive muscle relaxation or massages. Others, on the other hand, try to relieve their neck tension with sports in the form of weight training, the use of black roll or yoga. Each body responds differently to the different exercises or treatment measures. Those affected should therefore find out the best exercises for themselves according to their own taste.
