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Cervical spine pain: remedies and healing

  • Writer: Rebecca Emanuel
    Rebecca Emanuel
  • Dec 2, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Dec 3, 2024

Do you ever feel like your body takes too long to heal from injuries, or do you experience unexplained fatigue, chronic headaches, or blurry vision? These symptoms might be your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t quite right. While some of these issues can be triggered by accidents during sports or work, there are times when no clear event causes the pain or discomfort. If that resonates with you, keep reading - I’ve been there myself.


As someone who has suffered from cervical spine pain for years, I’ve tried everything: deep tissue massages, acupuncture, dry needling, chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy - you name it. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on treatments that only provided temporary relief. What I’ve learned is this: for complex cervical spine pain, most general practitioners (GPs) are not equipped to provide the solutions you need. Often, they’ll recommend physiotherapy or trial-and-error treatments, which can be both time-consuming and costly. If this sounds familiar, I highly recommend seeking a referral to a pain specialist who focuses on the cervical spine to bypass the guesswork.


The Key to Healing: A Holistic Approach


Through years of trial and error, I’ve discovered that healing from cervical spine pain isn’t about finding a single “magic cure.” It requires a combination of changes that address the root causes. Here’s what I’ve learned and what has worked for me:


1. Correct Your Posture


Bad posture often places undue stress on the neck muscles and discs. Training yourself to keep your chin up and maintain proper alignment can make a huge difference. Using a cervical neck brace for a few hours a day can help you become more aware of your posture. It provides immediate relief from tension and strain and can significantly reduce headaches. https://sportsbraces.com.au/product/procare-form-fit-cervical-collar/?attribute_density=Medium&attribute_pa_size=xxsmall&utm_source=Google%20Shopping&utm_campaign=GS%20Feed%20v4%20NewProductType&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=10294&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACflMStLG9iYRqK3YtGvqWdotp_K4&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr7C6BhDRARIsAOUKifgYD7RJCQL51uCBNQCbuYBc8YrfGBjeaFlXjMJNyEh8P5RoiIOyt8AaArTZEALw_wcB


2. Reduce Inflammation with LED Therapy


LED light therapy can reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, aiding in faster recovery. More info on it here!


3. PRP Therapy


Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses your own blood to target and heal soft tissue injuries. It’s a game-changer for accelerating recovery in stubborn areas. I’m having this procedure done tomorrow morning so be sure to check out my next blog post - I’ll be going into detail about the whole process, how I came across it and if it actually works. Click link for more info. https://youtu.be/jHhIdwiDC4E


4. Oxygen and Blood Flow


Proper oxygenation is critical for healing. Low hemoglobin or anemia can delay recovery, so get your iron levels checked and address deficiencies with iron supplements or infusions if needed. For women with heavy menstrual cycles, this is especially important. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, while folic acid supports healthy red blood cell production. Together, these nutrients improve oxygen delivery to your tissues.


Additionally, breathing techniques can increase oxygen levels in your body, aiding in energy production and healing. https://youtu.be/UZKivmRajgE




5. Muscle Relaxation


Prescription muscle relaxants, when used short-term, can help release tight muscles and soft tissues. This allows for better movement and reduces inflammation caused by overcompensating in other areas.


6. Magnesium for Recovery


Magnesium, whether applied topically or taken as a supplement, supports muscle recovery and relieves tension in injured tissues.


7. Short-Term Anti-Inflammatories


Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be effective in reducing inflammation around the injury. When used alongside muscle relaxants and other treatments, they can help you regain mobility and reduce pain.


Supplements: The Unsung Heroes


I used to be skeptical about supplements, but now I’m a firm believer. Over the course of a year, consistent use of supplements, coupled with regular blood tests to monitor levels of iron, magnesium, and vitamins, has drastically improved my health. Modern diets often lack the nutrients we need for optimal healing, so supplements can fill that gap and play a vital role in recovery.


Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body


If you’re living with chronic pain, don’t wait for a big scare to take action. After spraining my neck, I finally committed to figuring out what my body needed -and it has been life changing. Healing takes time, consistency, and a holistic approach, but it’s worth the effort.


Take charge of your health, seek the right specialists, and invest in long-term solutions. If my experience can help even one person reduce their pain and regain their quality of life, then sharing this was worth it.



Let me know your thoughts or if you’ve tried any of these remedies yourself -I’d love to hear your journey!

 
 
 

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