Some exercises, especially lifting weights, can cause you to have neck pains. Here’s how to deal with neck pain after a workout.
There’s nothing better than getting in a good workout. It makes you feel accomplished, invigorated, and healthy. However, if you experience neck pain after a workout, it can have the opposite effect.
Neck pain can make simple acts like turning your head excruciating, not to mention how much it can disrupt your sleep. The question is, what can you do about it?
Keep reading for our top tips on how to handle neck pain after exercise.
- Use Ice and Heat
There are two approaches to caring for neck pain after a workout in regards to temperature therapy. The first is to use heat to warm the affected area. Doing so will increase blood flow (to expedite healing) and help relax stiff or tight muscles.
Alternatively, ice can be used to reduce blood flow. This cuts down on the swelling and inflammation you may be experiencing. For intense pain, ice can also be used to numb the pain.
- Rest
Our bodies are amazing machines capable of healing and recovering from even the most traumatic accidents. While ice, heat, and other options can expedite the healing process and reduce discomfort, our bodies know what they’re doing.
All you need to do is allow yourself adequate time for rest and recovery. If you feel pain while working out, stop immediately. That’s your body’s warning to prevent you from injuring yourself even worse.
- See a Chiropractor
Next, depending on how long the pain or discomfort persists, it may be wise to find a chiropractor. Use your phone to search for “the best chiropractor near me” to find your local options. Chiropractors could help fix an unaligned hip, neck, or back which could be contributing to your symptoms.
- Ease Back Into Working Out
When you are ready to get back into the gym, understand that you need to take things slow. Just because you’re feeling better, it doesn’t mean your neck is completely healed. Jumping back into a workout headfirst could reignite your pain and discomfort.
Have the discipline to ease your way back into your routine while recovering from neck pain after a workout.
- Use Pain Relievers
Neck pain from lifting weights isn’t incredibly uncommon. It can happen from straining too much, using improper form, or lifting without warming up adequately. Fortunately, pain relief can be found from generic, over-the-counter pain relievers.
Naproxen sodium, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen are all easily accessible from local pharmacies or chain stores like Wal-Mart. Just make sure you take them responsibly.
If your pain is so extreme that these pain-relievers do nothing to comfort you, you may want to see a doctor and look into more powerful alternatives.
Are You Experiencing Neck Pain After a Workout?
Are you experiencing back, joint, or neck pain after a workout? Is this a common experience for you? If so, you may want to find the underlying cause of your pain and discomfort.
It may come down to lifting improperly are failing to warm up before exercising. Our blog is dedicated to helping new and veteran gym enthusiasts alike get the most out of their fitness journeys. This includes keeping yourself safe and injury-free.
Be sure to check out some of our other articles for more information before you go.
