Best Natural and Alternative Therapies for Neck Pain and Stiffness Relief

Massage Therapy

If you ever wish to get massage therapy for you neck joint pain relief, plenty of options exist. From traditional massage therapies to modern massage techniques, the aim is to loosen up the tight muscles around your neck joint. Also, getting a massage improves your blood flow to the massaged area, which helps reduce severe pain.

Some of the most common types of massage techniques are;

1. Swedish Massage - It is a type of massage where long strokes are used as techniques to relax the muscles.

• Deep Tissue Massage - Deep tissue massage, as it sounds, is a technique that uses forceful pressure on the target area. The pressure must reach the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
• Trigger Point Massage - This massage targets the trigger points based on the science of fascia. Many complementary branches of medicine practise this science, like the Chinese system of medicine and Ayurveda.
• Shiatsu Massage - It comes from a traditional Japanese form of massage. Here, pressure and stretching techniques stimulate the body's energy flow.
• Marma Massage- Marma is an Ayurvedic term for trigger points. These points reflect different vital parts of the body. Marma massage is a therapy that South Indian Ayurvedic experts mainly practise.

Note: Connect with Nirva Ayurveda experts to learn more about Marma Massage.

• Ayurvedic massages 

Ayurvedic massages consist of different modes and methods. Some are;

1. Direct hand massage,
2. Massage with foot 
3. Massage with Oil
4. Massage without oil
5. Powder massage
6. Massage with medicated paste

Moreover, these massages are chosen according to the situation of body bioenergy (doshas) in you.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture was traditionally practised in the Chinese system of medicine. This technique involves inserting needles into specific points on the body. 

• These needles stimulate natural healing mechanisms when inserted into certain body meridians. 
• As per different research studies, acupuncture treatment has analgesic effects on musculoskeletal pain through neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms. Acupuncture sends calming signals down your nervous system to turn down the pain.

Acupuncture is a potent non-conventional treatment for neck pain.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy is one of the most used therapies for joint or muscle pain. When you apply any heat, it reduces pain by the following mechanisms;

• It relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to the area of pain. This promotes healing and reduces muscle tension.
• Loosens up the tight muscles, thus improving flexibility and range of motion in your neck.

You can use any heat therapy, such as a heating pad, hot water bottle, warm compress with a soaking towel or a warm bath.

You can also opt for ayurvedic therapies such as applying heat with oil, a warm bath with herbal medicated water or a steam bath with medicated steam.

Note: Don't use heat for 20 minutes at a time. Overuse can lead to skin burning.

Ice Therapy

Ice therapy also works well in certain neck pain conditions, contrary to heat therapy. 

Ice therapy is also known as cryotherapy. It reduces pain through a mechanism called vasoconstriction. This means a constriction of your blood vessels.

• You can adopt ice therapy to reduce the blood flow to the area of pain, such as in cases of inflammation and when you wish to numb the area of pain. 
• Ice therapy limits the arrival of inflammatory cells, thereby minimising swelling and discomfort. 

You can use cold water immediately if you do not have ice at the time of injury.

Note: You must use ice therapy only after a recent injury or inflammation. Limit your ice session to 15-20 minutes to avoid skin irritation or damage.  Also, do not use ice on open wounds or broken skin.

Mind-Body Therapies

Mind-body therapies for neck joint pain relief are like taming the tension. The therapy addresses the connection between your brain and physical body to reduce pain perception, relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Some of the mind-body therapies you can practise are;

a. Meditation

Meditation takes you into a state of calmness. Your mind tries to focus, thus reducing stress hormones. Stress hormones contribute to muscle tension and pain perception.

b. Mindfulness

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By becoming more aware of your thoughts and body sensations, you can learn to accept pain without letting it control you. 

c. Yoga

Yoga has been repeatedly proven scientifically to have the ability to reduce pain. Yoga poses, pranayama deep breathing, and mindful meditation help you relax. Yoga improves flexibility and reduces stiffness. Regular practice of yoga not only helps you reduce your current neck joint pain but also prevents future muscle spasms.

Alexander Technique

Alexander's technique is an alternative therapy based on the idea that poor posture gives rise to various health problems. It is classified as a 'psychological and physical' complementary approach. 

The technique helps you release unnecessary muscle tension. Poor posture can strain your neck muscles significantly when you are hunching or leaning forward. Alexander's technique emphasises proper head and neck alignment, thus relieving stress on your neck joint pain. You learn to become more aware of your body's sensations and movement patterns through gentle guided exercises. Over time, the habits learned can lead to lasting relief from pain and improved overall well-being.

Other Developing Joint Manipulation Techniques

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a form of alternative medicine that emphasises the body's natural ability to heal itself. Osteopaths use manual therapy techniques to improve musculoskeletal function and promote overall well-being.

They can improve the mobility of the neck joint, reduce muscle tension, and give postural correction, thus managing your pain. The techniques will involve soft tissue massage and joint manipulation with stretching and strengthening exercises. 

Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

Craniosacral Therapy, or CST, focuses on a subtle rhythm in the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord called CerebroSpinal Fluid (CSF). A restricted flow of this fluid contributes to muscle tension in the neck and surrounding areas. CST sessions' calming and relaxing nature helps reduce stress levels, promoting relaxation and pain perception. A typical CST session lasts for 45-60 minutes. 

Rolfing

Rolfing is structural integration, a unique approach to addressing neck pain by focusing on the connective tissue (fascia) throughout your body. Fascia is a web-like network of connective tissue that surrounds and supports your muscles, organs and other structures. The tightness of this fascia contributes to misalignment and pain in various areas around your neck. 

So, rolfing therapists use deep tissue manipulation techniques and assisted stretching to address fascial restrictions. These release tension, improve flexibility and realign your body's structure. Rolfing sessions will improve your posture and remove stress from your neck joint.

Myofascial Therapy

As it sounds, myofascial release therapy combines muscle (myo) and fascial manipulation. 

Some trigger points are tiny knots or tight bands of muscle fibres that can develop in response to injury, overuse, or poor posture. Myofascial release therapy applies pressure and stretching to these trigger points to release tension and improve flexibility. When the tension in these areas is released, there is a better blood flow, oxygen and nutrient supply, which reduces pain.

Biofeedback Technique

Biofeedback therapy is another mind-body technique to relieve pain. The technique helps you gain awareness and control involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, muscle tension and skin temperature. 

The technique uses some sensors attached to the skin of your neck. These sensors pick up signals related to muscle activity called electromyography. You will see a bar graph rise and fall as your neck muscles tense and relax or hear a sound that changes pitch depending on muscle tension. So you observe real-time feedback to learn how your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations are linked to muscle tension in your neck.

Here, you can use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to consciously control muscle activity and reduce tension.

Chiropractic Therapy

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative therapy that is majorly opted for by many worldwide. The chiropractic treatment for neck pain focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. 

The chiropractic approach involves spinal alignments, manual adjustments and a focus on the whole body for overall well-being. You will be told to improve your posture and adopt stretching exercises and lifestyle modifications to support your neck joint pain recovery.

Conclusion

Neck pain can disrupt the peace of your life. While conventional medicine offers solutions, alternative therapies provide a drug-free and hands-on approach. From improving posture and reducing muscle tension to promoting relaxation and managing stress, options like massage therapy, osteopathy, and biofeedback can be valuable tools. 

Remember, these therapies are best used alongside conventional medicine. You can go for the best integrative therapies for long-term neck pain Relief. Consult your healthcare provider to see if alternative therapies can become part of your path to neck pain relief.