Grain cushions nestle perfectly
Heat dilates the blood vessels, stimulates circulation and thus promotes blood flow to hardened muscles. Top helpers for a tense neck are warmed grain pillows, which are available with different fillings. Thick cherry stones retain heat better, while fine rye or spelt grains are more comfortable to lie on. Neck pillows stay hot the longest when heated in the microwave - even longer than a hot water bottle.
Full bath with rosemary oil also relaxes the head
A full bath relaxes the muscles, and the circulation-promoting essences of the rosemary bush enhance the effect. To do this, add 10 ml of rosemary essential oil (health food store) to water heated to 38 degrees, bathe for 20 minutes and then rinse off with cold water. This also lowers stress hormone levels.
Cold compress relieves inflammation
Does your neck feel hot and heat is uncomfortable? Try a gel compress from the freezer. If the muscles are not only cramped but the surrounding tissue is also inflamed, cold is more effective than heat for a short time. To avoid damaging the skin, wrap the gel compress in a tea towel.
Acupressure acts like a mini-massage
Acupuncture, the stimulation of individual body points with fine needles, can effectively alleviate back pain. Studies published in the British Medical Journal now show that acupressure is just as effective. This Far Eastern pressure point treatment is easy to perform yourself. The "Lu 7" point helps with neck complaints, especially stress-related tension. It is located on the underside of the arm, a thumb's width behind the inner wrist knuckle. First press the point lightly for two seconds, then press harder without causing pain. Release and repeat three to five times.
Medication supports self-healing
In addition to heat and cold applications, painkillers can alleviate the accompanying symptoms of tension. However, they should only be used for a maximum of two weeks at a time. Homeopathic ointments and tablets also support the body's self-healing process.
Infrared radiation penetrates deep into the tissue Infrared light can be used in a very targeted manner because it only heats the irradiated area. The heat from the lamp penetrates deeply, dilates the blood vessels and relieves inflammation in the tissue. Apply to bare skin for ten minutes three times a day.
Heat patches follow your every move
They give off heat evenly for up to eight hours, can be worn discreetly under clothing and effectively relax the muscles. Heat patches in which the heat is generated by oxidation - a controlled reaction of iron powder with oxygen - are ideal. In contrast to patches with the pungent substance capsaicin, which is extracted from chili peppers, the heat not only penetrates the skin superficially, but also deep into the affected muscle layers.
Do you have a cell phone neck?
According to international studies, smartphone users spend an average of 1,000 hours a year looking at their cell phones. It's not just the eyes that suffer: even a slight tilt of the head of 30 degrees exerts a pressure of 20 kilograms on the cervical vertebrae. In the long term, this can lead to severe tension - known as cell phone neck - postural damage and even slipped discs.
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