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There are several possible causes of stiffness in the cervical spine; for some people it may be a single cause, while for others this undesirable and painful condition may be caused by a combination of several factors, including in particular
- frequent incorrect posture
- overweight or even obesity
- accumulation of salts in the body, or
- undesirable hormonal effects.
A stiff cervical spine is not only limiting and painful, but is also often associated with circulatory disorders.
Prevention above all
All of these negative phenomena can be prevented by taking care of your overall physical fitness, not remaining in the same position for too long, paying attention to proper nutrition and also adopting a suitable sleeping position, where the head and spine should not be at a large angle. A health mattress and pillow can also be recommended.
If problems with your cervical spine and stiff muscles in this area still trouble you, a massage and proper preparation for it can help.
Before you start the actual massage
To increase the effects of the massage, give your body a bath that will warm and relax it. It is appropriate to combine warm water, for example, with baking soda or chamomile. In a pharmacy you can buy dried chamomile flowers, boil them according to the instructions and strain. Pour the resulting decoction into a bathtub with warm water. You can also, of course, use suitable bath salts, for example Himalayan or Karlovy Vary salts.
You can also replace the bath by soaking a towel in the prepared solution of water with baking soda, chamomile or your favorite bath salt and holding it on your neck for at least 15 minutes to relax it.
Massage and exercise
If you have the opportunity, it is always better to put yourself in the hands of a professional, that is, a masseur or physiotherapist, who can locate the main focus of your problems and concentrate on it. The advantage of visiting a specialist is also that they can use various techniques and thereby increase the effectiveness of the massage.
However, if you do not have this option or prefer so-called self-massage, it is important first to follow the above recommendation of warming the problematic area. Then try to relax the neck muscles using circular movements.
The massage is of course most effective when you also combine it with appropriate cervical spine exercises, preferably performed standing. Keep your head straight and look ahead, alternately lower it to your chest and return to the original position. In another exercise, turn your head alternately to the left and right, but do not change your body position. Another recommended exercise is to keep looking forward and tilt your head alternately toward the left and right shoulder.
