Find the cause and how to treat neck pain and neck pain for pregnant women

Pregnancy causes the female body to change both physically and mentally, facing many health problems. In the common problems of pregnancy, pregnant mothers also face very often with musculoskeletal problems, such as neck and neck pain. Knowing the root cause is the best way to take active precautions, as well as to treat this problem.

During pregnancy, pregnant women may feel stiff neck pain in the first trimester. The pain usually appears in the shoulder and neck area, then can spread to the head and back, causing discomfort, as well as hindering the life of pregnant women. Fortunately, this situation can be overcome by many different measures, because if this shoulder and neck pain is prolonged, it will adversely affect the health of both pregnant mothers and fetuses.

This article, aFamilyToday Health wants to share with pregnant mothers to better understand the causes of this phenomenon, and at the same time know the safest way to handle it.

Find the cause of pregnant women suffering neck and neck pain

There are many causes of neck and neck pain, of which the most common include:

1. Hormonal changes

Pregnancy causes a hormonal imbalance in a woman's body , most importantly, changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. Excessive increases or decreases in estrogen (the hormone that controls metabolism in the brain and spine) cause neck muscles to sag and cause soreness in the affected area.

In addition, the decrease in the hormone progresterone (which acts as a natural relaxant), leads to stress, insomnia, and pain in the neck, shoulder and neck.

2. Sleep on one side for a long time

Most pregnant women are advised to lie on their left side while sleeping to make them more comfortable, while ensuring good nutrition to the placenta. In addition, this position also helps keep the uterus from contact or pressure on the liver.

However, if you maintain this posture continuously, over time, the nape of the neck of the pregnant woman will become stiff due to a lot of pressure. This is most common when you wake up.

3. Excessive pressure on the muscles

During pregnancy, the ligaments in the mother's neck tend to expand, the back muscles and the spine are under more pressure, as the abdomen begins to grow to fit the size of the growing fetus. development. This is also the cause of neck pain.

4. The mother elected sedentary

Gaining weight during pregnancy will make movements more difficult, which in turn makes mothers hesitate to move. This is not good, because it causes the muscles to tighten and develop neck pain in the neck and back. Especially when the pregnant mother is doing the work like the office or regularly sitting for a long time in one position.

5. Cold contamination

One of the coldest susceptible areas on the body is the nape of the neck. Moreover, the combination with the recumbent position when sleeping also creates "conditions" for this area to be more susceptible to cold air. Pregnant mothers can recognize themselves with a cold when there are symptoms such as sore throat, cough, low fever ...

Tell pregnant women home remedies for neck pain, neck and neck pain

If you are experiencing neck and neck pain during pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid using pain relievers or any other medications unless directed to do so by your doctor. However, this does not mean you have to "endure". There are a number of effective home remedies to help relieve neck pain if done correctly right here in this article:

1. Do the appropriate exercises

During pregnancy, pregnant women should carry out appropriate exercises to improve the health and increase flexibility for bones and joints. In particular, stretching exercises are considered quite suitable, can relieve pain in your neck and back. In addition, this exercise also helps to limit pain in the wrists and hip joints, relaxes the body, and dispels stress.

In addition, pregnant mothers can also spend 10 minutes walking every day or practice light yoga exercises to improve health, enhance immunity .

2. Try a hot compress

This is a fairly common pain relief method used by many people based on the principle that the high temperature from the compress reduces the pressure on the surrounding joints and nerves.

Pregnant mothers can use a cold pack with warm water (the appropriate temperature is about 80 degrees C) or you can use ginger, hot roasted salt and then wrapped in a cotton towel or thick cotton cloth to apply.

3. Use a cold compress

Similar to the above, cold compresses also help to relieve the pain of the neck and neck very well. You can start using an ice pack for 7 to 20 minutes.

Better yet, you should alternate applying between hot and cold compresses throughout the day to get the effect. Note that between compresses, you should let your neck muscles rest for at least 30 minutes before doing it again.

4. Replace the sleeping pillow

Using the wrong pillows or over-sleeping with pillows can also lead to neck and back pain. So, instead of sleeping on a mattress or pillows that are too hard, invest in a good pillow that feels comfortable while lying down. Currently, there are a number of specialized types for pregnant women, you can easily order them on online stores. Try this advice and your neck pain can be relieved in the short term.

5. Massage the neck area

Every evening, you can ask your husband or another family member to help you massage the shoulder area, neck and back of the neck whenever pain occurs. For better results, pregnant mothers should do it right after taking a warm bath. At the same time, combine the use of essential oils such as lavender, coconut oil or olive oil for the body to relax.

6. Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy or hydrotherapy is currently one of the methods proven effective for people with neck and neck pain. It is based on the use of the impact of water to massage, helping to circulate blood vessels, bringing relaxation to the patient.

The thing to do is when taking a shower, aim for 3 to 4 minutes for the force to impact the affected area (note that warm water should be used). Then, switch to cold water for 60 seconds. Repeat this cycle a few times until you feel better. Hot water plays a role in stimulating blood circulation and soothing stiff muscles, while cold water effectively reduces inflammation.

7. Try swimming

Swimming is also said to have the ability to ease the uncomfortable neck and neck pain. However, you should consult your doctor before trying this method or anything related to getting into the water.

8. Use a tennis ball

It may sound strange at first, but it completely reduces the pain for you! The way to do this is to hold the soft tennis ball between the back and the wall surface, then slowly move it from side to side to massage the affected area. It's important to use your body weight to get the desired pressure.

9. Use apple cider vinegar

With antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar can help relieve pain in your neck and neck. Soak a little cotton ball or tissue in apple cider vinegar and place it on the sore areas for a few hours for best results.

Suggest simple exercises to relieve neck and neck pain during pregnancy

You can completely prevent neck and neck pain disturbing, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy with extremely simple exercises and safe to practice at home. Try the exercises we recommend below, in case if the pain persists, you should see a specialist immediately.

Exercise 1: Sit upright on the floor, eyes looking ahead. Then turn your head to the left side as much as you can and stay in this position for about 15 seconds. Next, slowly turn your head back to the original position. Likewise, continue to turn your head to the right again, hold this position for about 15 seconds and then slowly turn your head back to the starting position.

Exercise 2: Slowly lower your chin to your chest and stay in this position for fifteen seconds, then return to starting position. This will help relax your neck muscles and provide effective pain relief . Pregnant mothers should repeat them many times to get good results.

Shoulder and neck pain is extremely common during pregnancy. If you happen to encounter this unpleasant pain, do not rush to the medicine immediately but try the home remedies and simple exercises we suggested above. However, consult your doctor to find out which form of exercise is really right for you!