The neck is an area that includes bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. When any of these structures are injured or become inflamed, neck pain can result.

Are you experiencing neck pain?

In this article, we’ll talk about its symptoms, common causes, and some of its available treatments. We will also be discussing the two kinesiology tape protocols that you can try at home to help alleviate the discomfort. 

What are the common causes of neck pain?

In neck pain, the neck's muscles and ligaments are irritated or inflamed. 

With the modern lifestyle,  neck pain is commonly caused by a forward head position. Whether you’re always texting, driving, working in front of a computer - these can all be causes for experiencing pain in your neck area. 

Neck pain often occurs after being in one position for too long or sleeping in an awkward position. It may also occur during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that loosen ligaments throughout the body. Hormonal changes during menopause can also cause neck pain.

How do you diagnose neck pain?

Some of the ways that can help you diagnose neck pain include: 

• X-ray
• MRI
• CT Scan

How do you treat neck pain?

Treatments for neck pain vary depending on the underlying cause. Home remedies for neck pain may include:

• Rest. A mild or moderate case of neck pain may be addressed by doing at-home care that includes taking a few days off from activities that aggravate the symptoms. 
• Heat or cold therapy. Applying ice on the area for the first couple of days. Then, apply heat through a heating pad or through a hot compress. 
• Kinesiology tape. By lifting the skin, kinesiology tape increases circulation in the area. It can also help reduce pressure off the area while providing support.  
• Over-the-counter pain medication. Take pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. 
• Exercise. Regular neck exercises are an important part of treatment for neck pain caused by stiffness because they can reduce stiffness and improve the range of motion. 
• Immobilization. Your doctor may prescribe you a neck brace or collar. It’s important to note that you should avoid using a brace or collar unless your doctor prescribes you one. When improperly used, it may make your symptoms worse. 
• Surgery. While rare, some cases may require surgery to address. 
• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can help correct your posture, alignment, and even strengthening.

 

How does kinesiology tape help with neck pain? 

If you’re new to kinesiology tapes, their  benefits are worth knowing especially if you’re prone to aches and pains. But the important thing to note is that kinesiology tape helps lift the skin away from the underlying tissues. This will help increase circulation in the area.

How to apply kinesiology tape to help alleviate neck pain?

Before your neck application, here are some  tips on how to prepare beforehand. And, since you’ll be  applying different kinesiology tape tensions, learn more about it here. 

Here are the different ways that you can apply kinesiology tape on the neck:

4. Unilateral neck

*For this taping protocol, you would need another person’s help since it is a hard-to-reach area.

4.1. Start by being in a seated position with the head and neck turned towards the opposite shoulder.

4.2. Have an assisting partner measure a compression strip spanning the area of complaint.

4.3. Next, have him/her measure the security strip starting at the base of the skull to finish in the mid-back.

4.4. Round the tape ends.

4.5. Have the assisting partner apply the compression strip ideally with 50% tension spanning the area of complaint.

4.6. Next, apply the security strip starting at the base of the skull to finish in the mid-back. It should be applied with 0% tension.

4.7. Rub in the tape to activate the adhesive.

5. Bilateral neck

*For this taping protocol, you would need another person’s help since it is a hard-to-reach area.

5.1. Start by being in a comfortable seated position.

5.2. Have the assisting partner measure a compression strip to span the area of complaint.

5.3. Next, measure the first security strip from the base of the skull towards the mid-back and a second security strip to match the first.

5.4. Then, bring the chin towards the chest.

5.5. Have the assisting partner apply the first compression strip expanding the area of complaint with 50% tension.

5.6. Then, have him/ her apply the first security strip starting at the base of the skull to finish in the mid-back. This should be applied with 0% tension.

5.7. Apply the first security strip to match the first starting at the base of the skull to finish in the mid-back with 0% tension.

5.8. Rub in the tape to activate the adhesive.

How do you prevent neck pain?  

Here are some things that you can do to prevent neck pain from developing in the future: 

• Practice good posture. Practicing good posture helps develop strength, balance, and flexibility that helps lessen muscle pain. 
• Take breaks. Make sure to not stay in one position for too long. 
• Set up an ergonomic workstation. Here’s a  helpful video for an ergonomic setup. 
• Sleeping position. When sleeping, make sure that your neck and head are aligned with your body. You can do this by putting a small pillow under your neck. 
• Quit smoking. Smoking makes you prone to experiencing neck pain.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to see your doctor. From the common causes and some available treatments to an overview of how kinesiology tape can help with pain relief at home, we hope this article has helped answer all of your questions about neck pain. 

For more information on other aches and pains like knee pain as well as back pain, make sure to read our blog for helpful articles and tips!