5 Ways to Ease Your Wry Neck at Home

Well Rehab • November 30, 2020

Wry neck is a condition where you experience pain and stiffness in the neck accompanied by spasm surrounding your neck muscles. This causes you the inability to turn your neck through a range of motion.

 


How does one suffer from wry neck?

 

Well, as most of us continue to work remotely from home, the amount of time we spend at our desks can affect our body, especially the neck. If your desk or chair isn’t at a height that’s comfortable for you to work, you’re likely to suffer from neck pain or soreness.

 

Symptoms of a wry neck may begin from slight neck pain and soreness. These symptoms may worsen over time if they are left untreated.

 

The other symptoms include:

1.     Stiffness in the neck

2.     Muscle spasm in the neck and shoulder

3.     Limited and painful neck movements

4.     Pain doesn’t go past the shoulder

 

If you disregard your wry neck as common muscle pain, you may suffer from a swollen neck muscle. Not only that, but prolonged wry neck may also cause neurological symptoms due to compressed nerves.

 

Moreover, it’ll be difficult for you to perform your daily routine like driving because of your wry neck. If your condition isn’t treatable, you may suffer from depression as your movement is limited.

 

If you suspect you have a wry neck and want to prevent it from worsening, here are five ways for you to ease the pain and soreness at home.

 

1.     Get plenty of rest

A wry neck is often due to the lack of sleep and your sleeping position. If you find yourself suffering from neck pain in the morning, try to lie down on your back for a short while to ease the pain.

 

Should you experience a stiff neck throughout the day while working at your desk, it’s a sign that you need to get plenty of rest to bring relief to your neck.

 


2.     Use a heat pack or ice pack

The heat from a heat pack works various wonders on your body. Using it on your neck can reduce the soreness in your joints and enhance blood circulation. While an ice pack can soothe your neck muscles, preventing inflammation in the neck.

 

Before you use a heat pack on your neck, try to use an ice pack for several minutes to relieve your muscles. Then place a heat pack to enhance blood circulation. Gently move your neck and shoulder to bring back the flexibility of your muscles.

 


3.     Do stretching exercises for the neck

If you feel a sudden onset of pain or discomfort in your neck, take a short break and do some exercises for your neck.

 

Try to move your neck in a circular motion to relieve tight neck muscles and increase circulation. That way, it’ll help every muscle fibre in your neck to work smoothly without restrictions.

 

Here’s an addition of exercise for frozen shoulder.

 


4.     Avoid staying in the same position for over an hour

When it comes to your work, you may find yourself in full concentration and staring at the computer without moving a muscle for over an hour. This can be harmful to your body as no movement means the flexibility of your muscles is limited.

 

Try to take occasional breaks from your static position to move some of your muscles. Making a trip to your pantry or kitchen can also help prevent the sudden onset of pain in your neck. Bear in mind that any physical movement you make is better than just being static.

 


5.     Maintain a good posture while working

Surely you've heard of the importance of having a good posture while you work at your desk. That's because studies have linked inactivity with a slow metabolism, which affects your body's ability to regulate the blood sugar level and your blood pressure.

 

You can start to evaluate the position and height of your desk and chair. If your desk is too high, simply increase the height of your chair until your elbow is at the same height as your desk.

 

Make sure your feet can reach the floor and if you can’t, place a stool to rest your feet.

 

These methods only work to prevent your wry neck from worsening. Should you suffer from a severe wry neck, it's best to go for physiotherapy to determine the cause and get proper treatment.

 

At Well Rehab, a physiotherapist will assess your condition using physical tests and measures along with your family history.

 

Among the treatment techniques used to treat wry neck include soft tissue therapy, cervical joint mobilisation and manual traction.

 

For more information about our therapies or services, contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

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