Do you often have to bear the discomfort of neck pain and high BP (blood pressure)? What if there is a connection between these two seemingly unrelated conditions?
Well, many people with high blood pressure also experience neck pain. In this blog, let’s explore the link between these two conditions and ways of relief.
Does Neck Pain Directly Link with High BP(Blood Pressure)?
It is highly unlikely that neck pain and high blood pressure will be linked. According to research, neck pain is a common symptom of hypertension. People with high BP are more likely to experience pain than those with normal blood pressure.
But how?
Well, there is one possible explanation for this. High BP (blood pressure) may cause muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, leading to pain and stiffness.
Other than that, hypertension also leads to narrowing your blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the neck muscles, which can also cause pain.
However, you must note that not everyone who suffers from high blood pressure experience neck pain, and not everyone with neck pain has high blood pressure. Other factors, such as bad posture, stress, and injury, contribute to this issue.
Does Relieving Neck Pain Reduce High Blood Pressure?
While it is not clear whether getting rid of neck pain directly reduces high BP (blood pressure), addressing it can have indirect benefits for blood pressure control.
For example, reducing muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, leading to lower blood pressure readings.
Exercise, stretching, and massage are also popular methods for relieving neck pain and are recommended for managing high blood pressure. Doing it on a regular basis can improve blood flow and promote good heart health, whereas massage can help lower stress and promote relaxation.
5 Ways to Relieve Neck Pain to Lower Blood Pressure
Here are some ideas to consider:
Improve Your Posture: Poor posture puts extra strain on your upper portion near the head, precisely the neck and shoulders, resulting in pain. To improve your posture, try sitting up straight with your shoulders back and your head aligned with your spine. Avoid slouching or craning your neck forward.
Stretch Regularly: Regular stretching helps in improving your flexibility and reduces muscle tension in the neck and your shoulders. Try simple stretches like rotations, shoulder rolls, and chin tucks.
Exercise: Regular exercise is known to improve cardiovascular health, minimize stress, and promote relaxation, all of which can benefit high blood pressure control. Try at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise most days of the week.
Massage: Massage releases muscle tension and promotes relaxation, potentially lowering stress levels and high BP. Consider booking a professional massage therapist or applying techniques like foam rolling or using a massage ball.
Manage Stress: Both neck discomfort and high blood pressure can be exacerbated by stress. Relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help you manage stress. If you have chronic stress or anxiety, you should consider getting help from a therapist or counselor.
Final note
If no remedy is helping, get in touch with a heart care expert from Epic Heart and Vascular Center. We are here to aid you in all ways possible.