What home remedies are safe and effective for neck pain?

Many people will try home remedies for pain before making an appointment; some are more effective than others. Below are some safe and effective treatments you can try to get some relief while you wait for your appointment. Hot Epsom Salt Bath – Magnesium (found in Epsom salts) is a mineral the body can absorb through the skin that helps with soreness and aids in the relaxation of the muscles. Go ahead and grab a soaker making sure to use a good full cup or more of Epsom salts. Cold Pack – When your neck is sore and inflamed, it’s hot already. Using a cold pack for 20 minutes followed by a 40 minutes break is a good idea. My personal favorite is soaking in a hot bath with Epsom salts while applying an ice pack. You get the best of both worlds. Therapy Ball for Trigger Points – I like to use a lacrosse ball, but a tennis ball will work in a pinch. Target those tight, sore muscles and apply gentle pressure for 10-20 seconds. You should always listen to your body and don’t get too aggressive. If any home remedy is painful, stop and let your chiropractor know when you see them. Neck Stretches – Gentle neck stretches can feel good, however, don’t use any jerking or quick movements. A slow and sustained stretch is the best option. Topical Analgesics – Topicals can offer temporary pain relief and can be used in conjunction with stretching or therapy balls. However, it’s important to note that it is temporary relief, and you still need to have it looked at by your chiropractor to prevent it from becoming a chronic problem.

What kind of pillow should I use?

On average, people spend about one-third of their lives sleeping, so discussing proper sleep and what pillow to use is undoubtedly appropriate. Eight hours of sleeping in a bad position can cause neck pain when you wake up. There are hundreds of pillow options, and many proclaim themselves as “neck pillows,” but there is no one-size-fits-all approach or recommendation here. Please watch the video below for my best sleep tips and what pillows to use.

What are some nutritional recommendations for supporting healing from neck pain?

What we put into our bodies is so very important for helping or hindering healing. While this is just the tip of the iceberg, my best recommendations are these: Eat Whole Foods – Stick to minimally processed fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Any grains you consume should be in their whole forms, such as rice, millet, barley, and oats. Steer clear of processed foods that are altered by man or that come in a package. Consume sugar in minimal amounts. Stay Hydrated – Muscles cause more problems when they are not adequately hydrated. Adding a little sea salt and lemon to your water will help your cells to stay more hydrated than water alone by adding electrolytes. Anti-inflammatory Healthy Fats – Avocados, fish and fish oils, ghee, and coconut oil are all great options. Consuming two thumbs of healthy fats with your vegetables was shown to have better nutrient absorption than eating veggies alone. You must supplement if you can’t or won’t consume these healthy fats.

Are chiropractors covered by insurance?

We accept most health insurance plans, and we are in network with Blue Cross, United Healthcare, and Medicare. We offer payment plans for those who have little or no insurance coverage. Many plans DO include chiropractic benefits with the policy. Ask our staff to do a complimentary benefits check for you when you come in for your first visit.

Is it okay to pop my own neck?

If your neck pops through stretching or normal range of motion, this is not a concern. However, we do not recommend popping your own neck.

When should I see a chiropractor for neck pain?

Because so many cases of neck pain turn chronic, we don’t recommend waiting more than 24-48 hours to see your chiropractor when neck pain happens. Feel free to use some of the home remedies shared above until your appointment, and be sure to listen to your body.

Medical-Grade Laser Therapy in Columbia, MO

Advanced Healing, Faster Recovery & Drug-Free Pain Relief

If you’re searching for medical-grade laser therapy in Columbia, MO, you’re likely dealing with pain, inflammation, nerve irritation, or a lingering injury that just won’t heal. At Reclaim Chiropractic, we use high-power, medical-grade laser therapy to accelerate healing at the cellular level—without drugs, injections, or downtime.

This is not low-level red light therapy or a spa-grade device. Our laser is clinical, powerful, and strategically used as part of a comprehensive healing plan.

What Is Medical-Grade Laser Therapy?

Medical-grade laser therapy (often called Class IV laser therapy) uses focused light energy to penetrate deep into muscles, joints, nerves, and connective tissue. This light stimulates cellular repair, circulation, and mitochondrial activity, helping the body heal faster and more efficiently.

Laser therapy works by:

Increasing ATP (cellular energy) production
Reducing inflammation and swelling
Improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage
Accelerating tissue repair and regeneration
Calming irritated nerves

The result? Faster pain relief and improved function, without masking symptoms.

How Laser Therapy Works in the Body

When laser light enters the tissue, it triggers photobiomodulation—a process that tells damaged cells to repair instead of remain inflamed or stagnant.

Patients often describe laser therapy as:

Gentle warmth
Deep relaxation
A “calming” effect on pain

Sessions are quick, comfortable, and require no recovery time.

Conditions Medical-Grade Laser Therapy Can Help

Laser therapy is highly effective for both acute injuries and chronic conditions, including:

Back pain & neck pain
Disc inflammation
Sciatica & nerve pain
Joint pain (shoulder, knee, hip, ankle)
Arthritis & degenerative joint disease
Tendonitis & bursitis
Muscle strains & sports injuries
Plantar fasciitis
TMJ & jaw pain
Pelvic pain & postpartum recovery
Neuropathy symptoms
Soft tissue injuries & slow-healing areas

Many patients turn to laser therapy after other treatments fail—or when they want to avoid medications and injections.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Therapy?

Medical-grade laser therapy is ideal for:

Adults with chronic inflammation or pain
Active individuals recovering from injury
Busy professionals who need fast, effective care
Women dealing with hormone-related inflammation, pelvic pain, or joint instability
Patients seeking natural, non-invasive healing solutions
Those who want to enhance results from chiropractic or decompression care

Laser therapy is safe, gentle, and effective for a wide range of ages and activity levels.

Why Choose Laser Therapy at Reclaim Chiropractic?

At Reclaim Chiropractic, laser therapy is strategic—not standalone.

We often combine laser with:

Chiropractic adjustments
Spinal decompression therapy
Pelvic and core stabilization programs
Shockwave therapy for stubborn soft-tissue injuries
Movement correction and rehabilitation
Nutritional and cellular healing support

This integrated approach allows us to address pain, inflammation, and the root cause simultaneously.

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Schedule Medical-Grade Laser Therapy in Columbia, MO

If you’re ready to experience advanced laser therapy and see whether it’s right for your condition, we’d love to help.

Schedule a consultation at Reclaim Chiropractic and take the next step toward faster healing, less pain, and restored vitality.

Your body already knows how to heal—laser therapy simply helps it remember.

Medical-Grade Laser Therapy in Columbia, MO – Local Expertise You Can Trust

We proudly serve Columbia and surrounding communities searching for:

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Laser therapy for inflammation and nerve pain

Our patients value our thorough exams, personalized care plans, and results-driven approach—especially those who want to heal, not just cope.

What Results Can You Expect?

Many patients notice:

Decreased pain and stiffness
Faster injury recovery
Reduced swelling and inflammation
Improved nerve function
Better mobility and confidence in movement

Some feel relief after the first session, while others experience cumulative improvement over a short series of treatments.

Check Out Our Location Near You

550 East Green Meadows Rd, Ste 101, Columbia, MO 65201

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Content Written by Dr. Kelli Winarski | DC, Pediatrics and Pregnancy Certified, ART (Active Release Techniques) Full Body Certified, NBCE, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Part I-IV & Physical Therapy

Have Questions About Working with Our Chiropractors?

Please, don’t let your questions go unanswered. If anything is unclear, please ask! Contact us today!

Medical-Grade Laser Therapy in Columbia, MO

Advanced Healing, Faster Recovery & Drug-Free Pain Relief

What Is Medical-Grade Laser Therapy?

How Laser Therapy Works in the Body

Conditions Medical-Grade Laser Therapy Can Help

Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Therapy?

Why Choose Laser Therapy at Reclaim Chiropractic?

Schedule Medical-Grade Laser Therapy in Columbia, MO

Medical-Grade Laser Therapy in Columbia, MO – Local Expertise You Can Trust

What Results Can You Expect?

Have Questions About Working with Our Chiropractors?

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