TREATING A PAIN IN THE NECK It’s no accident that we refer to exceptionally aggravating events in our life as a “real pain in the neck.” That’s because neck pain is both extremely common and incredibly debilitating. If you suffer from even a mild version of this condition, you know how much it can eat away at your everyday life. But just like changing a tire or beating the lines at the airport, you can address a literal pain in the neck in many ways. KNOW THE CAUSES
Many factors can lead to a sore neck, a great deal of them commonplace. For example, strain from staring down at your phone screen for extended periods of time can leave you with lasting pain. Even gritting your teeth because of stress can be a trigger, causing tension in your neck muscles. Other causes can take a long time to develop, such as osteoarthritis deteriorating the cartilage between your vertebrae. On the other hand, very immediate incidents, such as being involved in a car accident, can lead to sudden, severe neck pain. HELP YOURSELF For mild neck pain, home remedies can do wonders. Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin can help make going about your day-to-day activities more bearable, and regular application of heat (such as warm showers) can loosen and relieve the joints in your neck. Sleeping with a small pillow under your neck for added support can also give you the rest you need to recover. But if the pain is too severe, lasts for several days, or seems to be radiating out to other areas of your body, it’s time to seek more extensive care.
GET THE PROFESSIONALS INVOLVED Severe or chronic neck pain may be linked to serious medical conditions, especially in the wake of a car accident. For this reason, it’s best to seek help from your physician, who can offer you a range of treatment options. Physical therapy may be one of these options, though it’s important to note you can visit a PT clinic for your neck pain even without a referral from your doctor. Physical therapy techniques like massage and manual manipulation can be effective
forms of treatment that don’t rely on surgery or powerful painkillers.
DATE TRUFFLES
Valentine’s Day is all about love … and chocolate. Enjoy these chocolate peanut butter date truffles with your date this Valentine’s Day.
INGREDIENTS
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1 lb medjool dates, pitted (about 1 1/2 cups)
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1 cup bittersweet or dark chocolate, chopped 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
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1/2 tsp sea salt
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Warm water
1/4 cup peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
1. Using a food processor, blend dates and sea salt until dough can be formed into a ball. Slowly add enough warm water to mixture to thicken dough. 2. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Freeze for 20–30 minutes. 3. In microwave, warm 1/4 cup peanut butter for 30 seconds, then drizzle peanut butter on top of balls. Freeze balls for another 20 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, in microwave, warm chocolate with coconut oil until melted. Stir well. 5. Coat balls in chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 6. Top with additional salt and freeze for 30 minutes. Serve at room temperature.
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