Why Does Neck Pain Occurs?

What Causes Neck Pain?

The two most common causes of neck pain are trauma and muscle imbalances, the second one being responsible for what is called “postural dysfunctions.”  Postural dysfunctions cause abnormal alignment of the neck, head and shoulders and abnormal positioning of the joints that lead to increased wear and tear on the joints, muscles, and ligaments—even discs.

First, you must understand that neck pain, with exception to trauma, these conditions do not occur overnight. You may become symptomatic very quickly, but it takes a long time for the condition—to be prevalent enough to cause pain.

See: Causes Of Severe Neck Pain

How do you diagnose neck pain?

A doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor can diagnose your neck pain.  In order to get the most comprehensive assessment of your condition, we recommend you see more than one health professional.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

Most people complain of stiffness or soreness in the neck, usually on one side of the neck, right neck pain or left side neck pain. Some people also mention the pain in the upper back, and neck pain can also lead to headaches.

What are the most Common Treatments?

People often treat neck pain with Cortisone injections, prescriptions drugs for muscle relaxants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a bit of rest in a comfortable bed may often provide temporary relief.

Chiropractic care and physical therapy can provide spinal mobilizations, hot pack treatment, ultrasounds, electrical stimulations, cervical traction, and therapeutic exercise therapy.

Surgery should always be your last option and should only be considered if the severity of your condition warrants it.

Massage therapy is often a great relief from neck pain if the therapist is educated on how to provide neck pain relief.

Why do most neck pain treatments fail?

Traditional neck pain treatments often fail because they only address the symptoms and do not address the cause of the neck pain condition. Your neck pain is a physical problem and it requires a physical solution, that makes sense doesn’t it. The truth is, there aren’t any pills or injections that can create correct postural balance in the body. Postural balance is necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerve or make the joints work more efficiently.

Tips to prevent neck pain

Use a right pillow

There are different categories of pillows, and you can choose accordingly. Orthopedic and cervical pillows are designed to fill up the spaces under the neck and head for extra support. They can help in proper alignment of the spine, which gives you sound a better sleep.

Use back sleeping position

Back sleepers very rarely suffer from back neck pains because in this position your spine rest in comfort. If you sleep on your stomach or side, then make sure your pillow is not too high. This prevents head turning in an unnatural position.

Use a telephone device

Many people hold their cell phones between their shoulder and ear while working. If you are going to be on the phone for an extended period of time, use headphones. This will not stress your neck.

Position PC at eye level

If you spend time sitting in front of computers in your office. Then make sure that you have a right place. Your PC should be at eye level. You can use books or other things to get the screen at right levels. Do not allow your head to drift in the forward position over shoulders. Make sure you take frequent brakes. Get up and move around.

Exercise neck muscles

Frequent stretching and moving your head is important. Constant sitting in one position is going to stress your neck. By doing regular neck exercise, you will keep your neck muscles strong. Chin tuck is the simple exercise you can do any time at anywhere. This practice will give strength to your neck muscles and slow stretches suboccipital and scalene muscles.

See: Neck Exercises For Sore Neck

Neck Pain Exercises at Home

Carry weight on both sides evenly

This is a common mistake, which people make and that is they carry heavy purse or suitcase on just one side of their body. This is wrong. This causes uneven shoulders, strain muscles and leads to aging. Take important things and leave junk at home. Try to keep should levels equal all the time. You can carry a backpack because it will evenly distribute the weight across both the shoulders.

Keep your body hydrated the discs, which are present between vertebrae in the spine is mostly made of water. You can sip water all day so that you stay hydrated, and this will keep your discs healthy and pliable. Ideally, you should drink eight glasses of waters daily.

Relieve trigger points

Muscles can trigger pains. There are certain ways by which you can relieve your neck pain instantly. Learn massage or simple exercise. There are trigger point exercises, which you must learn.

Maintain proper posture

Poor posture often leads to neck pain and results in injury. Shoulders and forward head position is an excellent example of the bad poster, and it contributes to pain in the neck. This position can strain entire spine. Try to use proper positions while sleeping, walking, and especially sitting.

Prevent Whiplash

This condition occurs when people are rear-ended in vehicles. The best way to protect you is to drive with the well-rated restraint for the head. Practice defensive driving and when the traffic stops check rear view to make sure no one is behind you.

We hope you found this neck pain article helpful and if you would like to learn more about neck pain cures please look around this Category.