Neck Pain and What to Do About It
The human neck is the highest portion of the spine, spanning seven levels of cervical vertebrae (C1-7). This complicated part of the body is divided into several regions, triangles, and zones. The neck is the sort of body part that people generally give little mind to until there’s a noticeable problem. Let’s look at some causes, prevention, and what can be done about neck pain.
CAUSES
- Arthritis
Joints can experience wear and tear in the neck just like the joints of the rest of the body. Bone spurs may form as a result that can affect joint motion and cause pain.
- Injuries
Whiplash-caused neck pain is commonly the result of rear-end auto collisions, but of course, any trauma to the area has the potential to become a pain-causing issue.
- Nerve Compression
Nerves branching out from the spinal cord can be pressed upon by herniated disks or bone spurs.
- Muscle Strains
Overuse from prolonged time spent in the same position like being hunched over a computer or smartphone, overexertion from vigorous movement, or neglecting to warm up before exercise can strain unprepared soft tissues of the neck.
PREVENTION
- Take Frequent Breaks
As common as long hours spent working on a computer is, it’s very important to periodically get up, move around, and stretch your neck and shoulders to alleviate tension and lessen the likelihood of muscle strain. The same goes for long-distance travel, whether driving or sitting as a passenger.
- Ergonomically Adjust Your Chair, Desk, and Computer
Determine the proper placement and height of your monitor, keyboard, mousepad, and seat such that your knees are slightly below your hips and you can view your screen at eye level without having to hold tension in your neck.
- Focus on Using Good Posture in General
It’s not only when seated and viewing screens, but proper posture is something that should always be practiced. This is something that you’ll have to actively pay attention to until you can learn to naturally hold a posture that’s conducive to neck health. Keep your shoulders over your hips and your ears directly over your shoulders.
Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, affecting 27 per 1000 people, in fact, 1 in 3 people are affected once a year, but pain that endures without getting better, or that impedes simple tasks like looking over your shoulder or holding the head in one place while driving or looking at a computer needs to be addressed so that the quality of your life isn’t unnecessarily diminished.
The good news is that there is something that you can do about neck pain. Neck strengthening exercises conducted under the supervision of a pain treatment specialist have been shown in multiple studies to reduce pain and improve disability in people suffering with neck pain. Licensed Physical Therapy Doctors and Assistants are experts in helping you move without pain, so give us a call today to schedule an appointment to assess your situation and formulate a plan of recovery. We can be reached at (941) 264-1414, emailed using info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or via direct message and are located in Bradenton for convenient access from all over Manatee and Sarasota Counties.