Neck pain is a common problem everyone faces at some point in life. That is why today we are here to tell you everything you need to know about neck pain. The Neck is probably the most important part of our body. Sometimes the neck muscles can be strained from poor posture, leaning over your computer, or headbanging at a metal concert. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause of neck pain. It is rare for neck pain to be a symptom of a more serious problem but if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands, seek medical care. Symptoms
Signs and symptoms:
- Pain that aggravates when you hold your head in one place for a long time, such as when driving or working at a computer
- Muscle tightness and spasmsInability to move your head
- Headache
When to seek medical help:
Most of the time, neck pain improves gradually with home treatment. If not, see your doctor.
Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as accidents or falls. Contact a doctor if your neck pain:
- Is severe
- Persists for several days without relief
- Spreads down arms or legs
- Is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling
Causes:
The neck is flexible and supports the weight of our heads, but the constant strain makes it vulnerable to injuries and conditions that cause pain or restrict motion.
Causes of neck pain include:
- Muscle strains. Overusing your neck for too many hours hunched over your computer or smartphone often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things like reading in bed or gritting your teeth can strain neck muscles.
- Worn joints. Just like any other joints in your body, the neck joints tend to wear down with age. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then forms bone spurs that affect joint motion and causes pain.
- Nerve compression. Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.
- Injuries. Rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash injury, which occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the neck’s soft tissues.
- Diseases. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer, can also cause neck pain.
Prevention:
Most neck pain roots in poor posture or age-related wear and tear. To help prevent neck pain, try to keep your head centered over your spine. Some simple changes in daily routine may help, such as:
- Use good posture. Be sure to keep your shoulders in a straight line over your hips and your ears directly over your shoulders when standing and sitting.
- Take frequent breaks. If you travel long distances or work long hours at your computer, get up, move around and stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Adjust your desk, chair, and computer to keep the monitor at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair’s armrests.
- Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk. Use a headset or speakerphone instead.
- Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder. The weight can strain your neck.
- Sleep in a good position. Your head and neck should be aligned with your body. Use a small pillow under your neck. Try sleeping on your back with your thighs elevated on pillows, which will flatten your back muscles.
Book our Iyengar Yoga class and strengthen your neck and stay healthy.
