.png)
Symptoms affecting the neck’s function are becoming increasingly common among people of all ages and lifestyles.
With the evolution of gaming and handheld devices, streaming services, remote working stations, mental stress, and so much more, neck pain is among the most frequent reasons to visit a chiropractor.
In this post, we explore the key causes of neck pain and provide tips to help you reduce the pain each causes.
Why Does My Neck Hurt?
Device Use
If you’re one of the millions who consistently scroll on their phones or play games on a device (or both), your neck may be paying the price.
When you look down at your device, the neck muscles are active and straining, and typically, your shoulders automatically slump forward to support the neck’s poor posture. This can put undue pressure on the nerves in the neck and the spine, creating musculoskeletal inefficiency and fatigue. This new condition is commonly referred to as tech neck or text neck.
Tech neck offers many symptoms, including:
Neck pain that ranges from minor to incapacitating
Neck stiffness or loss of range of motion and flexibility
Headaches
Radiating pain from the neck into the shoulders and upper back
Eye pain and jaw pain
You can help avoid tech neck by:
Taking breaks from screen time
Regularly stretching, massaging, and exercising the neck muscles, back, and core
Adhering to proper posture
Setting time limits for devices and gaming
Discontinuing device use while walking
The overall goal is to maintain a neutral, supported, and upright posture while using screened devices and ensure a good amount of movement is incorporated into your daily routine.
Remote Workstations
Working remotely has become the new norm, and while that offers numerous benefits for employees and employers alike, many are using an ineffective, unsafe workstation. From sofas to kitchen tables, desks have been replaced, and a leading outcome is neck pain.
Don’t worry. You have options to help keep your neck protected while working, no matter where you are.
Tips to keep your neck safe while remote working include:
Keep your computer monitor at eye level, use books to raise it if needed
Utilize good lighting to avoid pushing your head forward to see the monitor
Keep both feet flat on the floor and your thighs parallel to the ground
Use a chair with lumbar support or use a pillow to cushion the lower back
Keep your shoulders pulled back and your torso aligned over your hips
Ensure your head is aligned with your spine and not jutting forward
Keep all necessary elements within reach, such as your stapler or mouse
Put your keyboard close to your body so your arms can maintain a 90-degree angle when bent at the elbow
These ergonomic tips can help keep the spine and tissues from unhealthy movement patterns and positions that contribute to neck pain and inadequate neck function.
Mental Stress
Stress is a heavy hitter when it comes to neck pain because the brain and body have a deep connection. When we experience pain, it affects us mentally and emotionally. And when we experience mental and emotional tolls, they manifest physically. The neck is one of the most prominent places we hold our mental stress.
The cycle of stress can be challenging and affect mood, focus, productivity, and comfort, so learning how to manage your stress is essential to your overall health and well-being.
Tips to reduce and relieve stress include:
Implement exercises and stretching into your daily routine
Use self-care such as massages
Get fresh air often
Exercise regularly
Take breaks when your body and mind are perplexed, frustrated, or otherwise challenged in an unhealthy way
Don’t allow yourself to overschedule; learn to say no when you can
Meditate and practice mindfulness
Try breathing exercises to help control the nervous system
Listen to music and make time to laugh
Take the me-time
Spend time with loved ones
Stress is a serious contributor to your health, so effective management should be a top priority. With less stress, you can achieve greater comfort and physical function.
Other leading causes of neck pain include:
Poor posture
Overuse due to occupation or regular exercises, hobbies, sports, or activities
Improper lifting technique
A condition or injury elsewhere in the body, such as a disc herniation, rotator cuff injury, or arthritis
Poor sleeping position
Regular wear and tear
A traumatic event, such as a car accident or sports accident
Sedentary behavior
Streaming services that limit movement
Visit Our Lawrence Chiropractic Clinic for Neck Pain Solutions that Last
Our chiropractic team can help determine the physical imbalances and dysfunctions within the cervical spine and musculoskeletal system that are causing your neck pain. We will then design the most efficient and effective treatment plan.
Due to the excessive use of the neck’s muscles, spine, and other soft tissues, your neck pain can be caused by any number of injuries, including:
Disc injuries, including herniation and degenerative disc disease
Neck muscle strain
Inflammation
Neck sprain
Whiplash
Arthritis
And more
Our chiropractic solutions can mitigate these imbalances using the optimal strategy based on your unique needs and lifestyle.
Common chiropractic solutions we utilize to help end neck pain at the source include:
Our Lawrence sports chiropractor enhances your in-clinic treatment with proactive and preventative guidance on many aspects of your life, including:
Exercises and stretches
Warm-ups and cool-downs
Weight management
Stress management
Workstation setup and ergonomics
And much more
Let our experienced sports chiropractic team get your neck fully functioning and help you live a full, active life in comfort. Schedule your appointment today.
Comments