Neck pain is defined as pain in or around the cervical spine, which is positioned beneath your head. You could have axial neck pain (pain that originates in the neck) or radicular neck pain (pain that originates in the back of the neck) (pain shoots into other areas such as the shoulders or arms). It can be acute (lasting a few days to up to six weeks) or chronic (lasting longer than that) (lasting longer than three months to years). Neck pain can impede daily activities and lower your quality of life if left untreated.

Your neck is crucial to your overall health. It includes the nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your head, as well as protect your spinal cord. Neck pain can wreak havoc on your daily life and make you unpleasant, even if a significant health concern doesn’t cause it.  

Neck pain can sometimes necessitate medical intervention, but it’s generally unhealthy behaviors that cause the pain in the first place. Neck pain relief at Colorado Springs, CO, can be obtained from physical therapy clinics. 

Possible Causes Of Neck Pain

A handful of medical illnesses and injuries can cause neck discomfort. Neck pain can be brought on by several things, including:

• Aging: As you get older, degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis (wearing down of joint cartilage) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal spaces) can cause neck pain. The spine’s stress and motion can induce disc degeneration, culminating in a herniated disc or pinched nerve. 

• Injury: Pain and soreness can result from whiplash, which is caused by a quick forced movement of the neck or head followed by a rebound in the opposite direction. Trauma injuries can affect the muscles, ligaments, discs, vertebral joints, and nerve roots in the neck’s spinal cord. 

• Mental Stress: Neck pain & discomfort, and stiffness are frequently caused by tension tightening your neck muscles. 

• Physical Strain: Neck stiffness and soreness can result from overusing your neck muscles during repetitive tasks or severe activity. 

• Conditions That Affect Spinal Balance: Being overweight, having weak abdominal muscles, and having bad posture (sitting for long periods of time; improper computer/keyboard/chair positioning) can all impact spine posture and contribute to neck pain. 

• Growths: Neck pain can be caused by tumors, cysts, and bone spurs in rare situations. 

Common Causes Of Neck Pain That Affects Your Lifestyle

Poor Posture

Most individuals spend a significant amount of time gazing at screens each day, whether on computers, smartphones, tablets, or television. Poor posture while working at a computer, checking your phone, reading on your tablet, or watching TV is dubbed “tech neck” and is one of the leading causes of neck pain.

It’s easy to let your head slide forward, and your shoulders sag when you’re engrossed in your screen. Spending extended periods slumped over puts strain on your cervical spine, which can lead to persistent back and neck pain. 

Adjust your desk to keep your neck in a neutral position while you’re working to avoid tech neck. Maintain a straight spine and keep your ears above your shoulders. To prevent eye strain, raise your screen to eye level and take frequent rests. 

Improper Sleeping Position

The way you sleep has an impact on your spine’s health. Sleeping on your back or side, in general, promotes a neutral spine position; however, sleeping on your stomach might impose strain on your spine and neck. 

If you sleep on your stomach, try sleeping in a different position to relieve stress on your cervical spine. Choose a mattress that is firm and supportive, as well as a pillow that allows your head to rest comfortably.

It’s not simple to change your behavior, but it can significantly impact your neck pain. It may take a few tries before you establish new behaviors beneficial to your spine’s health. 

What Could Be The Treatment Options For Neck Pain Relief?

Physical Therapy 

Physical therapists assess your ailment and create a treatment plan that will lead you through your rehabilitation. They may treat your ailments with their hands. They also teach you specific exercises to improve your mobility and function. 

The structure and length of a physical therapy program might vary based on the ailment and situation. To begin, many weekly appointments with a trained physical therapist may be suggested. If prescribed, exercises can be done at home over time. 

Applying Heat Or Ice Pack

Ice can be used to reduce swelling and pain in the affected area successfully. Applying heat to the injured area can assist relax muscles and promote blood flow, which can aid in the healing process. Ice or heat therapy should only be used for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, with a 2-hour pause between applications to allow the skin to heal. 

Final Words!

Working with you to make lifestyle changes, from recommending a cervical support cushion to figuring out how to maintain appropriate posture while sitting at your computer. For your overall health, try to get 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.