Here is a list of the top 10 most common causes of neck pain and how to fix it so you can eliminate your neck pain once and for all:
- Misalignments in the spine–This is perhaps the top reason because misalignments of bones in your spine (AKA vertebra) put pressure on nerves which can promote muscle tension and more. It is recommended that you visit a chiropractor because he would be able to tell you if this is, in fact, your problem. If so, then he can help correct it. Postural exercises and a good neck pillow will also help correct the problem.
- Bad sleeping habits–Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for your neck because you have to turn your head toward either side to breathe. Sleeping with a pillow that is too thick or thin can be a major problem too. Get a good neck pillow to sleep with.
- Bad Posture–Posture is a window to your spine, and if you have poor posture, that is what your spine looks like on the inside–crooked! Look at yourself in the mirror or have someone else look at you from the front and the side. From the front your spine should be straight, shoulders even and hips even. From the side your spine should have smooth flowing curves, ear even with your shoulder and shoulder even with your hip socket.
- Using a bad pillow–A proper neck pillow to use is a “cervical pillow” which maintains proper neck posture when sleeping on your back or side.
- Muscular strain and tension—Muscle tension makes it difficult to move and creates inflammation. This inflammation puts pressure on nerves which, in turn, promote pain. Try to perform occasional neck stretches to loosen the muscles and avoid motions or positions that are conducive to pain.
- Stress–Most people carry their stress right across the back of their neck. Stress, in fact, does not exactly cause anything, but it exacerbates anything and everything. Try your best to relax or take a break from work if you are starting to get stressed. Take a couple deep breathes and smile. You’d be surprised at how much this helps.
- Bad Work or Computer Station Set-up–If you are forced to be in an awkward position or have continued poor posture it creates misalignment and muscle strain which promotes nerve pressure. Nerve pressure promotes pain. Move around periodically and do some neck stretches to relieve tension starting to build.
- Improper exercise or work out moves–Sometimes lifting too much weight or not using proper body mechanics or posture when exercising can cause a major outbreak of neck pain. The most common mistake I see is people pulling on their neck when doing abdominal crunches. Keep your eyes at the ceiling and focus on crunching with your abs, not your neck.
- Putting your neck in awkward positions for long periods of time–This relates to the previous 2 reasons for neck pain. Doing this creates tension – things like sleeping in awkward positions, reading with your head down, too many hours in one position at the computer, are just a few. Try to eliminate these things as much as possible.
- Lack of stretches before physical activity makes it easier to strain a muscle – Just like before you started gym class or basketball practice, you always did stretches first. Most seem to neglect the old stretching routine. It only takes a few seconds and could prevent many needless days of suffering.
Marco Abanico is a curator for DFWChiromassage Spine Blog and a chiropractor in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. He is a leading authority on how to relieve spine pain easily and naturally. His clinic has helped thousands of patients put an end to their neck and back pain. If you are considering surgery for neck pain relief or if other forms of treatment have not worked, CALL US.