You And Your Health - Neck Pain

Hey, let us talk about a common problem, neck pain.

With modernization, neck pain has become very prevalent with today's people. 

It is a very common problem; the more humans spend long hours on the computers and on our mobile devices.

It is estimated that about 80% of people will experience it at some point in their life time.

Neck pain is common in people who spend long hours, with their necks bent forward, hunched over a computer or smartphone, this often triggers muscle strains, which is otherwise known as “tech neck” or “text neck.” 

Even minor things, such as reading in bed or gritting your teeth, can strain neck muscles

Nonetheless, neck pain can also be caused by other moves or injuries.

Anyone who has ever slept the wrong way knows that it is actually pretty easy to hurt your neck unintentionally.

The neck has well over 300 muscles in it, it is common to irritate, or ‘over-stretch’ a muscle from overuse or overexertion such as turning the head side to side."

 “Additionally, neck pain can come from causes that go beyond the muscles and tendons within the neck. Other causes of neck pain can include irritation of the neck joints, arthritic bone spurs and disc or spinal cord problems.”

MINOR NECK PAIN:

If you have minor neck pain or stiffness, take these simple steps to relieve it:

1. Apply ice for the first few days. After that, apply heat with a heating pad, hot compress, or by taking a hot shower.

2. Take an over the counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

3. Take a few days off from sports, activities that aggravate your symptoms and heavy lifting. 

When you resume normal activity, do so slowly as your symptoms ease.

5. Exercise your neck every day. Slowly stretch your head in side-to-side and up-and-down motions.

6. Practice good posture. Many people experience neck pain because of poor posture and muscle strain. In these cases, your neck pain should go away if you practice good posture and rest your neck muscles when they are sore.

7. Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk, also avoid cradling the phone between your neck and shoulder. Use a headset or speakerphone instead.

8. Change your position often. 

Don’t stand or sit in one position for too long.

9. Get a gentle neck massage.

10. Use a special neck pillow for sleeping. Sleep in a good position. 

11. Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder. The weight can strain your neck.

12. Don’t use a neck brace or collar without your doctor’s approval because if you do not use them properly, they can make your symptoms worse.

Ensure to make an appointment with a doctor if your neck pain is not improving with home remedies.

Reference: Huffpost, Wikipedia, Healthline, Mayo Clinic.