Neck pain can come from various sources. However, there are some common causes of neck pain that you should know. Read about the common culprits and learn how to mitigate them!
Physical Strain
Overusing your neck muscles during repetitive activities can lead to neck pain and stiffness. In some cases, people don’t realize the physical strain they cause. Suppose you work on a computer and strain your neck to see the screen. This repeated activity can hurt your neck and affect your posture. It’s essential to reposition your body to take pressure off of your neck. You can purchase ergonomic desks or chairs to support this initiative.
Injuries
Traumatic injuries can damage ligaments, spinal nerves, discs, and vertebral joints. For instance, whiplash after a car accident is an injury that causes neck pain. When you injure your body, it may take time to experience the repercussions of the event. Discomfort and neck pain can come hours or days after an accident. Conservative treatment usually includes medication, physical therapy, and a reduction of physical activities. This way, your body can heal.
Health Conditions
Health conditions like meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and disc degeneration are common causes of neck pain. Before proper diagnosis, people may experience mild to severe pain. Discomfort can stem from different things, like inflammation, cysts, or onset pressure on the nerves in your neck. Typically, other symptoms accompany neck pain, so it’s important to get a diagnosis from a physician. In severe cases, seek immediate medical care.
Mental Stress
You tend to change your body language when you’re mad or stressed. You may ball your fists, tighten your neck muscles, or fold your arms. Physical agitation affects your body; the more stressed you are, the more tense your body becomes. The pain and discomfort can manifest into tension headaches or other body pains. Although stress is a normal part of life, extreme stress is detrimental. Take breaks and try stress-relieving activities, like walking or meditation, to lower your stress levels and your neck pain.
Importance of Medical Intervention
Along with medications, there are surgical and non-surgical treatments for neck pain. Depending on the diagnosis, some professionals recommend surgical procedures to alleviate pain.
However, non-surgical treatments are often effective, too. For example, manual therapy is something chiropractic care can do for neck pain. Chiropractors stimulate muscles and joints to restore mobility and decrease pain.
People can coordinate care plans for their situation, too. Under professional care, you can use medications and seek chiropractic care to alleviate pain before you need surgical treatment.