May 1, 2024 | The neck is composed of vertebrae that begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull. The bony vertebrae along with the ligaments, which are comparable to thick rubber bands, provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and motion. The neck has a significant amount of motion and supports the weight of the head. However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion. Neck pain may begin in any of the structures in the neck. These include muscles and nerves as well as spinal vertebrae and the cushioning disks in between. Neck pain may also come from regions near the neck, like the shoulder and upper arms. Neck pain is a common complaint and most causes of it aren’t serious. Neck muscles can be strained from poor posture, whether it’s leaning into your computer at work or hunching over your workbench at home.

May 1, 2024 | Your age and your occupation could be giving you a pain in the neck. The neck is often affected by the wear-and-tear variety of arthritis, which becomes more common with age. People who drive or use a computer for long periods of time are at risk for neck pain because their jobs require their necks to be held in one position for prolonged periods of time. A common cause of neck pain is muscle strain or tension. In most cases, everyday activities are to blame for the pain. Such activities include having poor posture while watching TV or reading, placing your computer monitor too high or too low, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or twisting and turning the neck in a jarring manner while exercising. Traumatic accidents or falls can cause severe neck injuries like vertebral fractures, whiplash, blood vessel injury, and even paralysis. Some other possible reasons for neck pain include medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia or a ruptured disk.

May 1, 2024 | After consulting with your family doctor about your neck pain, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other diseases that affect the joints, a neurologist, who specializes in treating nerve-related disorders or an orthopedic surgeon, who operates on bones and joints. These specialists will ask you questions about your neck pain, like whether any particular neck movements make the pain improve or worsen. During a physical exam, your doctor will check various spots on your neck, head and shoulders for tenderness. You will most likely also undergo a range of motion exam, which involves moving your head as far as it can go forward, backward and side to side. The doctor may also check to see if the movements of your shoulders have been impaired. Areas of numbness or muscle weakness may indicate that your spinal cord or a nerve exiting your spinal cord is being pinched.

May 1, 2024 | The most common types of neck pain usually respond well to home care. This usually includes the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. You can reduce any inflammation in your neck by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes several times a day. You may want to alternate the cold treatment with heat. Try taking a warm shower or using a heating pad on the low setting. Heat can help relax sore muscles, but it sometimes aggravates inflammation, so use it with caution. Rest can help, so lie down from time to time during the day to give your neck a rest from holding up your head. But avoid prolonged rest, since too much inactivity can cause increased stiffness in your neck muscles. Gentle stretching also helps. Gently move your neck to one side and hold it for 30 seconds. Stretch your neck in as many directions as your pain allows. This may help alleviate some of the pain.

May 1, 2024 | Most neck pain is associated with poor posture. One way to avoid this problem is keeping your head centered over your spine, so that gravity works with your neck instead of against it. Some simple changes in your daily routine may help prevent neck pain. For one, take frequent breaks. Don’t sit in one place for a long time, such as your car or at your desk. Arrange some of the items in your office so that they are inconvenient. This will force you to get up, stretch or walk around. And maintain good neck posture. Adjust the seat of your computer or desk chair so your hips are slightly higher than your knees, your head and neck will naturally follow in the correct position. If you spend a lot of time on the phone, avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder. You might want to consider using a speakerphone or a headset. And avoid sleeping with too many pillows or falling asleep in front of the television with your head on the arm of a couch.