While working on a computer or hovering over your desk, your neck has a tendency to lean forward (closer to the screen), placing your head in front of your shoulders, which can cause the most common condition that contributes to neck pain, forward head posture (FHP). Also known as “text neck”, forward head posture puts excessive stress on the vertebrae of the upper neck and strain on the neck and shoulder muscles because of the forward pull of the weight of the head. (1)
Causes of Neck Pain:
- Texting
- Video gaming
- Television watching
- Poor sleeping position
- Excessive computer use
- Awkward driving posture
- Backpacks (slung over one shoulder)
- Causes of Neck Pain
Subtle muscle strains in the shoulders and neck area; usually due to poor postures affecting the nerves in the cervical spine (common activities like reading in bed, talk on phone, sitting on a hard floor, exercising and especially sleeping in an abnormal position) (1)
a history of cervical issues; things like herniated disc/bulging discs (commonly C4-C6), osteoarthritis/spinal stenosis, cervical degenerative disc disease, and bone spurs are common.
a quick repetitive motion of the cervical spine; things like lifting heavy furniture, falling off a ladder, pushing heavy weights in the weight room or when driving and whipping your neck fast to see oncoming traffic. (2)
Neck Pain Symptoms
Neck pain symptoms typically clear up in several days but it can last much longer, into the weeks and months. Many people get some improvement then stress at work or a bad night’s sleep makes it worse again. (3)
- trouble turning the head while driving a car
- shooting arm pain or numbness
- loss of cervical range of motion when tucking the chin to the chest or tilting head
- soreness, tightness or stiffness in the neck
- hand numbness or tingling
- tension headaches stemming from neck and shoulder tension
- Neck Pain Treatments
Odds are, your neck pain or stiffness can be eased without drugs or surgeries. A general consideration, it’s wise to seek health care assistance, if the neck pain symptoms do not improve within a week. It’s real important to prevent an annoying neck ache or pain from becoming a long term chronic pain. Recent scientific evidence suggests chiropractic care is a more effective treatment for chronic neck pains than medications. (4)
For more information about Pragle Chiropractic And Massage Therapy, or to book a free consultation with Dr. Eric, please visit www.praglechiro.com.