Many people deal with neck pain each and every day, unable to find relief without taking medication. Sometimes this is due to an injury, such as a fall or car accident, but if you’re not really sure where your pain is coming from, you might be surprised to find out that you’re the cause.
Apart from an acute injury, there are many things you might be doing right now that not only cause your neck pain, but also sabotage your recovery efforts.
Here are 6 common reasons that your neck is hurting:
Looking down at your phone
Do you spend a lot of time looking down at your phone? If so, you might be creating pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders. This can also happen if you sit with your laptop on your lap, causing you to look down to see your screen.
Having your computer monitor at the wrong height or angle
Many people spend a lot of time in front of their computers but this can create a great deal of muscle pain if your monitor isn’t directly in front of you. It should also be a the same height as your eyes, so that you’re not looking down nor to the left or right.
Sleeping with the wrong type of pillow
Your pillow can have a direct impact on your neck and spine. If you sleep with a pillow that offers no support, you’ll wake up every day with neck pain. The type of pillow you need varies on your sleeping position, but it should offer support and keep your neck at a neutral angle.
Failing to stretch before exercises
The muscles in your neck can be under tremendous strain when you exercise. This can lead to pain and even injuries if you don’t protect your neck. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that you take the time to stretch before any activity.
Carrying heavy bags
Do you carry a heavy purse or bag for work? Having a lot of weight pulling down on your shoulder can create neck strain, leading to chronic neck pain. Give your muscles a break by lightening up your purse or bad.
Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw
Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw can actually lead to jaw pain that radiates through your neck. If this is a long term habit, the pain can become chronic. A night guard might help but a trip to the dentist is often necessary.
If you suffer from neck pain, it’s important to identify the cause so that you can take measures to resolve it. A medical professional can examine you and help identify the problem and create a treatment plan aimed at giving you the relief you deserve.
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