According to studies, around 50% of American citizens experience some level of chronic neck pain.
Neck pain is a common problem that
can have many different causes.
If you're one of the millions of
people who suffer from neck pain, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only
does it make every activity difficult, but it can also be very painful.
But don't worry, there's good news!
Most causes of neck pain can be treated without surgery or medication. Keep
reading to discover the 5 most common causes and how to get some neck pain
relief.
1.
Pregnancy
It is not unusual for pregnant women
to experience neck pain that travels into their shoulders. This is caused by an
increase in estrogen and progesterone that relaxes the ligaments throughout the
body.
Try adding support under your belly
with a maternity belt or wearing a pillow on either side of your head while you
sleep.
A physical therapist may also
prescribe stretches and heat/cold packs if they identify any abnormal movements
(such as rotating the neck more than 45 degrees).
If you're having difficulty
breathing, immediately seek medical advice, as this could be a result of fluid
buildup around your lungs -- something known as pleural effusion.
2.
Poor Posture
This usually occurs when your upper
back rounds forward excessively. The good news is that it's easily corrected
with exercises.
You can use either a foam roller or
stretch bands to work on your upper back muscles.
If you sit for prolonged periods,
consider using an ergonomic keyboard and/or mouse pad as well as taking
frequent breaks to restore blood flow to the area.
3.
Tendinitis
This inflammation of the tendons
could be caused by many things, such as overusing the arm more than usual,
wearing too heavy a backpack, or keeping your arms bent throughout the day.
To ease any pain, try applying ice
packs wrapped in a towel/cloth to reduce inflammation and keep them elevated
above heart level.
It's also important to note that
tendinitis causes stiffness and is usually accompanied by a pins-and-needles
sensation. If you think you have this condition, it's important to see a doctor
immediately.
4.
Whiplash
If you sustain a whiplash injury
from a car accident, be sure to follow all your doctor's orders as you
recover. In addition, consider hot/cold packs on the areas most affected (i.e.,
mid-back).
You should also regularly perform
exercises such as chin tucks for between 20-30 seconds daily until you've
recovered fully from the incident. Make sure to nurture yourself with visits to
your chiropractor.
5.
Arthritis
To ease arthritis-related pain, try
using a hot/cold pack on the affected area. You can also take anti-inflammatory
medications to ease mild arthritis.
For more severe cases, your doctor
may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce
inflammation plus steroids to ease swelling and stiffness.
With all of these common causes of
neck pain, it is best to speak to a neck pain doctor like those at azpaindoctors.com.
They can evaluate your situation and give you the best pain management advice
possible.
Want
More Information on These Causes of Neck Pain?
Neck and back pain can be debilitating
and frustrating. It's important to take the time to figure out what the causes
of neck pain are so that you can treat it appropriately.
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