Neck Pain: Common Causes and How to Fix it

Neck Pain: Common Causes and How to Fix it

Neck pain is something that you are bound to experience at some point in your life. The truth is that pain in your neck is a common affliction -- and it’s caused by a variety of things. Whether it's the way you sit at work or the way you sleep at night, neck pain is common.

If you suffer from a pain in the neck at any point, then you need to understand why you have it and what you can do about it. So what are some common causes of neck pain? How exactly can you treat neck pain?

#1: Sleeping

This type of neck pain is pretty common, and I am sure you have experienced it before. If you’ve ever woken up with what is commonly called a “crick in the neck,” then you know all about this type of neck pain. If you have this type of neck pain, it's likely that you slept in an awkward position for your neck.

Often, hyperextension of the neck muscles for long periods, such as when you sleep on your stomach, is the culprit. So try adjusting your sleeping position if you can, it can make a world of a difference.

#2: Sports Injuries

This one is kind of a no brainer. All it takes is your neck moving suddenly or in an unusual way and bam- your neck is down for the count. Neck spasms and pain can render you pretty useless, so it's best to take extra precautions.

If you are involved in a collision during a sporting activity that involves your neck or shoulder, you may also experience numbness, weakness, and pain that radiates all the way down your arm and into your hand.

#3: Poor Posture

It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, because if you’re doing it with poor posture, then you’re eventually going to pay for it with pain and discomfort. If your mother and grandmother still remind you to sit up straight, then it’s time to listen because it may be the cause of your neck pain.

If your head is tilted forward even slightly during any activity, then it places stress and strain on your neck and shoulders, eventually leading to pain and the embarrassment of having to admit that your mother was right. And that’s something no one should have to do.

Neck Pain Symptoms

Neck pain can feel like any of the following:

• Stiff neck that makes turning the head difficult
• Sharp or stabbing pain in one spot
• Soreness or tenderness in a general area
• Pain that radiates down into the shoulders, arms, or fingers; or radiates up into the head

In some cases, other symptoms associated with the neck pain are even more problematic, such as:

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness that radiates into the shoulder, arms, or fingers
• Trouble with gripping or lifting objects
• Problems with walking, balance, or coordination
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

How To Treat Neck Pain

The very first thing that needs to be done to treat neck pain is to identify why you have it in the first place. Whether it’s from overzealously playing air guitar at a rock concert last night or tripping over the family dog, don’t be embarrassed about why you’re experiencing neck pain -- just be embarrassed if you don’t seek help from your chiropractor for it.

Their hands-on treatments can help to get to the root of the issue and help you feel better. Identifying the root of the problem is key, and chiropractors can help you do that.

The Takeaway

In short, neck pain can be caused by a variety of things. By identifying the cause of your neck pain, your chiropractor can help you better treat it.

If you are interested in chiropractic treatment, I encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted practitioners. We also offer many other holistic treatments such as: acupuncture, homeopathy, and spinal decompression. If you need some help figuring out what service is right for you, try our personalized consultation.