Neck Pain
Neck Pain: Tips on Pain Relief and Prevention
Definition:
Neck pain is the feeling of any kind of discomfort with the range of the neck. Any irregularities in the structures in the neck, including cervical vertebrae, can lead to neck pain.
Aches in the neck are brought on by what?
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Neck pain can be brought on by many things. Here are just a few:
* Neck pain can be caused by damage to the muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments resulting in trauma or injury.
* A herniated cervical disk can cause neck pain.
* Worry and stress are big culprits.
* Tumors may cause the neck to ache.
* Falling and sleep in an awkward position often causes neck pain.
* Use of a computer keyboard over a long period of time may cause the neck to hurt.
The sensation that your head is much heavier than it ever has been before is often experienced with neck pain.
Are there any do it yourself remedies?
* You should always be active. Attempt to keep your normal activities in check by going to work; bed rest should not be required. If you are supplied with a neck-collar try to obstain from using it for more than a couple of days.
* Keep in mind that serious illnesses do not cause neck pain and that it will usually dissipate within 7 days.
* A doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor or physiotherapist should be consulted if your neck pain lasts for longer periods of time.
* While looking straight forward, you should be sitting in a neutral position.
* Slowly tilt your head one inch from side to side (first to the right, then to the left) - Try to touch your chest with your chin, stretching the neck downward. Maintain this position for 10 seconds.
* One way to relieve neck pain would be to apply heat or ice to the tender area for about 15 minutes every couple of hours. This will cause the swelling and cramps to lessen.
* The area needs to be gently massaged.
* Take medicine that will stop the swelling.
Ways to avoid neck pain:
* Take multiple breaks every hour, for just a few seconds and alter your position. Try to stretch and extend the areas of your neck and shoulder that appear to be hard.
* Maintain close contact with heavy loads you are lifting.
* Instead of using your back to lift, you should use your legs.
* You should not extend your arms way above your head or too far away from the body.
* Stop moving your neck up and down significantly.
Do you sit in a comfortable position?
1. Computer screens and document holders should always be at eye level that way you always have to look down, just a bit. Always square yourself to your desk.
2. Ensure that no tension exists in the wrists and that your arms are relaxed. Chilling is the secret. Always hold your mouse loosely and avoid stretching to grab it.
3. Your spine ought to be in a slight S-shaped curve while stationed at your desk. Your chair should be situated so that the backrest sits in the lower/small of your back.
4. Do not cross your legs. Your lower legs should be at right angles to your thighs and your knees and pelvis should be in line (or the knees may be slightly lower than the pelvis).
5. Use either a footrest or have your feet flat on the floor.
6. Your legs need to have sufficient movement under your desk to have free movement.
7. The screen of your computer should always be within arm’s reach and so should the keyboard.
Author: Kate Whigton
Common symptoms are how the pain affects your life.
Problems walking including a “spastic gait”, Muscle weakness in your legs, Pain in your neck Headaches, Pain in your shoulder, arm, or hand, Reduced range of motion in your neck, Numbness, weakness, and slower reflexes in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.
