If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from neck pain you know that the experience can be excruciating. Simply moving your head can cause severe pain and other complications and it can be difficult to find productive ways to manage your discomfort. While there are multiple techniques that can be used to effectively manage neck pain many people ultimately end up making their symptoms worse through their daily habits and routines. To help you avoid these pitfalls we’ve put together a list of the most common things to avoid when dealing with neck pain.
Carrying Heavy Bags:
Carrying heavy bags like backpacks, luggage, or purses can cause neck pain. When you carry one of these heavy bags on one shoulder, you’re putting extra weight on that side of your body that can cause muscular imbalances. When you walk, the muscles of your leg, hips, and back are supposed to do the majority of the work that is involved in balance, posture, and mobility. Your shoulders and neck muscles should not be trying to compensate for that weight, and when they do, you’re placing undue stress on them that can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and even headaches.
Poor Posture:
Poor posture can be especially problematic for people who work desk jobs or spend a lot of time sitting. When you sit for long periods with poor posture, the weight of your head and shoulders is not evenly distributed and the muscles of your neck and upper back can become strained. Additionally, poor posture can cause your spine to become misaligned, contributing to further pain and discomfort.
Leaning Forward:
Leaning forward is a common posture problem that can lead to neck pain. When you lean forward, the weight of your head and neck is unsupported, which causes the muscles in your neck to have to work harder to keep your head upright. Over time, this constant strain can cause musculoskeletal issues and develop into chronic neck pain.
Stress:
Muscle tension caused by stress can result in chronic neck pain and headaches. Stress not only causes muscle tension but also has other indirect effects that can lead to neck pain. For example, stress increases muscle tension that may cause painful spasms in the neck muscles. Anxiety can also cause increased production of cortisol, and this hormone can cause inflammation, contributing to overall pain and discomfort.
Not Seeking Help:
Many people ignore persistent neck pain and assume that it will go away on its own. However, ignoring it can lead to worsening pain and possibly lead to more serious conditions. It is essential to see a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to manage your neck pain symptoms. A healthcare provider like a physiotherapist or chiropractor can identify the underlying cause of your neck pain and provide a personalized treatment plan that helps manage pain and helps prevent it from recurring.
Neck pain is an unfortunate common occurrence in many people’s lives. But fortunately, avoiding some of the everyday mistakes mentioned above can help alleviate your neck pain symptoms. Additionally, seeking the help of a trained healthcare professional can not only treat the current pain but can also identify a cause and try to prevent it from recurring. Remember, taking proper care of your neck can help you regain your range of motion and reduce discomfort so that you can live a pain-free life.
