Why Neck Pain Happens and What You Can Do About It

I have had the opportunity to serve people in the profession of Chiropractic for the last 37 years. Initially I saw many low back injuries as well as injuries related to sports. As the workforce changes and the introduction of computers, iPads, and mobile phones, the landscape for spinal problems has shifted from a large percentage of low back injuries to a large percentage of neck and shoulder problems.

People are spending hours constantly looking down. This causes the muscles on the back of the neck to be constantly overstretched. Yet most people try to stretch their neck and shoulders by bending their head down in front, pulling forward on the back of their head, ultimately stretching an overstretched muscle.

Other known causes of neck pain are:

1. Muscle Strain or Sprain: This is caused by overexertion, awkward sleeping positions, or repetitive motions, leading to knots and muscle spasms.

2. Arthritis: Age-related wear and tear causes joints, discs, and bones in the neck to deteriorate, triggering pain. This can also be caused by old injuries that never were treated or never healed properly.

3. Whiplash or Injury: A sudden, violent jerk of the head (often from car accidents or sports) causes severe, acute pain. This type of injury can damage the muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and joints.

4. Stress: Mental stress often causes involuntary tightening of the muscles in the neck and shoulders, leading to stiffness. Over the years, I have also often seen how mental stress can create or exacerbate physical problems.

What are some practical helpful options as well as treatment options for those that have neck pain?

1. Good Posture: Positioning computer monitors at eye level, using headsets, and taking frequent breaks. Also elevating the position of the phone while looking at it. If you are sitting on a sofa, use a pillow to elevate the position of your phone and keep your head looking more straightforward.

2. Heat &/or Cold Therapy: Ice packs for immediate injury/inflammation reduction; heat packs or hot showers for chronic stiffness. When re-injury to a chronic problem occurs, creating an acute episode, ice can be used.

3. Proper Sleep Position/Alignment: Using a low, firm pillow and avoiding stomach sleeping to keep the neck in a neutral position. Any sleeping position with your arms above the head will eventually create shoulder and/or neck problems.

4. Chiropractic evaluation and treatment: Via evaluation of the spine and nervous system, targeted adjustments of the spine and recommended exercises to create more stability around the spine.