Having upper neck pain can be horrible, especially if you need to work on many tasks. Unfortunately, while it’s a common health concern, many people don’t know much about it and why it happens in the first place. So, we thought of creating a list of neck pain FAQs and answering each item. Hopefully, we can clear up confusion and help you figure out how you can move forward.
Table of Contents
The neck is, without a doubt, one of the most sensitive body parts because of its uniquely shaped bones. Notably, the upper cervical bones’ flexible design makes them highly susceptible to shifting away from the central axis. So all it takes is a minimal amount of force from things such as carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder for your neck bones to tilt to the wrong angle.
So, instead of using a bag with a single strap, we suggest switching to a backpack. It would also help wearing the bag straps on both shoulders to prevent muscle strain and evenly distribute the bag’s weight.
Proper hydration helps keep various health problems at bay. Studies note that it also comes in handy in preventing neck pain because it keeps the vertebral discs in good shape. Ample water intake can also boost the flexibility of your muscles and joints.
You should take up to 10 glasses of water a day as much as possible. We also suggest carrying a flask or water bottle when you head out for a jog, walk, or other physical activity.
Finding the right type of pillow to use involves understanding your sleeping position. For example, you need to know whether you sleep on the side, back, or on your belly. To help you shop for the perfect pillow, here’s a quick guide you can use:
Some office setups cause intense upper neck pain due to a poorly positioned computer or laptop screen. If this sounds like your setup, we recommend repositioning your device so it can meet the level of your eyes. This will prevent you from slouching or tilting your head downwards.
We strongly advise against working on the bed if you're using a laptop. Instead, you should place your device on your working table and tilt the screen so you don’t need to bow your head while working. You can also use a laptop stand and separate mouse and keyboard so you can adjust your working position and prevent putting pressure on your cervical spine.
Placing your mobile phone between your head and shoulders can increase the risk of developing a tech neck. You can also develop this painful problem when you frequently look down while browsing your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. Unfortunately, you might experience pain anywhere from a day to several weeks if you have a tech neck. The symptoms might also worsen with time if you develop cervical subluxation, a postural imbalance that affects the C1 and C2 bones.
The Sleeping Foundation explains that sleeping on the stomach is bad for the neck because it compromises spine alignment. This happens because when you lay on your belly, your back arches at an awkward angle. It also strains the neck, shoulders, and back muscles, causing you to experience intense discomfort when you wake up.
If possible, you should try switching to a new sleeping position. According to studies, it’s better to sleep on the back or side because both positions put very little pressure on the cervical spine.
Because neck pain is a prevalent health concern, plenty of remedies are available. Some involve using pain medications, while others tap into holistic and natural techniques. Here’s a closer look at the most popular remedies for achy necks:
Upper cervical chiropractic is a go-to neck pain remedy for many people. This is all thanks to its fantastic benefits to the body’s overall well-being and its holistic approach to eliminating painful symptoms like upper neck pain. Essentially, the technique focuses on restoring the head and neck bones alignment using gentle toggles on the upper neck area.
An upper cervical doctor runs a comprehensive neck structure diagnosis using X-ray and MRI scans to make precise adjustments. You can also expect to undergo additional examinations like the leg length test and nerve damage assessment to understand why you experience chronic neck pain.
If your achy neck doesn’t seem to improve even after using the usual remedies, it’s a good idea to seek an upper cervical doctor for help. You may have developed cervical subluxation, and the bones might be the ones pressing on your nerve roots, muscles, and brainstem.
Are you keen on exploring a whole new approach to relieving neck pain? Explore upper cervical chiropractic by getting in touch with a local neck chiropractor today!
to schedule a consultation today.
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
