If you suffer from neck pain, then it is important to know what is causing the pain, understand your symptoms, and find effective ways to get neck pain relief. We are going to discuss this very important topic and reveal a natural therapy that specifically targets the top two bones in the neck for optimal benefits.
Neck Pain Causes
The Most Common Causes of neck pain include:
Poor posture
Having the head inclined for long periods of time or in other awkward positions is a sure way to end up in pain. You especially want to avoid things such as falling asleep sitting up with your head to one side or holding a phone between your ear and shoulder.
Working at a desk
Again, this is related to posture. Having a screen that is too low and sitting for long periods of time are just a couple of ways that office work can affect the spine and the neck in particular.
Sleep position/pillow quality
Sleeping on your side or back are the best positions for your neck. Sleeping on your stomach means having your neck twisted to the side all night. You also need the right firmness pillow to keep your head propped evenly. That means a softer or thinner pillow for sleeping on your back than you would use when sleeping on your side.
Technology use
If you sit with a laptop in your lap or if you often check your smartphone or use a tablet well below eye level, then you are putting up to five times as much pressure on the structures of the neck as when they are carrying your head upright.
Injuries
Trauma to the head or neck can cause misalignments that lead to long-term neck pain. Serious trauma can lead to fractures and other more dangerous injuries. Car accidents and sports injuries are two of the most common types of head and neck trauma. But a slip and fall accident, an assault, or any other type of head or neck trauma can also be responsible for chronic neck pain.
Disc problems
When the soft tissue between the vertebrae begins to breakdown or bulge, this can cause neck pain. Smoking can actually cause the discs to degenerate prematurely by restricting the proper flow of blood to this soft spongy tissue.
Wear and tear
While most neck pain is due to abnormal wear and tear, aging can also play a role. However, even if you are older, be sure to get neck checkup before deciding it is just one more pain you have to live with. Studies have shown that chronic neck pain increases the mortality rate, so you should always try to care for this type of pain.
Stress
The body stores stress in the neck and shoulders, causing the muscles to become tense. This, in turn, can lead to pain or stiffness in the neck.
Neck Pain Symptoms
You may at first think that this is going to be a short list. The primary symptom of neck pain is pain, right? But you may be experiencing other symptoms related to your neck pain. Here are some of the more common neck pain symptoms:
- Sore/stiff neck – Rather than a sharp pain, you may experience a dull, achy pain. Or you may feel pain only when you move your neck in certain ways.
- Limited range of motion – You may be unable to move your neck into certain positions due to pain, or your neck may lock in certain positions.
- Tingling or numbness – This can occur in the neck itself or extend into the shoulders or even down the arms. In fact, the nerves that extend down the arms begin in the neck, so you may experience pain as far away as your wrists or elbows and tingling as far as your hands.
- Headaches – Neck pain is often the precursor to a headache, especially a tension headache or a migraine.
- Difficulty sleeping – It can be tough to fall asleep if your neck is hurting. You may even wake up in pain if you get your neck into the wrong position during the night.
Finding Natural Neck Pain Relief
If you suffer from neck pain, you may find that over-the-counter pain relievers offer limited help, even though ibuprofen is good for reducing inflammation following an injury. Plus, many over-the-counter pain relievers are not intended for frequent or long-term use and can cause headaches or problems in the digestive tract if used improperly. So how can you get away from pain relievers and get natural help for your neck pain?
Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the C1 and C2 vertebrae to correct a major underlying cause of neck pain. By ensuring that the C1 and C2 are precisely positioned, the soft tissue of the neck can stabilize, and this can relieve pain and other symptoms from irritated nerves, tight muscles, and injuries. Plus, the adjustments are gentle, there is no popping or twisting of the neck, which is important when you are already in pain.
If you suffer from chronic neck pain, we urge you to seek out the assistance of an upper cervical chiropractor in your area. A few gentle adjustments can set you on the path to increased health and well-being. You may find that far more than just neck pain is relieved, and you can finally get the help you need in a natural way without pain medication.
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