Our daily routine can sometimes be too rigid on the neck. Whether it's a crick in the neck or strain on the muscles, any neck issue could disrupt your daily life. The neck is meant to absorb shocks, and it is made up of vertebrae. Bones, ligaments, and muscles make the motion of the neck possible for us.
Neck pain is a common sight, especially in urban people. You might feel occasional stiffness or pain around your neck, which can get worse. If the pain lasts longer, the possibilities are that you might have an injury or some other issue.
Thus, an expert's view is necessary to avoid any further damage. We'll talk about the causes of neck pain and ways to fix it. So, you can get neck pain relief at Arvada, Colorado.
Causes of Neck Pain
1. Everything About Sleep
Sleep is essential to be active and relaxed. But, a wrong sleeping position can have numerous adverse effects on the neck. Almost 5% of new chronic pain cases are due to irregular sleeping positions.
Below are a few of the sleeping positions that can harm your neck:
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Sleeping on the Stomach: This sleeping position puts the neck in a very vulnerable position. The position might feel comfortable while sleeping, but it can damage your spine and neck muscles.
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Sleeping on the Back: The doctors recommend this position for neck issues as the spine is in a neutral state and doesn't put any excess pressure on the neck.
The uncomfortable mattress also contributes to neck issues. A comfortable mattress is a must to avoid any mishap. Also, selecting the right pillow while sleeping is crucial as it can save you from unnecessary visits to an ortho.
2. Muscle Stiffness and Strain
Muscle stiffness or fatigue is mainly due to over-exercising or bad posture. It can restrict free movement and can also result in pain. Take a small walking break if you have to sit most of the time on a desk.
A sudden jerk in your neck can cause strain, which makes the movement almost impossible.
3. Injury
Your neck is a delicate muscle that can easily get injured. Injury can be due to a fall or an accident, as the ligaments have to follow an uneven motion. The sudden jerk resulting in a neck injury is called whiplash, and it can also damage the spine.
4. Heart Attack
Neck pain could be a signal of a heart attack. But, in case of a heart attack, neck pain will come with a few other symptoms like- breathlessness, heavy sweating, nausea, and body ache.
5. Meningitis
Thin tissues surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can cause inflammation in these delicate tissues along with fever and headache. It would be best to look for immediate medical attention in case of meningitis as it is a fatal condition.
6. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Another cause of neck pain is rheumatoid arthritis which is one of the many forms of arthritis. Arthritis can damage the ligaments, and it causes swelling, a crick in the neck.
7. Spinal Stenosis
In this medical condition, the spinal column gets narrow, putting immense pressure on the spinal cord. Spinal stenosis is mainly a result of long-term inflammation or arthritis.
How To Fix It-
Now, as we know the causes of neck pain, here is how you can fix these issues.
Change Your Sleeping Habits
As we discussed earlier, sleeping patterns are one of the significant contributors to neck issues. The first thing you can do is to replace the sagging mattress with a new one. We'll recommend you invest in a good mattress that suits your medical needs.
An adjustable bed is also a way to eliminate pain from sleep. Another essential element for a relaxing sleep is a pillow. Selecting the right pillow which doesn't aggravate the pain is excruciating. There are several types of pillows to choose from according to your sleeping habits.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is the best option for neck pain relief in Arvada, Colorado. It comes with almost zero side effects, and you can easily contact a therapist to start the procedure.
A therapist will start with a thorough evaluation of the neck and find out the actual cause of pain. Then the treatment will begin with a physical therapy plan that includes stretching, mobility exercises, strength exercises, etc.
The therapist will observe your progress and will alter the plan according to your body's response. You'll have to contribute and follow all the guidelines set by the therapist for the best results.
Medication
Medication is an option to get instant relief from neck pain. However, in the longer run, medication might have some side effects.
Conclusion
Neck pain can also happen due to a slouchy posture; thus, fixing the posture will help you fight off neck pain. If the pain continues, then it's better to visit a doctor for a checkup.
