neck pain
overview
Neck pain is common. Poor posture (whether hunched over a computer or hunched over a desk) can cause neck muscle tension. Osteoarthritis is also a common cause of neck pain.
Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem. See your doctor if you have neck pain with numbness or weakness in your arm or hand, or pain in your shoulder or arm.
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symptom
Symptoms can include:
1, Pain, usually worsened when the head is held in one position for long periods of time, such as while driving or working at a computer
2, muscle tightness and muscle cramps
3, decreased head mobility
4, Headache
when to seek medical attention
If you have severe neck pain from an injury such as a traffic accident, diving accident, or fall, seek immediate medical attention.
Call healthcare provider if neck pain:
1, serious
2, No relief for several days
3, spread down the arms or legs
4, With headache, numbness, weakness, or tingling
Etiology
The neck supports the weight of the head and is susceptible to trauma and disease, which can cause pain and limit movement. Causes of neck pain include:
Muscle strain. Overuse, such as looking down at computers and smartphones for long periods of time, often causes muscle strain. Even something as small as reading in bed can strain your neck muscles.
Joint wear and tear. Like other joints in the body, neck joints wear out with age. In response to this wear and tear, the body often develops bone spurs, which affect joint mobility and cause pain.
Nerve compression. A herniated disc or bone spur in a vertebra in the neck may press on the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord.
Injuried. A car rear-end usually results in whiplash. Vigorous swinging of the head back and forth, straining the soft tissues of the neck.
disease. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer may cause neck pain.
prevention
Most neck pain is related to poor posture as well as age-related wear and tear. To prevent neck pain, keep your head directly over the center of your spine. Simple changes in daily behavior may help. Try:
Use good posture. When standing and sitting, make sure your shoulders are in line with your hips and your ears are directly over your shoulders. When using phones, tablets, and other devices with small screens, look straight up at the device instead of bending your neck.
Take frequent naps. If you’re traveling long distances or working long hours at the computer, get up and move around to stretch your neck and shoulders.
Adjust the height of desks, chairs, and computers so that monitors are at eye level. The knees should be slightly lower than the hips. Use the armrests.
If you smoke, quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of neck pain.
Avoid carrying heavy cross bags. The weight will tense the neck.
Sleep in a healthy position. The head and neck should be level with the body. Put a small pillow under your neck. Try to sleep on your back with a pillow under your thighs to flatten your spinal muscles.
Exercise regularly. If you’re not active, increase your activity.