What's Causing YOUR Pain in the Neck?

              Do you suffer from neck pain? If you answered YES, you're not alone! Nearly 75 percent of American adults will suffer from neck pain at some point in their lives. Looking at our anatomy, it's no wonder so many of us do. Though having your head perched on top of your spine gives you a great view of your environment, the set-up is rather like propping a bowling ball atop a tower of blocks. The price? Our necks are prone to injury of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. However by paying attention to our posture, visiting YOUR chiropractors for regular care, and doing regular stretching and strengthening exercises we can help keep our necks pain-free. At Chiropractic USA in Carmichael, CA we specialize in spinal correction and wellness.

Causes of Neck Pain:

Pain teaches the body to move differently. If it hurts to move, the body will adapt and move in a way to avoid pain. Neck pain ranges from mild (annoying and distracting) to severe (incapacitating). Poor posture during normal, everyday activities such as watching TV, using a computer, reading a book, or talking on the phone can easily trigger minor neck pain. TV watching can be particularly bad for the neck if you're lying on a couch, with your head propped at an awkward angle for prolonged periods of time. Holding the phone between the jaw and shoulder (rather than in your hand), reading at a desk or table with your head hung over a book, or working with a computer monitor below eye level can also be particularly stressful for the neck. By receiving regular chiropractic care, resting in-between activities, and making efforts not to repeat the offending stresses on the neck THE RESULT… minor neck pain usually disappears on its own within a day or so.

Prevention is Key

          How can you avoid reoccurring neck pain in the first place? Step one is to take note of your everyday posture. If your job requires a lot of phone use, consider wearing a headset. Do you slouch when you watch TV or lie on the couch? Choose to sit upright, in a posture-supporting chair. When studying or reading, avoid putting the book or magazine on a flat surface. Instead, consider using a book prop. Lastly, if you notice your computer monitor is below eye level; elevate it by placing it on top of a shelf or tower to keep your head at the proper angle.

          Many approaches to health care might more aptly be termed “sickness care,” because they focus on managing symptoms instead of managing the root of the problem. Chiropractic is different! At Chiropractic USA we teach our patients to prevent health challenges before the onset of symptoms. Patients are also encouraged to shift the way they think about health care from a disease-based “don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” model to a prevention oriented one.

          If you experience neck pain that doesn't abate within 24 hours of changing the above habits, seek the advice of a trained chiropractor for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. And remember, because chiropractors specialize in the neuromusculoskeletal system, they are the most well-trained health care professionals to consult about your neck pain. Call for a consult today!