Neck pain can affect your quality of life significantly, making it difficult to go about your daily routine. If it persists, it can take a toll on your ability to sleep and your productivity at work. There are a number of culprits responsible for this type of pain, which could even be representative of another health concern. Here are some of the most common causes.
What Causes Neck Pain?
1. Injury
If you’re involved in an accident or get hurt in another way, you might experience neck pain. It may be an acute pain that develops right away, or it might be discomfort that is slow to develop and that eventually becomes chronic. The trauma of the event may cause the head to rebound aggressively, leading to painful whiplash. Anything from the muscles to the nerves to the discs may hurt.
2. Posture
It’s important to stand and sit up straight to prevent pain in your back and neck. When your body is hunched over for extended periods of time, or when your head is hunched over a keyboard, it can put enormous and repeated strain on the neck. Even looking down at a phone or tablet for lengthy periods may lead to pain, or a problem known as “tech neck.” Focus on standing and sitting up straight, with your shoulders back, to get into the habit of reversing your posture.
3. Osteoarthritis
With age comes an increased chance of developing osteoarthritis in the cervical spine, which causes strain and changes to the neck joints, along with the bones and discs. As it grows stiffer, your neck may develop chronic pain as a result of broken down cartilage. The condition may even contribute to the formation of bone spurs, a problem that can cause severe headaches above the neck.
If you seek a reliable professional to treat your neck pain, visit Back to Health Chiropractic in Florence, KY. These caring and experienced chiropractors put your unique needs first, working closely with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific concerns. Visit the website to find out how they can help you find relief, or call (859) 746-2222 to schedule an appointment.