Every day, your neck supports the weight of your head and keeps your spine aligned. But while the neck is capable of keeping up with these needs, there are times when wear and tear can cause pain. Although neck pain is a fairly common complaint among Americans, knowing what’s causing the symptoms—and how to fix it—can help you stay comfortable and protect your overall musculoskeletal health. To help you avoid serious problems, here are a few common causes of neck pain and how you might prevent them.

3 Reasons You Might Have Neck Pain

1. Muscle Tension

If your neck feels stiff and tender to the touch, it’s possible that your symptoms are associated with muscle tension or damage. Typically, muscle problems develop due to poor posture, limited movement, or overuse. To keep your muscle tissues flexible, make an effort to stretch your neck regularly. Correcting your posture—especially when you sit down at a desk—can also help minimize damage.

2. Traumatic Injury

Falls and auto accidents are just a few common ways that you may end up pinching nerves or injuring the joints and tissues in your neck. While the damage may not be noticeable at first, many people will experience chronic neck pain after encountering these injuries. Since proper personal safety may not always be enough to prevent these injuries from occurring, it’s a good idea to seek care from a chiropractor soon after an incident. With comprehensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, these doctors can pinpoint problems—and prescribe solutions—before symptoms arise.

3. Chronic Disease

Many chronic diseases contribute to neck pain. Osteoarthritis, for example, may cause joints to become inflamed, immobile, and painful. Degenerative disc disease, on the other hand, can lead to deterioration of vertebral discs in the neck and increase the risk of misalignment or inflammation. Working with a doctor to manage these conditions can help you avoid flare-ups and minimize long-term damage to your neck. Regular adjustments from a chiropractor can also help keep joints flexible and reduce inflammation.

If you’re experiencing neck pain, seek an evaluation from a trusted chiropractor—such as Dr. Christopher Rasmussen at Rasmussen Chiropractic. Serving New Albany, IN, for nearly three decades, Dr. Rasmussen understands how to pinpoint sources of chronic pain and provide personalized treatment to relieve symptoms. With a gentle approach, this chiropractor will help restore your musculoskeletal health, improve mobility, and prevent pain from returning. Visit this clinic online to learn more about the chiropractic care they offer, and call (812) 949-2273 to schedule a consultation.