This can cause tension in the muscles around the neck, which increases pain. Reading, watching TV, or working in a forward or uncomfortable posture for long periods of time. Sleeping with a pillow that is too high or too low, or in an uncomfortable position that stretches the neck. Poor postures, such as hunching forward, rounded shoulders, and a head raised forward, are the factors that most commonly contribute to neck pain.
To check if you have proper posture, look at your posture from the side. The ear opening should be directly above the shoulder. If the head is tilted forward, the neck tightens to keep it upright, which tends to cause neck pain. The best sleeping position to avoid neck pain is to sleep on your back so that your neck rests in a neutral position.
The intensity of the neck pain, the duration, and the likelihood that it will resolve on its own will depend on the underlying condition that is causing the pain. Common over-the-counter medications to help relieve neck pain include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. This leading arthritis research and advocacy organization provides information on joint conditions affecting the neck and spine, and also has in-depth resources on how to manage pain. It's easy to start worrying about all the possible things that could be wrong, but research has shown that most neck pain resolves over time.
This causes unnatural tension in the neck for long periods of time when using the computer, leading to neck pain. Their website contains information on numerous disorders, including pinched nerves and neck pain in general. Sometimes pain can be managed with pain relievers and following the advice below (see Preventing Neck Pain and Stiffness). Neck pain can be axial (mainly limited to the neck) or radicular (which extends to areas such as the shoulders or arms).
Neck pain can make it difficult to accomplish daily tasks, from driving a car to typing on a computer or doing chores in the kitchen. You should call your doctor if you have persistent neck pain that interferes with your work or daily activities. A cortisone injection can relieve inflammation and swelling of the neck, and that can help with neck pain. There is no better way to cure neck pain than to correct the root cause of the problem, and that is the primary goal of upper cervical chiropractic care.
