One becomes highly susceptible to many diseases with age, including chronic neck pain. However, one of the leading causes of neck pain is misuse. Most people with back pain have developed this condition due to specific lifestyle choices such as maintaining a poor posture when working on a technological device like a computer or hunching over a phone for too long.
Anatomy of the Neck
Learning the neck structure is the best way to fathom the complexity involved in the functioning of the neck. This organ is what connects the body to the head. Another name for the neck is the cervical spine, which helps cushion the head’s weight while allowing balance and rotation to occur.
The different components that make up the neck include:
- Seven cervical vertebrae that enable head movements
- Larynx
- The spine
- Blood vessels, nerves, and muscles
How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain
Misuse and overuse of neck structures can cause deterioration of parts of the cervical spine causing the neck to experience chronic pain. Adopting proper neck posture can help reduce some of the workload on the neck, lowering or delaying a patient’s risk of developing discomfort in the long run.
This position helps lower the pressure on the neck by maintaining the head’s weight is balancing neutrally on the spine. The signs of a proper shoulder position include:
- Putting the shoulders back
- Ensuring that the chest is open
- The ears being directly above the shoulders
Causes
Apart from misuse and overuse, another reason you may be having painful neck symptoms are:
- Mechanical damage to the neck due to injury
- Meningitis: Inflammation of spine tissue
- Weakening of cervical bones: Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones lose density and quality mainly due to aging.
- Osteoarthritis: Deterioration of cartilage in cervical vertebrae
Therapeutic Treatment Options
The best initial strategy to deal with a neck pain diagnosis is to begin conservative neck treatment techniques, including:
- Physical therapy treatment options for neck pain
This conservative neck pain treatment reduces stiffness, promoting a more comprehensive range of head movement by strengthening and supporting the neck muscles. Physical therapy neck treatment focuses on enhancing function by supporting the spine through stretches and exercises. - Hot or cold press therapy for neck pain relief
Placing an ice pack or a warm towel on your neck can help relax the muscles and reduce any stress that occurs from straining due to poor posture.
Get the Best Treatments for Neck Pain
Spine Diagnostics specialists provide updated therapy techniques to support patients with chronic pain symptoms and find relief. Book a session online or fill out the form below to learn more.