Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal pain that can affect people of all ages.
It can be caused by a number of factors including repetitive motions, injury, poor posture, muscle strain or genetic tendencies. In addition to the physical discomfort, neck pain accounts for a significant number of doctor visits and missed workdays.
Fortunately, there are many ways to address neck pain, from simple changes to your daily routine to more involved therapies like chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage.
Below are a few of the most common causes of neck pain, some tips on how to address the pain, and how you may benefit from going to a pain management clinic.
Neck Pain Caused By Poor Posture
One of the most common causes of neck pain is poor posture.
Poor posture habits, such as staring down at a phone or slouching your shoulders, may place pressure on your joints and spine resulting in neck pain.
Neck pain as a result of poor posture may be caused by sitting at a desk for long hours without proper breaks, standing in an unbalanced position or sleeping in an awkward position.
Many chiropractors, such as those at Chiropractor Matraville, have a clinic interest in addressing neck pain caused by poor posture. Chiropractors are also focused on determining the root cause of your pain and not just addressing the symptoms.
Neck Pain Caused From Carrying Heavy Items
If you are carrying heavy items like bags, backpacks, or groceries, then you may also experience neck pain.
If you carry these things for a long time, your shoulders and neck muscles can get tired, strained and sore. Additionally, lifting heaving items may place pressure on your joints, which can also contribute to your neck pain.
Neck Pain Caused Due To Repetitive Strain
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) is another common cause of neck pain.
RSIs are often caused due to repetitive movements at work and these
repetitive motions may lead to chronic inflammation and muscle spasms in the neck area.
Neck Pain Caused By Arthritis
Cervical spondylosis is a form of arthritis in the neck, which can cause chronic pain, inflammation and stiffness.
Other types of arthritis that may cause neck pain include:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
According to Arthritis Australia, neck pain affects one in 10 people at any given time.
When To See A Pain Management Specialist
You may benefit from seeing a pain management specialist if your pain lasts for more than a few days or is severe enough to interfere with your work, sleep, or daily activities.
Pain management specialists are doctors who focus on providing the right form of care and pain relief for their patients. They may help their patients manage their chronic pain through various methods including acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic care and other treatments.
Millions of people suffer from chronic pain, and only a fraction of them receive adequate treatment. Pain can be caused by many things including injury, illness, the side effects of a medication, or various lifestyle factors.
A pain management specialist focuses on determining the root cause of your pain rather than just treating the symptoms.
