Tips to Avoid Neck Pain
By Paul Rothbart
Most people have suffered from neck pain at some point. It often occurs as a result of sleeping with the head propped up too much. Long periods of keeping the head on one position such as on lengthy drives or most especially from staring at electronic screens. Any of these can cause stiffness and soreness in the neck. Accidents of different kinds can also cause neck injury and pain. Estimates say that on each day, 13 percent of Americans are experiencing neck pain. Here are some tips to help avoid the literal pain in the neck.
Change Your Pillow
Neck pain seems to most commonly occur as a result of sleep position. The job of a pillow is to support your head but ideally it should maintain the natural curve of your neck spine. There are many different types of pillows that vary in size, shape, and firmness. Don't just buy the one that's available or least expensive. Try out as many as possible and choose the one that suits your unique neck curve. If you sleep on your back a flatter pillow may be a better choice. Some people do best with a soft pillow that allows the head to sink into the neck's natural position. An adjustable bed may also be helpful in that you can sleep with your upper body slightly inclined. For some, this is the most comfortable position for the back and neck.
Use a Hands-Free Phone Device
If you spend a lot of time on the phone, you probably have your neck leaning toward one side so you can place the phone against your ear. This is often done subconsciously to hear the call better. Try a hands-free device such as a headset or earbuds. There are many that connect with Bluetooth so no there are no wires to deal with and you can keep your up in a neutral position.
See a Chiropractor
Chiropractors are trained to care for the spine including the neck. All of these tricky neck positions can cause shift vertebrae and cause subluxations. They will be painful and can pinch nerves causing tingling and numbness in other parts of the body. A chiropractor will find these subluxations and adjust them, relieving the pain and other symptoms. Regular chiropractic care may well be the best thing you can do to avoid neck pain.
Neck pain is common and very distracting. It's hard to do almost anything when your neck hurts. Try these tips and consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't need an appointment and a licensed chiropractor will perform a thorough exam, finding any problems and fixing them. It could be the end of your neck pain.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Colo.