How Neck Pain Can Turn Into Back Pain
By Donna Stark
Have you ever dealt with neck pain only to be forced to deal with back pain days or even weeks later? If so, there's a reason for that. Neck pain can oftentimes be a red flag your body is waving, and if you don't address the underlying cause of that pain from the very beginning, it can lead to serious upper and lower back pain down the road. What does that mean? Well, it means you need to start paying attention to your body more and it also means you may need to make some changes in your life.
From the Neck to Your Back
If it weren't for the red flags your body sends, you may end up in a world of hurt in no time. That's why it is so important to take action when one springs up in your life. Here are some symptoms of neck pain you should not ignore because if you do, that pain may end up traveling down your back!
- Stiffness in the neck region
- Pain when you turn or twist your neck
- Restricted mobility
- Dull tingling sensations
- Sudden neck jerks
Causes of Neck Pain
Now that you know what some of the symptoms you should be looking for are, it's time to understand why they may occur in the first place. Take a look at the following causes of neck pain and how to address them with simple changes to your daily routine.
- Neck strain - Neck strain occurs when you hold your neck in an awkward position for extended periods of time, like at work, in school, or while driving a car. You can address this issue by taking frequent breaks throughout the day to stretch this area of your body.
- Poor posture - Poor posture is one of the leading contributors to both neck and back pain. Try to avoid hunching over your desk, educate yourself about the best position to sleep in for your body type, and keep your head and neck in a neutral position when working on a laptop, watching TV, or playing video games.
- Lack of exercise - Your muscles could become unbalanced and tight with a lack of exercise and that can lead to an increased risk of injury. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine and be sure to include a couple of strength training sessions each week as well.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
By paying attention to the warning signals your body is sending and following the suggestions above, you can reduce the risk of experiencing neck pain significantly. And if you've ignored those red flags for far too long already, just head on in to see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. They will be more than happy to help!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Prosper, Tex.