Neck Pain
Neck pain is something that most people will experience at one point. For many, neck pain may disappear after a few days, while for others, it can be an enduring pain caused by poor posture, injury, or disease. The bones, muscles, and tendons that make up the neck are vulnerable to inflammation, injury, and strain leading to stiffness and pain in the neck.
People with neck pain commonly experience:
- Pain moving neck and head in any direction
- Decreased range of motion
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Migraines
Because the neck consists of vertebrae and cervical disks that can absorb shock, the neck area is fragile and easy to damage. Neck pain can develop from several causes, including:
- Poor posture—improper posture, such as hunching over a computer or phone while sitting, can cause the head to move forward and put added strain and pressure on the neck.
- Poor form while exercising can accidentally cause a minor neck injury.
- Sleeping without proper pillow support can leave your neck stiff in the morning.
- A motor vehicle accident can cause whiplash (a form of neck pain), which is when the head unexpectedly jerks forward-and-backward, putting a strain on the tendons and neck muscles.
- Sports accidents such as tackling in football or rugby can damage the neck, especially without proper headgear.
- Falls or any trauma to the head can also lead to neck pain.
Neck pain may also be a symptom of other diseases and conditions, such as meningitis, heart attacks, or rheumatoid arthritis. However, neck pain alone is rarely a sign of a serious condition. Often, it will be accompanied by other symptoms of a disease as well. It’s necessary to visit your primary care doctor if you are experiencing neck pain symptoms that continue for more than a week.
Chiropractic treatment can provide immediate neck pain relief and help with the long-term management of symptoms. A good chiropractor will assess the entirety of your spine, look at your medical history, and check for underlying medical conditions. Treatment may include spinal adjustments, manual therapies like trigger point therapy, interferential electrical stimulation, and therapeutic exercises for muscle strengthening and future injury prevention. If you’re looking for a qualified Coquitlam or Port Moody Chiropractor, schedule a visit to Inspine Therapy for chiropractors who can provide you with a personalized treatment plan for long-term recovery.
How do you prevent neck pain?
The majority of people experience neck pain due to poor posture and bone degeneration from age. But, there are still a few ways you can protect your neck and prevent neck pain by:
- Sitting and standing with proper posture, which includes holding the back and neck straight, with shoulders back.
- Using ergonomic equipment at work and making sure the computer desktop, keyboard, and office chair are at the right height.
- Taking breaks from prolonged periods of sitting.
- Quitting smoking can increase your likeliness of developing neck pain.
- Avoid putting too much weight on your back and shoulders, such as carrying heavy bags and backpacks.
- Sleeping on your backside with a pillow to support the neck and an additional pillow to support the lumbar.
Need An Appointment?
Inspine Therapy is a multi-disciplinary clinic located in the heart of Coquitlam and Port Moody. We care about providing fundamental healing through all-in-one care that focuses on helping you recover, improve, and optimize your health until you’re in the best condition possible.
Our services include massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, active rehab, clinical counselling, and pilates. Visit our newly renovated clinic and book your appointment today!
