Where Does Neck Pain Come From?

Photo by Julien de Salaberry on Unsplash

I Have A Kink Doc

By Dr Khong Lamvichit on February 19, 2020  5mins

Overview

Neck pain is extremely common.  Neck ligaments and muscles are frequently strained and sprained from poor posture; this occurs during a simply leaning over your desk or turning your head looking into the blind spot of your vehicle.  Common conditions related to neck pain could also be Osteoarthritis.
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Not frequently neck pain is anymore serious then musculoskeletal pain.  Definitely seek medical or chiropractic care if your neck pain occurs with numbness or loss of strength in your arms, hands, or if you have shooting pain in your shoulder and down your arm.

Symptom

Signs and symptoms include:

1. Pain becoming worse when holding your head when driving or working at your desk
2. Muscle tightness and trigger point spasms
3. Stiff neck limiting head movement
4. Headaches

When to see your chiropractic doctor
When your neck pain does not improve in 1 or 2 weeks.  Check in to see your chiropractic doctor for soft tissue and joint restriction relief.

Seek immediate care if your neck pain was due to a motor vehicle accident, diving accident, or fall onto your head.

Contact your chiropractic doctor if your neck pain:

1. Is severe
2. Continues for several days with minor relief
3. Continues into your arms or legs
4. Associated with headaches, numbness, weakness, and/or tingling​

Causes

Depending on what source you follow, your head weighs approximately 10-11 pounds.  The neck is extremely flexible and supports the weight of your head, thus being vulnerable to injuries and chronic conditions due to muscular pain and joint restrictions.  Neck pain cause are:

1. Muscle strains:  Overuse injuries such as bad posture during desk work or using your phone. Other muscle strains include reading in bed or grinding your teeth.
2. Degenerative joints:  Neck joint commonly wears down with the aging process.  Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to deteriorate leading to bone-on-bone irritation producing joint restriction and pain.
3. Nerve irritation:  Disc injuries or bone lesions in the vertebrae of your neck could potentially squeeze against the nerves suffocating them to move freely producing inflammation.
4. Injuries:  Auto collisions, specifically whiplashes, occur when your head is quickly flung back then forward straining all your neck muscles.
5. Disease:  Specified disease of rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, and/or cancer play a part in creating neck pain.​

Prevention

Neck pain could frequently be resolved through proper posture exercises.  Easy daily activities such as keeping your head over your spine will pay huge dividends into your late years.  Here are some new practices you could do to help your neck:

1. Good posture:  Look in the mirror, turn to the side, and make sure your shoulders are in line over your hips.  Take note that your ears are over your shoulders too.
2. Take breaks often:  Whether you are traveling or working long hours at your desk, get up and get moving.  Roll your shoulders towards your ears to feel your muscles open up.
3. Modify your desk, chair, and computer monitor:  Keep your monitor at eye level. Knees and elbows at 90 degrees.  Absolutely do not use your chair armrests. The goal is to relax your upper trap muscles here.
4. Avoid looking down at your phone:  Hold your phone up to your eyes. Form a “T” with your phone arm perpendicular to your horizontal arm across your lower chest. This will create support for your shoulders.  Additionally, using a bluetooth headset for voice messaging could speak volumes.
5. Smoking:  Stop.
6. Heavy bags:  Use straps for both shoulders.  Reduce using messenger bags and frequent use of 2 strap backpacks. If you must use a 1 strap, alternate shoulders frequently.
7. Sleep posture:  Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees.  This will reduce gravity in crushing your joints when you sleep on your side or face down.  ​

At the end of the day, neck pain ranges from mild to serious.  The conditions listed are commonly related to neck pain, but not always primary causes.  Continue to attempt preventive measures before going to see your medical or chiropractic physician. 

Dr Khong Lamvichit

Dr. Khong Lamvichit has been establishing himself as the movement doctor in physical therapy, writer, presenter, sports injury doctor and chiropractic sports physician in Chicago, IL. Currently owner and president of Midwest Sport and Spine Inc.  at River North in Chicago, IL.  See his bio...