Learning About Chiropractic Care

Various factors like osteoarthritis can cause neck pain. While the condition isn't life-threatening, you should seek medical intervention if you experience numbness, weakness in your arms, or sharp pain in your shoulder. Other symptoms you may notice are escalating pain when your head stays in the same position for a prolonged time, muscle tightness and spasms, poor head mobility, and frequent headaches.

Moreover, if your neck pain becomes severe, persists for weeks, spreads to the arms, or turns into numbness in your legs and other body parts, you should see your chiropractor immediately. 

Here are factors that can cause neck pain.

Poor Posture

Poor sitting posture when watching TV or using your computer can trigger neck pain. Your spine can bend abnormally, interfering with the body's normal balance and movements. This problem will exert excessive weight on some body parts, leading to pain in your vertebral discs and the sciatic nerve. The pain can travel to the surrounding nerves and reach your neck.

You should ensure you sit upright, and your chair should also have enough back support. Your computer screen should be aligned with your eyes to avoid moving your neck up and down too frequently. Moreover, you should regulate your phone usage as it forces your neck to bend downwards, straining the muscles. If you are addicted to social media, you should find other hobbies to keep you busy.

Poor Sleeping Habits

Poor sleeping habits can cause severe neck pain. If you have ever woken up with neck pain that quickly escalated within a short time, you need to alter your sleeping behavior. You should avoid sleeping without a pillow as it causes the neck to tilt downwards instead of being straight. This position will strain your neck muscles, triggering pain.

You should also avoid sleeping on your stomach as it forces your head to tilt to one side awkwardly. The muscles can overstretch, leading to soreness. If you don't feel any pain, but your neck is stiff, that should be a red flag. Furthermore, ensure your pillow and mattress are comfortable. They should be able to support your head and lower body parts. Your chiropractor can recommend the ideal mattress and pillows.

Stress and Poor Nutrition

Excessive stress can contribute to frequent headaches. The tension in the head can spread down to your neck and trigger pain. You should find healthy ways to handle your stress levels. For instance, you can exercise regularly or visit a therapist for counseling.

Poor nutrition will prevent your body from receiving essential nutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium, for bone and muscle development; hence, your neck can be susceptible to pain and other complications. For more information, contact a professional like Eric Schmetterling DC.