There are many reasons for neck pain to occur; it can be mild to the point that it is an annoying feeling. It can be moderate or severe to the point that you are not able to carry out your activities of daily living. Was it because you watched tv and fell asleep in a weird position? - or maybe you were in a rear end collision. Whatever the cause, its something we should analyze a little further: Here are the top 10 causes of neck pain:
- Misalignment in the spine – this is number 1 because it puts pressure on nerves which can casue muscle tension and more.
- Poor Posture- Posture is a window to your spine and if you have poor posture that is what your spine looks like and inside- misaligned !
- Bad sleeping habits – Sleeping on your stomach is the worst b/c you have to turn your head 90 degrees to the side to breathe
- Muscle strain and tension – makes it difficult to move and creates inflammation, putting pressure on nerves causing pain
- Stress – most people carry their stress right across the back of their neck
- Work or Computer Station Set-up. If you are forced to be in an awkward position or have continued poor posture it creates misalignments and muscle strain therefore nerve pressure. Many office workers have a improperly set up work station and telephone set up
- Improper exercise or work out, maneuvers – sometimes lifting to much weight or not using proper mechanics or posture when working out.
- Putting your neck in awkward positions for extended periods. This relates to the previous 2 reasons for neck pain. Doing this creates tension things like sleeping in awkward positions, reading with head down
- Lack of stretches before physical activity makes it easier to strain a muscle.
- Not using a good pillow – A proper neck pillow is the best like the cervical traction pillow –it keeps the proper neck posture when sleeping on your back or side
