Well there’s no question a hard sneeze or cough can irritate something in your musculoskeletal system. I’ve seen numerous people who have thrown their back or neck out with a forceful cough or sneeze.
This can be even more likely to happen if there’s already a previous injury somewhere. Let’s say you know you have or have had a disc protrusion at C6 (or a disc bulge, herniation, degeneration at any level), an area that you’ve strained the neck muscles, and maybe just a common stiff neck.
Also, if you are unhealthy or even out of shape, you can more easily set yourself up for an injury. This happens because your body just can’t handle as much. Plus, let’s say you have put on a lot of stomach weight. Your spinal alignment and posture may get all thrown off kilter. Think about it-you are carrying extra weight out front so your lumbar spine extends back to compensate; now because of this your neck juts out forward. If things aren’t in good alignment your spine just can’t withstand as much force. The same holds true for the muscles, ligaments and tendons. They get stretched, tightened, become unbalanced etc…setting us up more easily for muscle spasm or strain.
Ok so now you have this neck irritation, what can you do? Heat, ice, or muscle message can help substantially. I really like using a tens unit as well or some biofreeze gel to speed up the healing process. Seeing your doctor or chiropractor is warranted if you continue to have neck discomfort more than a few days. Either one may take or send you for x-rays also. Here’s the difference, your chiropractor may even have x-ray equipment right at his office and he will often do muscle work and adjustments to address any issues. Your primary doctor will most likely send you to a facility for x-rays and he or she will prescribe pain medications or a muscle relaxer. He/she may offer you to a chiropractor or physical therapist.
Prevention is the real key however. Maintaining neck posture and staying healthy helps us to prevent injuries to begin with. You can do this by regularly sleeping with the cervical traction pillow.
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Additional Reading Resources
- No more neck pain. Simple Tips To keep a Healthy Neck
- Neck Posture
- Choose the best Neck Pillow
- Neck Alignment: How Does It Effect Our Neck Muscles?
- Frequently asked questions about the Arc 4 Life Cervical Traction Neck Pillow
