Neck Pain Causes and Treatments

The neck is a very complex structure composed of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments,muscles and nerves. This makes it vulnerable for pain and injury. One of the most common causes of neck pain is poor posture. It is easy to develop poor posture habits without even realizing it. This can lead to neck pain, headaches and sometimes even more serious problems. Some other causes of neck pain are:

Muscle strains. When you overuse your neck muscles repeatedly, pain can develop. Hunched over in your computer chair, reading in bed and even something as simple as gritting your teeth can strain your neck muscles.

Arthritis. Your neck joints can deteriorate with age just like all other joints in your body.

Disk disorders. The disks in your neck and spine contain a gelatinous material in between them that acts as a cushion. As you age, this material can become dry, which narrows the spaces in your spinal column where the nerves come out. This can cause considerable pain as the space narrows. The disk can herniate also, which means that the gelatinous material protrudes through the disk's covering and causes nerve irritation.

Injury. Whiplash is a common type of injury to the neck when the head is suddenly jerked forward and back. This will stretch the soft tissue of the neck beyond it's limits.

If you are having neck pain or have a neck strain or injury, you can try over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin, advil or aleve. These medicines contain anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce inflammation of the joints or muscles. Ice is another way to reduce pain and inflammation. Heat can relax sore muscles but sometimes it can aggravate inflammation, so use it with care. If your neck pain is severe and it doesn't respond to home treatments and rest, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy for your neck pain. A licensed physical therapist can help you with specific strengthening and stretching exercises to relieve the pain and to enhance the structures that make up your neck and spine.

Some people have success with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). These are small electrodes that are placed on your skin near the painful area. These electrodes deliver tiny electrical impulses to the nerves to help alleviate pain.

In some cases of neck pain or injury, a soft cervical collar may be used to immobilize the neck. This is usually worn short term to give the muscles of the neck much needed support while they heal.

Poor posture is the cause of most neck pain. The best way to prevent this is to always keep the head centered over your spine. This will prevent strain on your neck muscles and tendons. Here are other simple changes you can make to prevent neck pain:

Take frequent breaks if you are sitting at your computer for long periods of time. Get up and walk around and do some stretching exercises.

Adjust you desk and chair so that the computer screen is at eye level. Your knees should be slightly lower than your hips and your arms should be at a 90 degree angle with your keyboard. Sit up straight and use the chair backrest. If needed, place a pillow at the base of your spine to slightly push your lower back forward. This will help keep your spine and neck in alignment.

Always avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder. Use a headset for phone conversations.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach. This position will put strain on your neck. Choose a good pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck.

Work closely with your doctor on the best treatments for your neck pain. With a little bit of time and effort you can finally be rid of that "pain in the neck."