Working at the desk for long hours in one-to-one positions, posture disorders, and tension factors trigger neck pain. Some neck pain develops after the underlying medical condition. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor when complaints of this ailment, which should not be taken lightly, are seen. We have brought together all the information you are wondering about neck pain…
Neck pain symptoms
Neck pain can occur in different parts of the neck and in different forms. If neck pain symptoms progress, it may become difficult to sleep. And also; It becomes difficult to do the actions required by daily life, such as dressing, going to work or driving an automobile. A doctor should be consulted immediately, as increased neck pain along with weakness, numbness and tingling may indicate an important underlying problem.
What causes neck pain?
The causes of neck pain are as follows:
Muscle strains: Excessive use to spend too much time on your computer or smartphone often triggers muscle tensions. Even small things like lying down or clenching your teeth can strain your neck muscles.
Joint and cartilage wear: Like other joints in your body, your neck joints tend to wear out as you age. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) in the middle of your vertebrae (vertebrae) to break down. As your body ages, it forms bone spurs (extensions) that affect joint movement and cause pain.
Border compression: Herniated discs or bone spurs in the vertebrae in your neck may press on the ends radiating from the spinal cord.
Injuries: Getting hit from behind in automobile accidents often causes a condition called whiplash injury. In this case, the head is shaken backwards and then forwards with real speed and soft tissue damage is experienced.
Diseases: Some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer can cause neck pain.
How is neck pain relieved?
Ice and/or heat
Applying ice can be used as an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and pain. Initially, it is better to use cold compresses for neck pain. This is because cold applications can permanently close small blood vessels and inhibit swelling. After a few days, ice or heat can be applied alternatively. Applying heat all the time can cause swelling to increase.
Massage
It should mostly be preferred after applying ice or heat. A deep massage soothes muscle tension and spasms and reduces pain.
Correcting posture
If bad posture is causing neck pain, easy changes can be a pain reliever. Using a truly positioned chair, monitor and keyboard while working, getting the right sleeping position (on your back) while sleeping, and using pillows that support the neck can reduce pain.
Lifestyle changes
If certain activities are found to trigger neck pain, these activities may need to be stopped or avoided. For example, if the neck aches after spending time on the smartphone, this activity should be reduced. Also, the phone should be held close to eye level to keep the neck straighter while looking at the phone.
Over-the-counter medications
Many over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce inflammation or block pain signals from reaching the brain.
