Neck pain is a common complaint.
The cause of this discomfort may be muscle strain, nerve compression, joint wear, trauma or some disease. The neck muscles may stretch due to poor posture or sharp movement.
Along with neck pain, a person often complains of muscle strain and spasm, has difficulty moving and changing body position, and neck strain may be accompanied by headaches.
The most common types of mild to moderate neck pain usually respond well to self-care within two or three weeks. If neck pain persists, your doctor might recommend other treatments.
However, in case the neck pain is severe and the discomfort becomes chronic, the help of an appropriate specialist is needed - the doctor will prescribe an adequate course of treatment based on the diagnosis.
Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall.
Contact a doctor if your neck pain:
- Is severe
- Persists for several days without relief
- Spreads down arms or legs
- Is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling
Prevention
Consider trying to:
- Use good posture.
- Take frequent breaks. If you travel long distances or work long hours at your computer, get up, move around and stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Adjust your desk, chair and computer so that the monitor is at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair's armrests.
- Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk. Use a headset or speakerphone instead.
- If you smoke, quit.
- Try to stay in a "neutral" position for the most part during the day (avoid sharp movements);
- Avoid reading in bed;
- It is undesirable to sleep on the abdomen (face);
- You should choose a comfortable pillow of such a size that your neck will not lose its natural posture during sleep;
- Never carry a heavy bag on one shoulder (distribute the load evenly if possible).
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20375581
