Neck pain is an irritating condition that could affect anyone. Studies state that up to 50% of individuals worldwide experience neck pain annually, and that 80% of individuals would feel some kind of neck pain at some point in their lives.
Aside from the obvious issue of discomfort, chiropractors in Salt Lake City add that neck pain could likewise cause headaches and lead to the tingling, numbness, and weakness of the arms. You might also have difficulty sleeping and positioning your head, which could make even simple tasks like driving potentially dangerous.
Fortunately, for neck pain that’s tolerable and just comes and goes, there are habits that could help keep your neck become pain-free, healthy, and stronger:
- Prevention is always better than cure, and this holds true for neck pain. If you’re obese or are packing on extra weight and are usually stressed out, these lifestyle factors could easily increase your risk of developing neck pain. Change your diet and exercise regularly to reduce your risk of developing neck pain.
- When sleeping or sitting down, especially for long periods of time, use cervical pillows to support your neck. If you don’t have a cervical pillow, you could fold a towel or a piece of clothing.
- When reading in bed, make sure that your back is supported with a pillow and that your neck is always in a neutral position.
- When driving, place your seat in an upright position that’s enough to support your lower back and head. Flex your arms and avoid overextending to work the steering wheel.
- When you’re sitting for long periods, such as when watching TV or working on your computer, don’t slouch and tilt your head forward. Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed, keep your feet relaxed but flat on the floor, and keep your lower back supported with lumbar support or a pillow. Walk around and stretch at least every 20 minutes.
It’s vital to note that recurring neck pain could be related to serious health conditions, such as chronic infection, rheumatoid arthritis, or heart disease. With this in mind, if you suffer from chronic neck pain and have tried the suggestions above to no avail, see your doctor to figure out if your pain is due to an underlying health issue.
