Pain is the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. However, it is often difficult to understand or even convey particulars about pain especially when you’re hurting too much. Here are some facts about the most common neck pains to make that next visit to the doctor all the more insightful.
Acute vs. Chronic
Pain can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute pain is usually sudden. Its cause may be something specific like dental work, burns, broken bones or surgery. It usually doesn’t last more than six months or after the underlying cause has been removed.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, usually lasts longer than six months. It is the kind of pain that continues even after the cause has been dealt with. Examples of chronic pain may be arthritis and migraines. It’s important to take good care of your body by taking neck exercises for boxing so you can live a healthier life.
Kinds of Neck Pains
There are many kinds and causes of neck pain. These can often be identified using their symptoms.
– Muscle pain is often caused by physical stress on the neck and shoulder muscles. This pain is usually accompanied by hard knots or trigger points.
– Muscle spasms feel like your neck muscles are tightening. A painful, stiff neck is often a muscle spasm. It may be indicative of a muscle injury or nerve problem.
– Neck pain can sometimes cause headaches. The pain cannot be described as sharp. It usually feels worse when you move your neck.
– If you feel a sharp pain in your neck vertebrae, it may be facet joint pain. This kind of pain may affect your shoulder or upper back.
– Neck pain accompanied by pins and needles may be nerve pain. This may spread to your arms at times.
– Referred pain is usually triggered by pain in another part of the body.
– Pain that is specific to the vertebrae may indicate bone pain. It may indicate a more serious health issue. It’s best to seek medical attention.
Remedies
The benefits of fixing your posture goes way beyond relieving or preventing neck pain. It allows your muscles to be used effectively. It decreases the stress and wear on joints and ligaments. And it helps you look better.
To address neck pain, try keeping your screens at eye level. Use a headset instead of holding your phone between your neck and shoulder. Do not hunch your upper back.
A few stretching exercises can often relieve stiff neck pain. Try some of these simple exercises from Cleveland Clinic. If the pain persists or gets worse, be sure to seek the help of a medical professional.
It is important to keep track of your sleeping positions especially if you are experiencing body pain. Sleeping on your back is generally the best way to rest your spine. You can also place pillows under each arm to take the weight off the neck.
If you sleep on your side, make sure your pillow is not too high. Avoid sleeping on your stomach because you’ll most likely strain your neck when you face uncomfortable sides.
Seek Help
There are a lot of options for help with your neck pain. In Utah, whiplash and other kinds of pain can be addressed by a chiropractor. There are also massage therapists and other complementary medicine practices that have a proven track record with pain relief.
If your neck pain persists, worsens, or feels unbearable to begin with, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Neck pain may be indicative of more serious health conditions. Just remember to describe the pain as detailed as possible to your doctor.
