Have you ever really considered how many times you turn and bend your neck throughout the day? If you sat down and calculated it up, it would probably be easily over 10,000 times. Now, just imagine turning your head and neck many times while suffering from a stiff neck. Yes, this can be more than just a typical annoyance, and may even be a sign of a severe underlying condition. This is why it is imperative to understand everything you can about a sore neck and how you can treat it. Below, you will learn more about these issues and how you can provide pain relief for a sore neck.
When Does a Sore Neck Become a Serious Problem?
Most people who experience a sore neck usually wake up with it, because they slept on in the wrong position. A sore neck can also be linked turning around too fast, which might last a few days or more. However, if you experience a sore neck that lasts more than a couple of days and is followed by shoulder pain, headaches, and pain that radiates down to your arms, it is probably time to seek out professional help, as something significant could be going on.
Why You Might Have a Sore Neck
There truly are a variety of different reasons that you might be suffering from a sore neck, which you will learn about below.
Strained Muscles
Any time you partake in an activity that places your neck in an awkward position for a long period of time, this is going to cause soreness in the neck. For instance, if you are talking on phone for hours and you use your head and shoulder to hold the phone the entire time, there is a very good chance that this is going to strain your muscles. Carrying a heavy load for an extended period of time could cause soreness in the neck, and looking up or down at a computer screen all day long could lead to a sore neck.
Spine Disorders
The cervical spine is a very important part of the neck, as it houses all the bones, joints, muscles, and nerves in the neck. In addition to this, your spinal cord runs right through the center of it. So, when there is a condition in this area, you can imagine that it would cause soreness. Conditions in this region can often times show up due to injury or wear and tear. However, there are some situations in which individuals might develop certain disorders in the cervical spine that can lead to pain and soreness.
Spinal Stenosis
Over time the joints located in the back of your spine can start to rub against the spinal nerve roots. This is a condition that is highly common with individuals that suffer from spinal osteoarthritis
Cervical Disc Problems
Located between each on of your vertebrae is soft tissue structures known as spinal disks. The main job of the disks is to provide cushioning. However, over time due to wear and time or injury these disk can wear out or get knocked out of place, which will eventually lead to soreness in the neck.
Infections
It is highly rare, but it is entirely possible that the soreness in your neck could be related to an infectious condition. That being said, most of the time when an infection is the main cause of a sore neck, you will also experience nausea, fevers, headaches, and vomiting.
Pain Relief Treatments for a Sore Neck
1. Proper Stretching
When it comes to preventing or dealing with neck soreness, there are a wide variety of different treatments available. Many treatments can be performed right in the home or office, with the assistance of a medical professional. One of these treatments is proper stretching. Start by rolling your shoulders backward and down around ten times. You can also try squeezing your shoulder blades together ten times. If you are in the car for long periods of time, try pushing your head back into the headrest and holding in there for around 30 seconds. Another excellent stretch is bringing your ears down to shoulder level and holding them there 30 seconds.
2. Consider Changing Your Pillow
A sore neck can also be related to a poorly designed pillow. In fact, people who wake up with a stiff, tender neck will connect the symptoms with their pillow. If this is the case, then you will need to get one that is explicitly contoured for the neck. These orthopedic pillows will help keep your neck and spine aligned, while you sleep. So, when you wake up, you will not experience any stiffness or pain.
Memory foam is the most preferred filling for neck pillows. This material is designed to provide comfort, support, and alignment. which is precisely what you need to combat neck soreness and stiffness. Be sure to give the pillow a couple of days, before you decide if it is helping or making your condition worse. Sometimes it takes several days for your body to get adjusted to the change. At this point, you should see partial or full relieve.
3. Buy a Cervical Collar
A cervical collar or neck brace help support the neck after a traumatic neck or head injury. These medical devices are also utilized to treat chronic medical conditions associated with the spinal cord and neck. There are several different types of cervical collars, so your physician will decide which one is best suited for you.
For individuals who are suffering from a sore neck, but have not been diagnosed with a medical condition, a soft collar will be recommended. This collar is designed specifically for individuals with osteoporosis. However, it can also be utilized for people who spend extended hours in the same position, causing neck soreness and stiffness.
The soft collar will provide flexibility and comfort while stabilizing the top seven vertebrae. You can wear the collar a few hours throughout the day to give the muscles in your neck a rest. This treatment option works very well for people who have not suffered a severe neck or spinal cord injury.
If your symptoms persist after trying a natural remedy, consult your healthcare professional.
Know of any other natural methods that provide pain relief for a sore neck? Share them in the comments section below!
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