Is Your Job a Pain in the Neck?

Our neck works hard. Not only does it support the head, which can weigh an average of 12 pounds, but it is responsible for moving the head in many different directions. All of this movement and weight, combined with the stresses and pressures of everyday life, means the neck can easily get fatigued and even sore or painful.

Many people spend eight or so hours a day working at a desk. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, and stressful work situations can cause the muscles that support the neck to stiffen and can throw the cervical spine – the core of the neck – off balance.

Other causes of neck pain include aging-related muscle degeneration, injury and accidents, and osteoarthritis. However, In this post we will address some of the most common causes of neck pain: work and lifestyle-related stressors.

Here are some simple ways to alleviate neck pain:

Ice it. For a stiff or sore neck, try using bag a of frozen vegetables or an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area for 15-20 minutes. This can reduce internal swelling, which may be the cause of your pain.

Work out the kinks. Taking a break from work to lightly stretch your neck may help alleviate stiffness. Moving slowly and gently, look up then down, and then from side to side. Be cautious not to overextend, though, as this could cause additional pain.

Practice good posture. Be sure to sit up straight at your desk and take frequent breaks to stand, stretch, and walk. This is also important for jobs that require a lot of driving.

Get a better pillow. There is nothing worse than waking up with a kink in your neck. If your pillow is too soft or flat, you could be spending hours per night overextending your neck muscles. Purchase a pillow that is firm or extra firm (there are even pillows available that specifically offer neck support) and get in the habit of sleeping on your side or back.

Call your chiropractor. Research shows that those with chronic neck pain who participated in clinical trials showed serious improvement after a chiropractic neck adjustment. This simple procedure, done by hand, improves mobility and flexibility of the cervical spine and can increase the range of motion in the muscles of the neck.

Before your adjustment, the chiropractor will do a physical exam and may take x-rays to determine the cause of the pain and what kind of treatment is necessary. After your adjustment, your chiropractor will work with you to develop an ongoing plan to manage your neck pain, which may include additional adjustments, massage or rehabilitation, or physiotherapy.

Here at Kennedy Chiropractic, we are specialists in back and neck pain. Don’t spend another day with soreness and pain. Give us a call at 414-443-1515 to schedule your adjustment today!

Sponsored by our friends at Bloomington Chiropractic.