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What Can You Do About Neck Pain?
As a writer, I regularly experience pain in my neck and upper shoulders. The long hours hunched over my computer or phone can place a tremendous amount of strain on the muscles and nerves in those areas. Sometimes, I can relieve the pain with a few neck and shoulder exercises. Other times, the discomfort becomes unbearable, making it difficult to function or fall asleep.
Typical neck pain eventually goes away. But for those who experience it for more than a few months, you may have long-term or chronic neck pain. It sounds severe but undoubtedly is treatable. Here are some things you can do for neck pain:
Common Causes
Generally, sprains and strains from injuries or poor posture can cause acute or short-term neck pain. Over time, overextension and overuse of the neck or diseases such as arthritis can result in the degeneration of the neck and spine, resulting in chronic pain.
Some less common causes include:
- Spinal tumors
- Stress
- Infections
- Fibromyalgia
- Conditions like myofascial pain syndrome
Seeking medical attention to help determine the root of the problem and the appropriate method for rehabilitation could be your best option for recovery.
