Chances are you don’t think about the muscles surrounding your neck much. These muscles hold your head up and allow it to move in different directions. These muscles allow you to turn your head while driving, or to follow a tennis ball as you get ready to swing back at it. Then one day, you wake up and suddenly can’t move your head, or can only turn to one side. And you experience, literally… a pain in the neck.
That’s a scenario none of us want, but it’s more common than we realize. The neck is made up of many small muscles and carries a lot of nerves, and can easily suffer from a disc injury or pinched nerves. Due to its mobility and flexibility, the neck has a high risk of injury.
What can go wrong?
A “pulled muscle” (or muscle strain), occurs when a muscle is stretched or exerted beyond its limits. In severe cases, it can lead to a muscle tear.
A “slipped disc” (which can be a herniated or bulging disc) is a disc that has been pushed beyond its boundaries. It may even bulge out and spill into the surrounding area, putting pressure on the ligaments, muscles, or even the nerve itself.
Herniated discs often start with no symptoms, but may eventually lead to tingling, numbness, or even sharp pain. So, what are the common causes of a herniated disc?
● Poor body mechanics with daily activities (like frequently lifting or bending improperly)
● Poor posture (in sitting or standing, or too much time on the computer)
● Sports injuries that require a lot of running, jumping, or extreme flexibility (like gymnastics)
Common ways to injure your neck can be a fall or an accident, but sometimes neck pain appears out of nowhere. Years of abuse like poor posture or poor body mechanics can trigger an incident.
The Best Treatment for your Neck
Some neck problems, like a mild sprain or strain, may get better simply with rest and ice.
Other injuries, like a pinched nerve or disc injury, may need a more advanced physical therapy plan tailored to your particular type of injury, like:
● Specific exercises to strengthen the neck and improve range of motion, and
● Modalities (like heat/ice, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound).
Here are some tips to keep your neck moving and functioning pain-free:
1. If your job requires you to lift frequently – be sure to keep good posture as you are lifting. Remember lift with your legs, not your arms or back.
2. If you have to stand for long hours – try using a low footstool to prop up one foot, alternating feet from time to time.
3. If you are at a computer all day – keep your chair, desk, and monitor at the proper heights.
Call us today to see how we can help you with your neck to feel and function younger.