Neck pain is not always the result of trauma such as sports injuries, or whiplash. Stress in the workplace, bad posture while sleeping, sitting or standing are among the most prevalent reasons for neck pain.

1. Picture courtesy medicalanatomy.net

2. Neck Pain Remedy
It came as quite a surprise to learn that neck pain in women and office
workers is more prevalent, with office workers apparently more at risk.
Chronic neck pain has side effects such as anxiety, depression and fatigue
which obviously prevent employees form delivering to their full potential; at
a cost to the employer naturally. As such, there now is a need to educate
people in general and workers particularly, about the causes, treatment and
prevention of neck pain.
Courtesy www.gulfportchiropractic.com
When severe or permanent neck pain is the order of the day, the individual
needs to seek urgent medical advice for proper examination; it probably is
much more serious than neck pain caused by stress or bad posture. When
stress or bad posture is the culprit, there are neck pain relief exercises; pain
due to spinal injuries or disorders needs medical attention.
Neck pain causes:
Diseases: Neck pain is caused by a variety of conditions; most dangerous is
a disease such as meningitis. It usually starts with neck pain and is an
infection which causes inflammation of the membranes which cover the brain
and spinal cord. It causes severe headache and fever. Other diseases are
cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
Muscle strains: As mentioned, bad posture is one of the minor causes of
neck pain. There is too much strain on the muscles. Neck pain from
computer use as we sit in the same position for extended periods of time
without moving our neck, sleeping in a position where the pillow cannot give

3. sufficient support for the neck and not standing up straight, but rather with
a bent back, are common reasons. Here I particularly think of low counters
in shops where people tend to lean on their elbows and lift their heads to
look around or tend to customers rather than straightening their backs.
Picture credited to saveyourself.ca
Injuries: What most people consider minor occurrences can actually cause
injuries accompanied by severe pain caused by inflammation in the muscles.
Coming to mind are those instances where a) we slip and fall a short
distance and b) whiplash injuries which typically occur when you sit in a car
involved in a rear-end collision. The soft tissue in the neck is stretched when
the head is jerked backward and then forward.
Picture credited to www.r2hcc.co.uk

4. Nerve compression: Neck pain from bone spurs: herniated disks in the
vertebrae of the neck take up too much space; press on the nerves of the
spinal cord and cause what is known as nerve compression.
Courtesy www.neckpainsupport.com
Joints: All joints in the body undergo wear and tear; those in the neck are
no exception unfortunately. A condition known as osteoarthritis develop with
worn joints, causing neck pain.
Picture credited to wisegeek.com

5. Neck pain symptoms:
Neck pain typically displays some of the following symptoms:
 Knots or stiffness in the neck
 Severe pain which may spread to your arms, shoulders or upper back
 Neck pain causing headaches is quite common
 Inability to move or turn your head and neck with ease
 When pain shoots down your arm, causing a tingling feeling,
numbness or weakness it may be a sign that there is pressure on the
spinal cord or nerve roots. Pressure is from bone spurs which is the
result of degeneration of the discs of the spine.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
When severe neck pain demands medical intervention, your medical
professional will ask questions pertaining to any activities, ailments or
injuries which may be the cause of the neck pain you’re experiencing.
Tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be conducted. These tests
show the muscles and tissues in the neck; making a proper diagnosis
possible.
Picture credit www.kenaispine.com

6. Neck pain treatment:
Neck pain treatment at home can effectively get rid of neck pain due to bad
posture. Try some of these neck pain relief home remedies:

Take the load off your neck – lie down so the muscles can recover

Bring relaxation to stiff muscles by administering some heat to your
neck. Use a hot water bottle, heat pads, stand in a hot shower or wrap
a wet, warm towel round your neck. Be careful to not overdo the
treatment, too much heat may cause more pain
Picture courtesy www.ebay.co.uk

Anxiousness (emotional stress) cause muscle stiffness. Identify the
causes of stress in your life, i.e. driving to work, getting kids ready for
school, meetings at the office, etc. Manage stress through relaxation
techniques such as abdominal breathing and progressive relaxation

Massage the muscles with a neck pain cream such as Rub on Relief,
Bengay or Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub Pain Relieving Cream.
Apply it with gentle pressure and in circular movements as indicated
on the packaging

For some the preferred neck pain remedy is over the counter (OTC)
neck pain medication. These typically include Tylenol (reduces pain),
anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin (not to be given to people
under 20 years of age), Advil and Aleve, etc. For severe neck pain and

7. spasms you may need prescription drugs such as muscle relaxants
(Valium, Flexeril and Soma), for short-term acute neck pain strong
pain killers (Vicodin, Lortab, Percodan and Percocet) and antidepressants (Silenor and Zonalon) for chronic (long-lasting) neck pain.

Improve your posture. If your job is a pain in the neck because you sit
behind a desk, working on a computer, get moving. Walk around for a
minute or so every hour, and get into the habit of sitting and standing
up straight at all times.
Courtesy stratagus.org

Sleep on a firm mattress and use feather or crushed-foam pillows.
Invest in a cervical pillow for neck pain relief.
Neck pain prevention:
Many of the preventative measures are also ways in which to cure neck pain.
Do not ever slouch in a chair. Whenever you sit, ensure your lower back is
well supported, shoulders are relaxed and both feet are flat on the floor.
Take short breaks every hour to get the blood circulating and prevent
muscles form getting stiff.

8. When working on a computer, make sure the top of the monitor is at eye
level.
When you use the phone, hold it in your hand, or use the headset or speaker
facility. Cradling the phone on your shoulder is a surefire way to hurt your
neck.
Credit www.chiropractic-help.com
When driving, adjust the seat such that it supports your head and lower
back. Arms should be in a slightly bent and comfortable position on the
steering wheel while driving.
When you read in bed, make sure the book is well enough supported so you
do not have to use your arms to hold it up:
The right way…
Courtesy www.brookstone.com
The wrong way…
Picture courtesy rollingout.com

9. Do neck exercises. Stretch neck muscles by slowly turning your head to the
right as far as possible without hurting yourself and hold for a few seconds.
Turn head back to the front, now turn your head to your left side and hold
for a few seconds. Repeat these movements 5 times per session, 3 times
daily.
Keep your body healthy and your weight down.
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