Neck Pain Symptoms
If you are experiencing dull or tense pains of a constant aching nature throughout your neck, shoulders and upper back areas, then you may be suffering from chronic neck pain. Most Americans experience neck pain at one point or another in their lifetime, resulting in triggered headaches and migraines, facial pains, numbness and tingling, tenderness to the touch, and in some cases difficulty swallowing, dizziness and swelling of the lymph nodes. Neck pain can be especially frustrating because it can radiate down into the your back and the rest of your body. After awhile it may be easy to forget that your neck is culprit when your entire body is in pain because you’ve been injured so long.
When To Seek Medical Attention
Neck pain is one of those things that can be small at first and then worsen over time until your whole body is in pain. The symptoms that you should pay close attention to are severe pain, inability to move your head, constant headache since the injury, and extreme muscle tightness and spasms. These are all considered severe symptoms and can be a sign that the injury will not go away on its own and needs treatment. Without treatment, the problem with your neck can effect your back and create further injuries.
Causes of Neck Pain
While neck pain is usually subjective to those who suffer from it, it can happen to pretty much anyone. It can also occur for a number of different reasons. For example, neck strain can occur from injuries sustained in an auto accident such as a herniated disc or whiplash, or can arise from a degenerative disc disorder that is a common genetic disorder. However, it is not entirely unheard of for those living a sedentary lifestyle to experience neck pains, as well. Sitting at a desk for 8+ hours a day can cause more tension in the back, shoulders and neck areas than you may realize. Especially when you have bad posture sitting or standing.
Neck Pain Prevention and Treatment
One of the best ways to prevent neck pain is to maintain an active lifestyle, eat a healthy diet, and practice proper posture while sitting and standing. In addition, incorporating the special techniques you learn at Life Health Medical Clinic to treat neck pain on a regular basis will not only help you to relieve your symptoms of neck pain, but it will also help you to prevent the possibility of any future pains or injuries. We will show you the correct exercises to practice to restore your health, and improve your overall quality of life. We also may give you a brace or collar to wear on your neck to quick your recovery time. Another preventable measure to follow is to avoid looking down at your phone often or for a long period of time. Over time, this will overstretch the ligaments and muscles and result in further injury and a weak neck overall. Carrying heavy bags or equipment doesn’t help your neck health either, therefore being mindful of how your carrying such objects will be beneficial in preventing injury or worsen your current injury.
For over 10 years, we have been helping Salt Lake Valley residents to find relief from their neck pains by incorporating a customized individual patient treatment plan for each and every patient. If you would like more information about our services, please contact us today. We would be happy to schedule a time for you to meet with our team of physical therapists so that you can get back to feeling like yourself again! Contact us today.