Neck Pain and Injuries

Living in the city, many people will have neck pain one time or another. Neck pain can be cause by an injury, or wear and tear problem. Neck pain and injuries can be cause by sports, work or at home.

Neck pain causes stiffness to your neck. Neck pain can radiate to the shoulders, upper back or arms and sometimes headache. Range of movement for your neck will be limited.

The neck anatomy has

• bones and joints of the cervical spine that forms the vertebrae
• jelly-like substance called the discs that separates the cervical vertebrae and act as shock absorber when you move
• muscles and ligaments that hold your cervical spine

Neck pain can be cause by an injury to the above region.

Activities that cause neck pain

Neck pain is commonly caused by strain to the neck or spasm to the neck muscles or inflammation in the neck joints.

Activities that are more likely to cause neck pain are:

• Holding your neck in a forward position while at work, watching tv or reading.
• Sleeping with a pillow that is too high or too flat and causes your head to bend awkwardly when you sleep.
• Long hours in a “Thinker’s pose”. Resting your forehead in your fist.
• Stress. Muscles at the back of the head will become tense and tight.
• Overwork of your upper body and arms.