Simple Tips for Protecting Your Neck from Injuries

When you have neck pain, it can be hard to think about anything but the discomfort. And it can be challenging to soothe the pain since you use your neck constantly throughout the day.

Neck pain is typically caused by sprains and injuries of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the cervical spine, which is the upper part of the spine. It can also be caused by a more serious condition, such as cervical herniated disc or cervical stenosis.

Here are several steps you can take to protect your delicate neck from injury:

Practice healthy sleeping habits. Sleep with a cervical, or orthopedic pillow, which is contoured to support the spaces under the head and neck. They help to keep the neck in alignment with the spine. Also, consider sleeping on your back because it is the best position to let your entire spine, including your neck, to rest comfortably.

Be good to your neck at work. Position your computer screen at eye level to prevent neck strain. You can use books or other items to adjust it to the correct position – where your eyes can gaze directly at the middle of your screen as you look straight ahead. For even better neck protection, use a telephone headset so you won’t be tempted to hold your phone between your ear and shoulder as you type on the computer.

Consider the load you carry. People often carry a heavy purse or briefcase on one side of their body, but this move causes the shoulders to become uneven, which strains the muscles and causes pain. Make it a habit to carry only the essentials in your bag, and try to keep your shoulders level at all times. Even better, consider using a backpack that distributes weight evenly on your body.

Mind your posture. Your mother was right – you need to stand up straight! Poor posture can cause all sorts of back and neck problems, including causing neck pain by straining the muscles and ligaments that support the neck. The most common poor posture stance is the “head-and-shoulders-forward-posture,” which causes the neck to slant forward, placing the head in front of the shoulders. Make an effort to keep your neck aligned with your back when you stand, sit and walk.

Simple steps, such as the ones listed above, can go a long way toward protecting your neck from injury and pain. If you are experiencing chronic pain, get in touch with Dr. Sharma today.