Neck Pain
Neck pain affects approximately 15.6% of VIDA users, making it the second most common source of pain.
Whether you're an athlete or someone who spends most of the day sitting neck pain is an issue that can affect anyone. This article will help you understand how your neck works, and why it might be causing you discomfort and provide you with actionable steps to manage and prevent any pain.
Did you know?
Around 60% of all the twisting and turning action in your neck happens between the upper two bones (right at the C1/2 junction), no matter how old you are.
How your neck works
Your neck consists of seven vertebrae, each equipped with joints that grant it an extensive range of motion. More than 20 neck muscles span from the base of your skull and jaw, extending down to your shoulder blades and collarbone.
These muscles play a vital role in supporting and stabilising your head, neck and upper spine, allowing various head and shoulder movements while also assisting with essential functions like chewing, swallowing and breathing.
Did you know?
Every inch you position your head forward adds 10 pounds of weight to it. So, if your head is 3 inches forward from its ideal position, it could weigh about 40 lbs (18 kg), equivalent to a standard kettlebell used in intermediate to advanced sports training.
What to do and not do?
When you have neck pain, it's important to avoid engaging in activities that may aggravate the pain, such as excessive movement, complete inactivity or sleeping in an inappropriate position. You also should also take extra caution with activities that may pose risks due to neck stiffness or pain, such as driving or cycling.
Instead, try to strike a balance by incorporating an appropriate amount of movement, beneficial exercises and adequate rest to allow healing and recovery.
Things to do
Things to avoid
Common causes of
neck pain
Neck pain can arise from a variety of sources, including issues that impact your joints, bones and soft tissues like ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The array of potential causes includes common muscle strain, cervical spondylosis, whiplash injuries, disc prolapse or herniation, radiculopathy and various others. You can explore the causes in more detail here.
Did you know?
Problems in your neck can lead to discomfort in your upper back or arms. This occurs because the nerves responsible for the muscles in these areas have their origins in your neck. Any disruption to the nerve roots or nerves at this level can trigger these symptoms.
Recovery, prevention, &
duration of pain
Managing neck pain involves implementing suitable exercises such as postural training, getting enough rest and making lifestyle adjustments. Your VIDA Pain Coach program offers a variety of beneficial exercises specifically designed to help recovery and prevent further issues. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise routine.
The duration of neck pain can greatly vary. Mild neck pain might improve within a few days or weeks, while more severe or chronic conditions could last for several weeks or months. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including quality sleep, a balanced diet and stress management plays a significant role in recovery and prevention of neck pain.
Knowing when to seek help
While most neck pain is easily managed at home, it is better to seek medical attention if your pain is severe and not improving, and you have symptoms down your arms or legs such as weakness, numbness or tingling or other new unusual symptoms.