Don’t Let Neck Pain and Headaches Hold You Back

Head and neck pain are quite common, but that doesn’t mean you should tolerate it. Chronic neck pain, neck tightness, and frequent headaches are not only uncomfortable; but can interfere with your work, family life, and overall enjoyment of living. Many people seek temporary relief with NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, but these remedies only mask the symptoms, they don’t treat the problem. Long-term, daily use of NSAIDs can cause their own problems, such as weakened neck and shoulder muscles, liver damage, stomach ulcers, or worse.

The structure of the neck is very complex. Seven vertebrae in the neck move via multiple layers of muscles in a coordinated and controlled way to facilitate the movement and flexibility that occurs in a healthy and properly functioning spine. The neck is also responsible for transferring forces between the head, shoulders, and thoracic spine. Finally, the head and neck play an important role in your ability to balance your entire body.

 Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain and headaches are typically caused by some rather common factors, and throughout your lifetime there is a high probability that you will experience this pain at one time or another. And while many types of acute neck pain can resolve with some basic exercise and postural tips, chronic pain may require more extensive interventions. Here are some of the more common causes of neck pain:

Muscle strains: Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over a computer or a smartphone, often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things, such as reading in bed, can strain neck muscles and create headaches.

Worn joints: As with other joints in the body, neck joints tend to wear with age. In response to this wear and tear, the body often forms bone spurs that can affect joint motion and cause pain.

Nerve compression: Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of the neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.

Injuries: Rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash injury. This occurs when the head jerks backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.

Diseases: Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer, can cause neck pain.

Poor posture can contribute to head and neck pain because when you slouch or tense up certain areas of your head and neck, the related tendons will contract. This contraction can become almost permanent, and the resulting strain on adjacent muscles and tendons leads to chronic pain.

 Chronic Headaches and Neck Pain Are Treatable

The good news is that no matter what the specific cause or causes of your chronic headaches and neck pain, the condition is treatable. You don’t need to suffer from the severe and bothersome pain associated with these issues. Whether you have pain due to poor posture, trauma, or something else, we can provide relief. Contact us today to have one of our licensed physical therapists do a comprehensive, non-invasive examination. Request an appointment today!