If you’ve ever experienced neck pain, you soon realise the importance of this complex yet vital structure in your day to day life.
The pain can be excruciating and niggly and is a contributing factor for those who suffer from conditions such as headaches.
To improve your neck health it can sometimes be a simple fix such as a new pillow or a lifestyle change to become more physically active.
Whatever it may be, it’s important to understand what may be causing your neck pain and how small adjustments can positively impact your general health.
The importance of movement
With more and more people becoming inactive and tied to their devices it’s no wonder many of us experience pain in our neck region.
Regular movement is a necessity to improve joint health. 70% of our body consists of water, and movement is needed to naturally lubricate our joints and move without pain.
Without regular physical activity, our joints become stiff and tight negatively impacting the strength and contraction of the muscles.
Adding movement to your day to day life can be difficult, particularly if you are tied to a desk job.
Simple adjustments such as taking a walk at lunch or stretching every few hours can help to improve joint stiffness and contribute to relieving your neck pain.
Even with the pain, if it’s tolerable you should take the time to move.
Correcting your posture
Poor posture can be a key contributor to why you are experiencing neck pain.
The modern-day life has a massive influence as to why so many of us have poor posture.
The constant checking of our phones, laptops and prolonged posture set up in desk jobs can affect the alignment and mobility of our neck.
Improving workspace ergonomics
Often the solution to improving your neck pain can be right in front of you.
If you are spending the majority of your day at a desk it’s worthwhile evaluating your workplace ergonomics:
- Upright position when sitting, with lumbar support on your chair
- Correct monitor height so your screen is at eye level
- Make sure the computer is directly in front of you
- Feet positioned on the ground directly in front of you. This provides support for your body.
Always make sure to take regular breaks from prolonged sitting positions and avoid slouching or extending your neck when sitting.
How physiotherapy can help
If you are suffering from neck pain and tried these options, physiotherapy is the next step in treating your neck pain.
It will help to identify the biomechanical or strength deficits that are contributing to your pain and from there provide an individual program to improve these components.
We can also needle and massage to relieve pain and provide advice on workplace ergonomics.
If you are suffering from neck pain or wanting to prevent pain from coming back make sure to move regularly, check your posture and improve your workplace ergonomics.
Are you suffering from neck pain and tried these tips? View our services to get you back on track.