Introduction
Neck pain is a common health issue that affects people worldwide. Here are some essential facts about neck pain:
- Neck pain is a widespread health problem, both in terms of overall well-being and personal health. At least 70% of the global population will suffer from neck pain at some point in life.
- Neck pain is a complex issue that comes in a wide variety and intensities such as bone pain, nerve pinches, muscle aches, and spasms.
- Neck pain is the 4th leading cause of disability-adjusted life years.
- Neck pain is likely to recur within a year.
- Office workers are most at risk of developing neck pain issues.
- Obese people have an increased chance of having neck pain.
- Only 21% of young adults are aware of “text neck” measures
Text neck is a common condition caused by prolonged use of mobile devices, which can lead to neck pain and stiffness. Here are some tips to help alleviate the symptoms:
- Lift your screen closer to eye level: This will help avoid bending your neck too far forward.
- Support your arms with your desk or knees: This will help reduce the tension in your neck and shoulder muscles.
- Stay upright and use a good posture when using your phone, instead of slumping forward and poking your chin.
- Take regular breaks every hour and do some neck stretches to relieve the pressure on your neck and soft tissues.
Here are some resources that can help you fix your text neck:
- Video tutorial: This video provides a tutorial on how to fix text neck, which includes the three main causes of text neck and four simple ways to avoid it1.
- Exercise routine: This video explains the causes and consequences of text neck, and demonstrates two exercises that can help to expand the upper back and the sternum, and improve the center of mass.
- Prevention tips: This article provides four tips to prevent neck pain from using mobile devices, including raising your phone to eye-level when texting or reading, taking frequent breaks, and spending some time away from the phone.
Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strains, and osteoarthritis. In some cases, neck pain can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as meningitis or cancer .
Self-care steps that may be helpful in some less serious cases include holding a hot water bottle or heat pack around the neck, resting, using a low firm pillow at night instead of too many pillows, checking your posture, practicing neck exercises, and avoiding driving or other activities that may force you to strain your neck .
If you notice severe pain that interferes with important daily activities, pain accompanied by stiffness, numbness, and tingling in the arms and legs, or a traumatic injury, it is recommended that you see a physical therapist immediately.
If you are experiencing neck pain that persists for several days without relief, spreads down your arms or legs, or comes with headache, numbness, weakness, or tingling, it is recommended that you contact a healthcare provider .
Physical therapist specialize in musculo skeletal and their disorders, while primary care physicians specialize in the acute and chronic illnesses and provide preventive care and health .
Physical therapy Treatment of Neck Pain
Physical therapy is a common treatment for chronic neck pain. The goals of physical therapy for neck pain are to reduce pain and stiffness, improve head and neck range of motion, develop dynamic strengthening of the neck and its supporting musculature, and develop strategies to prevent pain from recurring.
Physical therapy programs for neck pain typically involve applying treatments to reduce pain and/or stiffness enough to begin an exercise program of strengthening and stretching the neck. The specific methods and exercises used in physical therapy, as well as the duration of the treatment plan, can vary from person to person.
Passive physical therapy for neck pain involves treatments such as cold or heat application, deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound that may be used prior to exercise. Active physical therapy for neck pain focuses on improving the neck’s strength and flexibility through active exercises designed to work the neck and surrounding muscles, gradually increasing the workload over time.
If you are experiencing neck pain, it is important to consult with a professional physical therapist to determine the underlying cause of your pain and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. A physical therapist can teach correct posture, alignment, and neck-strengthening exercises to help ease pain .
Prevention of Neck Pain