Preventative Measures for Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common affliction and it can dramatically affect your quality of life. In order to reduce your risk for developing neck pain, consider making the following lifestyle changes:

• Avoid straining your neck while looking at your phone: Improper posture while texting or using your smartphone is a leading culprit for causing neck pain. Bending your head forward for long hours during the day can strain your neck. Make sure to take time to put your phone down and relax your neck.
• Use a headset if you spend a lot of time on the phone: If work at a desk and are responsible for answering phone calls, try using a headset. Supporting a phone in the crook of your neck is a recipe for neck pain!
• Adjust your computer screen: Make sure your computer monitor is eye-level in order to prevent craning your neck. You should be comfortable while doing computer-work for an extended period of time.
• Do neck stretches every day: Speak with a spine specialist or neurosurgeon to discuss stretches that can help with neck strains. Delicate nerves and muscles surround your neck, so speaking with a qualified medical professional is important before beginning a new regiment.
• Get a new pillow: Memory foam and feather pillows contour to the shape of your head and neck. Pillows that are too firm can result in neck stiffness.
• Try a different sleeping position: Try sleeping on your side or back instead of your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach can result in pain because your neck is turned sharply to the side.
• Drink plenty of water: Make sure that you consume an abundance of water throughout the day. Dehydration is a leading cause of neck pain since discs between the spine’s vertebrae are comprised of mostly water.
• Avoid carrying heavy purses on one shoulder: Try to avoid carrying a heavy purse for long periods of time. If you are travelling, switch to carrying a backpack with evenly distributed weight.
• See a doctor: If you have prolonged neck pain, it may be worth scheduling an appointment with a neurosurgeon to see if you are a candidate for neurosurgery.

At the Neuroscience & Spine Center of the Carolinas, Dr. Hunter and his team of highly qualified Medical Specialists are here to treat your back and spine needs in a professional and compassionate manner. If your neck pains persist or have recently been recommended to speak with a spine specialist then please considering choosing NSSC for your next consultation.