Chiropractor in Mount Pleasant, SC

Why Does My Neck Hurt?

Bottom Line:
Believe it or not, the average weight of the human head is a full 11 pounds.
That may not seem like a lot, but imagine you had to actually hold that weight in your hands and
up above your shoulders all day every day for the rest of your life.
That’s exactly the job your neck has to do.

 

What’s more, the bones and muscles of your neck need to work together in perfect harmony for
you to move your head around and to do it without pain.

This is what really has you Googling “why does my neck hurt.”

It’s no surprise then that you may experience discomfort and maybe even pain as a result of
postural changes, injuries, and arthritis in and around your neck.

Why it Matters:
If you’ve ever had a stiff neck and couldn’t turn your head for a day or two, you know how
completely distracting that pain can be.
Those sharp muscle spasms that restrict your ability to move – ouch!
However, what many of us don’t realize is that our body may be trying to protect a joint that isn’t
moving correctly.

Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints.
If an adhesion forms on those joints or they become “stuck,” your body will try to compensate,
and that can lead to other challenges like muscle spasms if not addressed quickly.
If you’re living with neck pain and wondering “why does my neck hurt”, here’s what you’ll want to
remember…
● Sudden injuries, arthritis, and postural issues can all contribute to neck pain.
● The small sliding joints (facet joints) of your neck can become “stuck” and that condition
can lead to muscle spasms and pain.
● Gentle spinal adjustments combined with daily stretching can help restore the motion of
your facet joints and reduce your pain.

Next Steps:
In short, you can stop wondering “why does my neck hurt.”
A stiff neck is your body’s way of saying “pay attention”!
And even if that stiffness comes and goes, it’s a smart idea to have us evaluate what’s going on.
Taking care of small challenges before they become big issues is the definition of being
proactive with your health.

You can reduce your risk of future episodes of neck pain and stiffness.

Whether neck pain is something you know all too well or something you hope to neve know, it’s
a smart idea to give us a call.

We’re your neck pain treatment center, our doors are open, and we’re here to
help!

Science Source(s):
The Cervical Spine Before, During and After Manipulation. The Spine Journal. 2018.
Facet Joint Syndrome. Cedars Sinai. 2021.

How to Get Rid of a Stiff Neck

Bottom Line:
A stiff neck can often be traced to postural issues that contribute to weakened neck muscles.
The majority of us are working on computers and staring down at smartphones for hours on end
each day, and that’s left an estimated 20% of us living with daily neck pain over this past year.
That’s because weakened muscular support means additional stress on your spinal joints.
Over time, that extra stress can change how you move and increase the pressure on your spinal
discs, which can eventually lead to neck pain.

Why it Matters:
That habit of looking down at our computers or phones all day often means we’re living with
chronically tired neck muscles.

That stress adds up and can also result in the joints of your neck not moving correctly.
At that point, it’s only a matter of time before you wake up with a stiff neck or turn your head
during the day and are greeted by an intense muscle discomfort or pain.
Wondering how to get rid of a stiff neck?

Here are 3 smart steps you can take:
1. Perform range of motion focused exercises each day that both stretch and strengthen
the muscles that support the joints in your neck.
2. Invest in a supportive pillow that you find comfortable for how you sleep and will keep
your head in a neutral position throughout the night.
3. Schedule regular spinal adjustments to help maintain proper movement patterns with
regard to your neck and spinal joints.

Next Steps:
Small adjustments can equal big changes in your quality of life – especially when it comes to
how to get rid of a stiff neck – and our team is here to help!
Our focus is on helping you function better so you can feel better, and we don’t stop at adjusting
your spine.

We’ll also work with you to provide you with stretches and exercises you can do from the
comfort of your own home to boost the effects of our care.
So, if neck pain has gotten in the way of you enjoying your life and you’re looking for natural
neck pain treatment in [your city / town], give us a call and schedule that next appointment
today.

Your body will thank you!

Science Source(s):
How to Get Rid of a Stiff Neck. Cleveland Clinic. 2021.
The Epidemiology of Neck Pain. Physiopedia. 2021.