6 Myths and Facts You Should Know about Neck Pain

With our modern lifestyle, neck pain has become a more common problem among people of all ages. It is practically impossible for anyone to avoid getting a crick in the neck or experiencing neck discomfort or pain at some point. Neck pain can be challenging to deal with. It might vary from a dull ache to acute, radiating pain in the shoulders and arms. Some people may even develop weakness or numbness, necessitating a visit to a neck pain doctor.

Misinformation about neck pain is often disseminated. Most of these beliefs are as persistent as neck discomfort itself. In this article, we'll clear up the top three misunderstandings about neck pain. We'll follow up with some facts to rid your mind of any incorrect beliefs you've formed.

Neck Pain Myths

1. My Job Isn’t Physically Demanding; It Didn’t Bring My Neck Pain

While physically hard activities involving heavy lifting are a typical source of neck discomfort, office jobs requiring extended periods of sitting can also cause neck pain. If your desk is not properly set up, you may be forced to slump and twist, resulting in neck pain and discomfort because your neck is bent forward for most of the day.

Excessive usage of mobile gadgets such as smartphones and tablets contributes to the problem. Did you know that the typical adult's head weighs 10 to 12 pounds? When you lean your head down at a 45-degree angle to look at your phone, the head feels like it weighs 49 pounds. Hunching over your devices for extended periods exerts significant strain on the muscles and ligaments of the spine and neck.

2. Neck Pain is Expected as You Get Older

This is arguably one of the most common and long-standing myths about neck pain. Most people accept their daily aches and pains as part of the natural aging process. However, not everyone experiences neck pain. Accepting neck pain as a natural aspect of getting older can prevent you from receiving the necessary care. As with any other health condition, putting off treatment and avoiding the issue will just exacerbate your neck pain. Most causes of neck pain can be treated naturally.

3. Neck Pain Indicates I Just Need to Rest

When people have neck pain, the first thing they do is take an over-the-counter pain reliever, rest in bed, and wait for it to go away. Resting for a brief length of time is beneficial for specific neck problems, but prolonged rest can exacerbate your situation. Avoiding activity and exercise will eventually cause stiffness, muscle atrophy, and pain. This may only lead to a disappointing loop in which pain prevents activity while inactivity causes more agony. Walking, yoga, and swimming are all exercises that should not be avoided.

Neck Pain Facts

1. Good Posture and a Strong Neck Are the Keys

If you've established terrible posture, don't worry; you will not remain that way forever. Many people experience discomfort and anguish when attempting to reestablish proper posture after months or years of improper posture. The pain results from changes in your spinal alignment and muscular balance. The first step toward healthy posture is to perform workouts that strengthen your key muscle groups and stretch those that are stiff. Posture is important for our general health since the spine's vertebrae safeguard our body's central nervous system.

2. Even Minor Accidents or Injuries Can Cause Neck Pain

We frequently overlook minor accidents or injuries that we encounter. The truth is that the numerous structures of the neck might be injured without a catastrophic accident. Your upper cervical spine comprises seven vertebrae supported by several soft tissues. When an accident occurs, vertebrae can easily slip out of position, causing muscles to strain and ligaments to sprain. Getting adequate care after even a minor accident can help you avoid greater problems later in life.

3. You Don’t Have to Resign Yourself to Living with Neck Pain

When you have neck pain every day, it's tempting to lose hope. Most people who suffer from persistent neck pain and discomfort believe they have no other options and are forced to utilize medicine, which has terrible side effects. However, there are natural care options that are accessible.