Why Does My Neck Hurt?
Bottom Line:
How much do you think the average human head weighs?
11 pounds is AVERAGE!
That’s about the same as 3 2-liter bottles of soda, over 1 gallon of milk, a gallon of paint.
That may not seem like a lot, but think about holding a bowling ball in your hands all day, or above your head all day. By the end of the day (even after a few minutes) it’s going to feel very, very heavy. 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.
It’s the tight muscles spasms that restrict your ability to move that cause the most disruption to normal movement!
However, what many of us don’t realize is that our body may be trying to protect a joint that isn't moving correctly. Pain is the great protector.
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. This compensation can lead to other challenges like muscle spasms if not addressed quickly.
If you’re living with neck pain and wondering “WHY?”, 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'' or restricted. This restriction will lead to abnormal motion of the joint.
● Gentle spinal adjustments combined with daily stretching and targeted exercises can help restore the motion of your facet joints, and reduce your pain.
Next Steps:
In short, you can stop wondering why your neck may be in pain and start doing something about it.
A stiff neck is the body telling you that the motion in that region is not optimal, and needs improvement!
And even if that stiffness comes and goes, it’s always a great idea to be proactive with your physical health to prevent a more serious injury later 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.
Omaha we’re your neck pain treatment center and our doors are open, and we’re here to help!
Dalton Sealey DC, CSCS
ProMove Chiropractic & Performance
402.915.4901
drsealey@promovechiropractic.com
Science Source(s):
The Cervical Spine Before, During and After Manipulation. The Spine Journal. 2018.