Do you have knots in your shoulders and the back of your neck? Take care of them immediately before neck pain and headache make your daily life miserable.
Acute neck pain and headache can sometimes be linked to chronic and disabling diseases such as cervical spondylosis or rheumatoid arthritis, but they are most commonly caused by muscle tension and stiffness that are the result of your lifestyle.
What can bring on neck pain and headache?
Certain professions make people vulnerable to neck problems because of the bending and stretching the work entails. Those at most risk are:
- painters
- drywall finishers
- people who use microscopes
- employees who sit in front of a computer
- athletes (football, hockey, boxing)
Perhaps you don’t fit into any of those categories, but that doesn’t mean you will never experience neck pain and headache. Something as simple as bad posture or a pillow that is either too flat or too thick is all it can take to bring on neck pain and headache. Even chewing gum too vigorously can trigger pain.
Does stress have a hold on you?
It is no secret that stress and anxiety are responsible for many of our physical complaints. Stress can exacerbate neck pain and headache to unbearable limits. Because the head and neck are linked by nerves and muscles, neck pain can bring about a headache and vice versa. That is why those who suffer from tension headaches or migraines often feel pain at the neck level, the back of the neck, the upper back, and the shoulders.
A few tricks to bring you some relief
If you feel that everything is going badly at your job and that you are overworked, stop and take a deep breath. Don’t let the tension work its way up to your neck. Consider a few different relaxation techniques that can help you manage your stress, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and leisure time spent doing something you enjoy.
Some other tricks to relieve neck pain and headache include:
- setting up an ergonomically sound work station
- doing exercises that strengthen the neck muscles and stretch the back, legs, and arms
- adjusting the headrest in your car and the height of your seat at work
- sleeping on your back or on your side
It’s always better to consult a professional
Acute neck pain and headache usually go away after a few days, but you should still consider consulting your doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath. Your healthcare professional will determine if there is an underlying cause to your neck pain and headache and will suggest a program of treatment and stretches to relieve muscle tension.
