For some, neck pain is an occasional problem that subsides with rest and rehabilitative stretching. However, many Americans experience chronic neck pain due to a variety of factors—especially those related to the workplace. Remaining in fixed positions behind a desk for hours or performing repetitive actions on the job, for example, are just a few reasons why modern professionals experience discomfort. Fortunately, you can keep this chronic pain at bay by practicing the following strategies during your daily work life.

5 Strategies to Prevent Work-Related Neck Pain

1. Fix Your Posture

Poor posture is a leading cause of neck pain, as it can force the spine out of alignment and place tension on sensitive muscles and joints. Since desk work is often associated with poor posture, adopt an ergonomic environment that reduces stress to the neck. Specifically, you should sit in a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine. Also, place your monitor at eye level, so you can keep your head straight.

2. Adopt a Proper Lifting Technique

If you perform manual labor, practicing proper lifting technique can help prevent both neck and back pain. To avoid injury, lift objects close to your body by using your legs—not your hips or back— for strength. Maintain proper posture and avoid twisting, as this may harm your spine. If an object is too heavy to lift, use a dolly or ask for help.  

3. Embrace Assistive Devices

There are many tools that can help protect your neck on the job. For example, taking calls with a headset will help you avoid having to cradle a phone between your ear and shoulder. If you have trouble maintaining your posture at your desk, consider using a headrest or brace that supports your cervical spine. At home, sleeping with a cervical pillow can also help reduce tension on the neck.

4. Stretch Frequently

Even if you maintain proper posture, holding your neck in the same position can cause it to become stiff. To stay flexible, roll your neck and tilt your head from side-to-side to stretch out muscles and joints.

5. Talk to a Chiropractor

If the above solutions don’t help relieve your neck pain, talk to a chiropractor about underlying conditions that may be contributing to the problem—such as whiplash, a sports injury, or arthritis. These doctors can pinpoint the problem area and offer customized treatments to relieve pain and repair physical damage.

If work-related neck pain is hurting your overall quality of life, request comprehensive care from Stroud Chiropractic Clinic to begin healing. Focused on providing non-invasive, non-medicated solutions, this chiropractor of Archdale, NC, will target the root of your condition through a personalized treatment plan, which may include chiropractic adjustment, spinal decompression, and laser therapy. To learn more about the comfortable and compassionate care this team offers, visit the practice online. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 434-2107.