When your neck hurts, the simplest activities can seem like insurmountable tasks. In some cases, this neck pain will dissipate with a little rest. But in other instances, the discomfort stems from a larger underlying problem that needs to be addressed. If you’re experiencing chronic neck pain, here are a few possible reasons the problem may be happening and what you can do about it.

5 Common Sources of Neck Pain

1. Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the neck is rapidly jolted back and forth, such as during an auto accident. The abrupt movement can stress out joints and muscles in the neck, leading to chronic pain and immobility. Since the worst effects of whiplash may not develop until after the accident, it’s best to seek help from a chiropractor as soon as possible after an incident. Through adjustment, massage, and corrective exercise, these specialists can help relieve pain and promote proper healing.

2. Poor Sleeping Position

If you wake up with a sore neck that gradually improves throughout the day, your sleep quality is likely to blame for your symptoms. If you’re having trouble correcting your sleep position, consider upgrading to a cervical pillow that will help keep your spine in place as you rest.

3. Bad Work Posture

Sitting at a desk and using a computer for hours on end may cause you to adopt bad posture at work, causing muscle tension and joint inflammation. If you cannot keep your head and neck straight during work, think of ways you can improve your desk ergonomics—such as by raising the computer monitor to eye level or using a chair that offers lumbar and cervical support.

4. Arthritis

Common among older individuals, arthritis is a form of joint inflammation that occurs due to cartilage deterioration. To minimize arthritis-related pain, talk to a chiropractor about therapies that can help minimize inflammation, such as cold therapy, spinal adjustment, massage, nutritional planning, and corrective stretching.

5. Overuse

If you’re an athlete or have a job that involves manual labor, you may develop neck pain as a result of overuse. In these cases, repetitive motion stresses joints and tissues, causing them to become inflamed and hard to move. Proper stretching and strength training can help reduce the likelihood of chronic pain. However, massage, adjustment, and rest may also be needed to help sprains and strains heal.

When neck pain is getting in the way of your daily life, Back to Health Chiropractic can help. Specializing in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, this Florence, KY, chiropractor will pinpoint the source of your symptoms and address the problem through customized treatment. Whether you’re a candidate for spinal adjustment or need insight on how to improve sleep, this caring team will guide you through every stage of therapy, so you can heal with confidence. Visit the clinic online for more details on their services, and call (859) 746-2222 to schedule a convenient consultation.