3 Everyday Mistakes That Could Be Causing Neck Discomfort

Posted on: 15 January 2016

Sore, stiff neck? It could be caused by the way you're sleeping. Or sitting. Or even walking. A muscle, ligament or tendon injury around the upper part of the spine or neck can cause neck pain. And your daily habits and lifestyle could be making it worse. Here are three mistakes that could be causing your neck pain.

1. You're sleeping in the wrong position 

If you wake up with a sore neck in the morning, your sleeping position could be to blame. Sleeping on your back or your side could alleviate any pain you experience and minimise your risk of developing neck problems in the future. Here's another tip: Use a rounded pillow to cushion the curve of your neck and a flatter pillow to support your head. Avoid a pillow that's too high as this can tense the neck and cause you to feel pain when you wake up. If the problem persists, make an appointment with a chiropractor. 

2. You have bad posture

The way you walk or sit could be causing your neck muscles to become tight. The scalene and suboccipital muscles, among others, can quickly become tense if your head and spine are not properly aligned. Luckily, there are a few simple fixes that can improve your posture in no time. If you sit for long periods in front of a computer, keep your shoulders straight and make sure both feet are flat on the floor. Remember to get up from your desk and walk around on a regular basis too. Keep your shoulders upright and tuck your chin in a little when walking. Make sure your eyes are straight ahead and you resist the urge to push your head forward. When driving, sit with your back against the seat for more neck support. 

3. You're not warming up properly

If you're a keen cyclist, spending too much time on your bike could be causing neck pain. However, a few exercises to warm up your muscles before you sit on the saddle can work wonders. Rolling your shoulders in circular movements in a forward and backward motion can prevent neck pain from becoming a problem. Dumbell exercises at the gym can also be useful and can improve function in the trapezius muscle which extended to the upper back from the back of the head. However, if you are still experiencing discomfort, you should see a chiropractor, such as those at Coogee Chiropractic.

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