Neck Pain: Causes, Treatment And Home Remedies

The neck is made up of vertebrae that joins the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs might absorb shock between the bones. The bones, ligaments, and muscles make up for the support system of your neck for movement and stability. Any type of injury and swelling can become a cause behind neck pain and stiffness. Neck pain differs from person to person, and can be mild or severe, occasional or regular. It mostly happens because of poor posture and positioning. Usually, there is no serious underlying health condition behind neck pain and can be treated a few days. However, if your pain persists for more than a few weeks then you should consult your doctor for medical attention. Your neck is flexible and supports your head, so at times, it can be sensitive to injuries and conditions that leads to pain. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Manu Bora, Consultant Orthopaedics, Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon about the causes, treatment and hone remedies for neck pain. 

What causes neck pain? 

According to Dr. Manu, here are the main causes of neck pain: 

1. Neck posture

Sometimes, we disturb our own body by making certain lifestyle choices. Digging in your smartphone for long hours while hunching your neck is a major cause for neck pain. So, the poor posture needs to be improved to reduce the pain. In fact, you should also take care of your sleeping position including the neck. Working on the laptop for longer hours can lead to stiffness and pain in the neck. 

2. Lack of neck exercises

Neck pain can have causes that are not due to any underlying medical conditions but just due to lack of neck exercises. Not moving your neck front, back and sides properly can make it stuff and painful. Neck exercises such as forward and backward tilt, side tilt and shoulder roll are some neck exercises that can help you in such situations. 

3. Injury 

A neck or head injury can also be a cause behind neck pain. When the head is jerked backward and then forward, it can result in severe neck injury and pain. Therefore, you should take care as not jerk your head too much while exercising and protect yourself from getting any neck injuries. 

Also read: Neck Pain During Work From Home? These Yoga Asanas Will Provide Relief

4. Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis is a health condition in which your bones become weak and fragile. They become prone to breaking easily. This disease can also be a factor behind neck muscle pain and stiffness. So, osteoporosis is a main condition that causes neck pain. 

Neck pain treatment and home remedies 

A physical exam surely helps in determining the cause for proper diagnosis of neck pain. According to Dr. Manu Bora, pain killers and some other medicines are given to a patient for pain relief. It is best to do neck exercises at home along with the medication for effective results. Therefore, here are 3 home remedies to treat neck pain: 

1. Neck exercises 

It is important to come into a practice of doing neck exercises. You can take the help of an expert or do a number of exercises yourself by watching tutorials online at home. Neck exercises can efficiently work for you in easing both mild and severe neck pain. 

2. Hot water bag

Keeping a hot water bag can ease the pain on and around your neck. This is an effective natural remedy that is used by a lot of people for pain management. The hot compression can relax and open up your neck muscles, acting as a pain relief. 

Also read: Suffering From Neck Pain? Try These Easy Physiotherapy Exercises

3. Make lifestyle changes 

Lifestyle changes are one of the best ways to recover from neck pain. Maintaining good posture, not hunching over your personal computer the whole day long and taking breaks are some lifestyle changes that can reduce neck pain. You can count on all these natural ways for neck pain relief. 

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