It’s not all that unusual to experience neck pain, a complaint shared by roughly 70 percent of all Americans at one time or another. However, when neck pain won’t go away after a little rest and relaxation, it’s only natural to wonder what’s going on and whether or not it’s time to go to the doctor. The following are just a few reasons why your nagging neck pain won’t let up.
How’s Your Posture?
Like it or not, all those times you were told to “sit up straight” really were for your own good. A common cause of recurring neck pain is forward and head and shoulder posture (when you lean forward and your neck is slanting forward in front of your shoulders) that causes a misalignment of the head and spine. This makes you more susceptible to injury or degenerative conditions such as degenerative disc disease.
The Stress Factor
If you’re constantly stressed out for one reason or another, that stress may be contributing to your chronic neck pain. Stress itself isn’t an actual “cause” of neck pain. However, it can certainly contribute to some of the symptoms you experience, such as neck stiffness. Once you address the emotional issues related to your stress by developing effective coping mechanisms, seeking professional assistance or finding some relaxation techniques that work for you, you’re likely to notice reduced pain.
Daily Habits
Some of the other reasons why your neck pain isn’t going away may include:
- Lack of sufficient sleep (or lack of proper neck support while sleeping)
- Infection of the spine bones affecting the neck
- Undiagnosed injuries from accidents or contact sports
The only way to really find out why your neck pain won’t go away is to see your doctor to determine the source of the pain. The good news is that most neck pain can be treated with medications and physical therapy, with neck surgery often recommended only after other conservative methods have failed.
To request more information about neck pain and options for treatment or to schedule an in person consultation with a board-certified physician in Santa Monica, call 310-828-7757. The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration is a leading center for neck and back pain treatment and can help you begin your journey to a pain free lifestyle.