The number of people suffering from a stiff neck has been increasing recently. In some cases, it is painful to the extent that it affects your ability to perform your routine activities. Moreover, for some people, a stiff neck might go on to hamper their good night’s sleep.
If you, too, have been encountering neck stiffness of late, there could be long-term repercussions. Unless attended properly, you may not find peace concerning your body pains.
Wish to do away with that annoying neck strain? We’ve listed some useful tips in this article.
Have a look.
Neck Stiffness – Digging Deep
Neck stiffness is a condition in which the neck feels stiff and tight. The stiffness is often the result of sitting in an uncomfortable position for an extended period.
Stiffness in the neck at times becomes so severe that it causes pain. Neck stiffness can occur due to many reasons like fatigue or a sedentary lifestyle.
Many people working from home for hours at a stretch often experience this problem. Sometimes, it can also be due to stressful conditions, lying down on the couch or using your phone even while hitting the hay, weather changes etc.,
Causes of Neck Stiffness
A major reason for this problem can be attributed to the use of mobile phones and computers. Looking down at laptops, phones, and other devices is what leads to neck strain.
Other causes for neck strain include:
- Stress
- Poor posture
- Jaw clenching
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal injury
Now that we know what neck stiffness is, let’s see how to deal with it.
Turn Your Workplace Ergonomic
Your job may involve working on a desk for a long time, which can cause neck stiffness and other associated problems.
You can prevent neck stiffness at work by following some of the following:
- Adjust the chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and the knees are a little lower than the hips.
- Keep your back straight and your arms at desk level while sitting.
- Adjust your computer to your eye level.
- Do regular stretching.
Limit the Use of Smartphone
Your neck muscles are pulled, and strain is applied to them when you look down at the phone constantly.
If you are required to use your smartphone for long times, you should follow some of the following tips to prevent neck strain.
- Hold your phone at your eye level
- Avoid holding the phone between the ear and shoulder
- Use headphones or earbuds
- Take a break from using the phone regularly
Avoid Driving for Long Periods
Sitting behind the wheel in your car for a long time can affect your neck. Therefore, you should follow some of the following tips if you are required to drive for a long time.
- Take regular breaks. Stand up during the breaks and do some stretching
- Keep a check on your posture while driving. Setting the alarm to do so is a great option
- Adjust your seat in a position that will provide the optimum support and helps in maintaining good posture
Practice stretching exercises
Stretching is a perfect measure that helps in preventing neck stiffness. However, it would be best if you did stretching at regular intervals.
Include the following while stretching.
- Rolling your shoulders back and forth.
- Squeezing the shoulder blades multiple times.
- Slowly moving the ear to shoulder on both sides.
Change Your Sleeping Position
Sometimes, your sleeping position may affect your neck.
It would be best to sleep on your sides or back as it puts less strain on the neck than sleeping on the stomach. Your neck is strained for an extended period when you sleep on your stomach, which causes stiffness and pain in the neck.
When you sleep on your stomach for a longer duration, your neck is slightly twisted. This can make your neck stiff after you wake up. If you usually sleep on your stomach with a tilted neck, there could be serious repercussions in the future.
You should use a pillow for neck support if you tend to sleep on your side.
Final Word
Neck stiffness is a prevalent problem nowadays and can also lead to headaches. However, it can be prevented by making some lifestyle changes, as stated above.
If you notice persistent stiffness, which is unmanageable even after taking all preventative measures, you should consider visiting the Pain Management Clinic in Spokane Valley. The Spokane Spine team is an expert in various body pain management and will help you deal with your pain.
We hope you liked the tips mentioned in this article. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
