Poor posture can cause neck pain by straining muscles and ligaments that support the neck, resulting in injury over time. The most common example of poor posture is when the neck slants forward, placing the head in front of the shoulders. [see symptoms on “text neck” in a previous blog HERE]. Poor posture forces you to overwork the muscles in your neck and back. Your immune system’s efforts to heal those muscles spur inflammation that, over time, can even lead to arthritis in nearby joints.
Neck pain can be caused by a number of disorders and diseases, not just poor posture. Neck injuries, herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and viral infections are just a few of the other common causes of neck pain. Neck pain is a symptom commonly associated with dull aching, but can also include symptoms such as numbness, tingling, tenderness, sharp shooting pain, range-of-motion difficulties, and more. Before beginning treatment, it is very important to understand the root cause of your pain.
Our spine specialists at Divine Spine Yorba Linda want to help you get to the bottom of what’s causing your neck pain. We don’t just treat symptoms; we strive to find the root cause of your numbness and tingling through our comprehensive exam process which includes digital x-rays of the neck and lower back region.
We use an Electronic Vertebral Alignment (EVA) system to treat neck and back pain, also known as spine therapy. Our EVA treatment is a non-invasive procedure consisting of a precise directed movement to help relieve pain and discomfort and restore range of motion in the spine.
Neck pain is often related to posture. Even while sleeping, your posture is important; the goal is to support the natural curve of your neck. Sleeping on your stomach is tough on your spine because your back is arched and your neck is turned to the side. Similarly, there are sitting and standing positions that are better or worse for your neck. For example, slouching in a chair can place strain on muscles that will likely contribute to neck pain over time. If you have a pronounced curve in your lower back, or on the other end of the spectrum, a flat back, both could lead to improper posture which could also contribute to neck pain. Improving your posture, and building your core strength through stretching and exercise, may help avoid neck pain. However, if you are already experiencing neck pain, you may want to speak with a professional about how to address the root cause of the pain.
Your neck has a big job; the bones at the top of your spine, along with your muscles and ligaments, support your head, which weighs about 11 pounds. Your neck deserves support; don’t let untreated pain in your neck continue. A combination of spinal subluxation and poor posture may be at the root of your neck, shoulder or back pain. Make an appointment with one of our friendly experts in musculoskeletal care at Divine Spine Yorba Linda to talk about tips or therapies you can try to ease your symptoms while simultaneously addressing the root cause of your pain. Contact us HERE.
Serving the communities of Orange County, California:
Yorba Linda, Brea, Fullerton, Anaheim Hills, Placentia, Orange, Tustin, Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Newport Beach
Also:
Chino Hills, Corona, Ontario and the Inland Empire.