Neck Pain: Sore Vs. Serious

Cody Barnett PT February 2, 2023 Arthritis, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Uncategorized

Neck pain is quite common and many people will experience this type of pain at some point in their lives.

Whether it be caused by sitting over a computer at work all day, sleeping the wrong way or without proper support, or just the day-to-day strain of your activities, neck pain is likely to occur at some point.

In many cases, it may not be a serious issue, but in other cases, it could be a more serious problem than you might think.

And now you are probably asking, well how do I know when it is sore or if the problem is serious?

The following are “red flag” signs that might point to a potentially significant underlying medical problem as the source of the stiff neck and symptoms that could occur if it is a serious concern.

Symptoms that could occur if neck pain is serious and not just sore

Many people that are dealing with neck pain or any type of pain wonder if the problem is minor or if they are experiencing a problem that could be getting worse and turn into something major. Here are some signs to look for to determine is it is a serious concern:

Develops as a result of an accident.
Whether you’re moving or standing motionless, it persists.
If you have a headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
It is accompanied by chills, fever, and unexplained weight loss.
It manifests as numbness or tingling in your arms, shoulders, or legs.
It manifests as leg weakness or lack of coordination in your arms or legs.
Over-the-counter drugs are ineffective.
After one week, nothing changed.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, then it has passed the point of being sore, and you will want to visit a doctor about the issues you are still dealing with when it comes to neck pain.

If you have determined that the issue is not serious, but you still have pain and discomfort, then getting a treatment plan together might be your best bet.

Treating and preventative measures you can take to help with neck pain

It’s easy to ignore the important work that your neck accomplishes – unless you suffer neck discomfort or difficulty moving your head. This labor may be taxing on your body over time, especially if you’re continuously straining your neck.

To avoid neck discomfort, use preventative measures such as adopting better posture, taking frequent breaks to exercise and stretch.

Also, think about switching out your pillow for a therapeutic one. Sleeping on your neck wrong can be a main cause for neck pain.

You could also think about physical therapy in order to help identify and treat the neck pain if you are feeling discomfort or pain.

We can suggest some exercises, stretches, and preventative measures you can take that will help alleviate the pain and discomfort you are feeling.

Stretches and Exercises for Neck Pain

1. Side-to-side bends

Bend your head to the right slowly, bringing your ear near your shoulder. Hold the stretch along the left side of your neck for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the neutral position. Repeat the stretch on the opposite side. Complete 2 to 4 reps of this exercise.

2. Forward and Backward Neck Bends

Bring your chin to your chest. Hold the stretch for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the neutral position. Hold the stretch for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the neutral position. Do 2 to 4 repetitions.

3. Shoulder Rolls

Raise your shoulders to your ears. Pull your shoulders back and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Lower your shoulders as far as they will go. Return to neutral by shifting your shoulders forward and rounding your upper back. Repeat this set 10 to 15 times, feeling your neck and shoulder muscles relax.

4. Forward Fold

Wrap your arms over your shoulders, lower your chin to your chest, and fold forward as far as you feel comfortable.

Consider how your arms keep the front of your body from extending with each breath. Use this to assist the breath in expanding your back ribs and neck. Inhale slowly and smoothly, then exhale somewhat longer.

Continue breathing in this manner for one to two minutes, keeping your chin tucked towards your chest to maximize the stretch on the back of your neck.

5. Assisted Flexion Stretch

Lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, allowing your pelvis to tuck under and your low back to extend on the floor. Put your hands behind your head and clasp them.

Curl your head up off the ground with your hands, bringing your chin to your chest while keeping your upper back in touch with the floor. Breathe into the upper back and side ribs for 30 to 60 seconds.

Things you can do to help prevent neck pain

Continue to be active. Many of the same activities that are used to cure neck discomfort can also be used to prevent it. If your profession requires you to sit for lengthy periods of time, take pauses to move about and stretch your entire body
Carry no heavy weight on your shoulders. Carrying large items, such as book bags or luggage, over your shoulder is not recommended. Consider utilizing luggage or wheeled bags instead.
Keep good posture. Place electronic devices, such as laptops and phones, so that you don’t have to hunch or strain your neck when using them. When seated, keep your shoulders aligned and your back upright to avoid stressing your neck. Adjust your automobile seats to preserve healthy posture when driving.
Consider improving your sleep position. We encourage you to invest in a therapeutic pillow as it can reduce and eliminate the strain you are putting on your neck. A pillow can make a world of difference and also helps you in getting a better nights sleep. Which is great for your overall health, not just your neck.

Get A Great Nights Sleep and Reduce or Eliminate Neck Pain When Sleeping

For years, I searched for a pillow that was best for our patients, even myself, to avoid the stiffness in your neck and even arthritis.

The Pillowise pillow is fit to each person, making it specific to your needs and provides ultimate comfort because Pillowise uses measurements of each person to fit you with the perfect pillow.

Pillowise allows you to measure at home, or we can do it for you if you want to stop in and get measurements to get a pillow that best fits your needs. Give us a call at 316.558.8808 if you want to come in and visit us to be measured or we will be happy to ship the pillow to you if you aren’t able to get to the office in Wichita.

If you want to check out more videos that deal with neck pain or want more information on the Pillowise Pillow check out our videos on our YouTube channel.

Don’t wake up with neck pain or get a poor nights sleep because of your pillow. We want to help you wake up energized, ready to start the day, and pain free.

If you are struggling with neck pain or want to talk more about Pillowise, feel free to schedule a free phone consult, or contact us to arrange a free discovery visit. You can also feel free to give us a call at 316.558.8808 (We still like to talk on the phone!)

We love to keep people in Wichita, Andover, Derby, and Maize (as well as the surrounding areas in Kansas) mobile, active, and off pain pills – let our expertise go to work for you to help you return to the activities you love.

Don’t forget, you can schedule a no-obligation (and free!) phone consult or visit us at our Wichita clinic as part of your free discovery visit. Or just give us a call at 316.558.8808.

Until next time,

Cody Barnett PT

Other Free Resources To Help Reduce Neck Pain

Download one of our free reports – Free Back Pain Report – 9 Easy Ways To End Back Pain And Stiffness

Read Our Blog – Places to Play Pickleball in Wichita, KS and How to Get Started Playing Pickleball for the First Time!

Check out this other video on Pillowise – How to get a great nights sleep (without neck or back pain)!