The neck or cervical spine is made of 7 different bones known as vertebrae
Important nerves exit the neck that allow the arms and shoulders to function
Stiffness and pain often develop due to a lack of movement in this region
Prolonged typing, texting, driving is often associated with neck stiffness
Continue reading about the neck region and causes of neck pain lower on this page!
About Neck Pain
Ankles in Your Neck: An Analogy for Neck Pain
Your neck is loaded with valuable sensors, receptors and other structures that relay information between your brain and your extremities. For this reason, your internal alarm system is on high alert to protect this region of your body. However, it’s helpful to remember that your neck is similar to any other region of your body; it has muscles, tendons, nerves and ligaments similar to your arms, legs and even your ankles. Just like your feet and ankles, your neck has several small bones that are held together by ligaments. If you’ve ever suffered a neck injury, you can liken it to an ankle sprain. The small joints in your neck ended up swollen, bruised and very painful, just as if you had sprained your ankle.
Just like an ankle sprain, the ligaments in your neck will heal normally. For a small sprain it could be two weeks, and for larger sprains in may take six to eight weeks. The key is, it will eventually heal. Keep your neck gently moving, just like you’d move your ankle. Movement restores and maintains your range of motion and strength, as well as increases blood flow to expedite the healing process. While you don’t actually have ankles in your neck, the anatomy isn’t much different. Knowing that your internal alarm system is wired a bit tighter in this region, be conscious about incorporating regular movement. Stay positive and optimistic - your neck injury will get better.
When does it typically occur? Symptoms typically occur after typing, texting, watching television, or sitting slouched for prolonged periods of time. It is not that any of those activities are BAD, but rather the duration and combination of each activity.
Why does it commonly occur? While pain is complex, some clinical indications for neck pain include:
Forward position of the head and neck
Tip: perform a chin tuck to counter balance the forward head
Rounded shoulders
Tip: lift the upper chest (and the shoulders draw back)
Depressed shoulder posture
Tip: press the forearms into the floor to round your shoulderblades