Neck pain is becoming a serious issue for many people. The average person spends about 2 hours online per day, which means that they are spending 2 hours with their head tilted towards the monitor, which can lead to neck pain. This article will cover the causes of neck pain and how to reduce pain.

Neck pain rarely starts overnight. It usually evolves over time.

Neck pain is a common ailment that people often don’t even realize they have. It can be caused by many different things such as sitting hunched over a computer, poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, and more. The first time someone feels neck pain after being in the same position for an extended period of time it usually isn’t overnight and it usually doesn’t start with one incident. The following six tips can help you find neck pain relief.

Don’t stay in one position for too long.

It’s hard to reverse bad posture, Dr. Isaac says, but if you get up and move around often enough, you’ll avoid getting your neck stuck in an unhealthy position. Bad posture can be a result of a sedentary lifestyle. This can lead to stiff, sore muscles and joints. Sitting at a desk for hours, driving to work, and eating dinner in front of the TV are all examples of sitting behavior that can lead to bad posture.

Make some ergonomic adjustments.

Position your computer monitor at eye level so you can see it easily. Use the hands-free function on your phone or wear a headset. Prop your tablet on a pillow so that it sits at a 45° angle, instead of lying flat on your lap. It can be uncomfortable to use a tablet or laptop on your lap without propping it up. This can cause back, neck, and hand pain. It is also often difficult to use a touchpad or keyboard when the device is not in the right position. A 45° angle makes it easier to read or use the touchscreen without straining your neck.

Don’t use too many pillows.

Sleeping with several pillows under your head can stifle your neck’s range of motion. Sleeping with your head propped up on pillows, especially a lot of them, can cause neck problems as your head will be too far from the mattress. Placing your head on a pile of pillows can make it very difficult to breathe.

Get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep problems increase the risk for several different conditions, including musculoskeletal pain. There are many reasons you may not be able to sleep. The best way to figure out what may be causing your sleep problems is to keep a sleep diary. This will help you understand your sleeping patterns and pinpoint whether it’s an environmental factor or something else that is keeping you up.

Generally, neck pain is nothing to worry about, but if it’s occurring with other more serious symptoms, such as radiating pain, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg, it’s best to seek out a doctor to find out the root cause of the issues.

If you are in Chicago or Wheeling, you can contact Head & Neck Spinal Care at (847) 497-5003 to schedule a consultation appointment.