Many with neck issues wonder why their neck pain keeps coming back. For some, there is a known reason. These reasons include post-whiplash or post-concussion syndrome, prior head/neck trauma, and stress. However, for most the problem is waiting to be discovered and addressed. Regardless of the SPECIFIC CAUSE there are things that can be done. People do not need to suffer continuously from neck pain. Let’s discuss WHY and then WHAT can be done.

1. Prolonged time working on a computer. You may have a job that has you at a computer for hours each day. That is ok. What is important then is what you do when not sitting at your desk. Regular movement and exercise working the opposite muscle groups from sitting will be key
2. Phone time. Once again prolonged posture is a factor. If you constantly move from your computer to phone continually staring down, an issue is likely to develop. Again, changing posture and exercise is necessary.
3. Strength of your neck muscles. Weakness of your neck muscles can develop over time due to chronic posturing or prior injury/trauma. When this weakness appears is becomes more difficult to sit tall. Some may even say their head feels too heavy for their neck. That statement clearly indicates strength training is necessary.
4. Ongoing chronic shoulder issues as well as neck. If a person’s shoulders do not function well especially with reaching or lifting, a person is likely to compensate by using other muscles. In the case of the shoulder, those muscles that compensate pull on the neck…thus continual neck pain as well as shoulder pain.
5. Incomplete recovery from a prior injury or issue. Too often people will stop exercise or rehab as soon as their pain goes away. But the pain going away is just the first part of rehab. Generally further work is needed to strengthen the muscles, maximize range of motion, and make sure all the muscles are working in a coordinated fashion again. Stopping too soon sets the table for future issues.

No one really wants to deal with chronic neck issues. Neck pain can lead to issues with daily activities, result in difficulty sleeping, and overall lead to irritability from constant pain. If you are ready to avoid living in the cycle where neck pain keeps coming back, time for action.

Click the following LINK to connect with a neck pain expert who can help you break the cycle.