3 Factors That Put You at Greater Risk of Developing Neck Pain

Pain isn’t welcome in any part of your body, but it’s particularly bothersome when it affects your neck. When even the slightest movement of your head causes discomfort, things get harder. You might need to move your whole torso to see something beside you. 

Even low-intensity activities can aggravate neck pain. Ultimately, it’s a situation you want to resolve as quickly as possible.

Soothing your neck pain gets easier when you know what’s to blame. That’s why here at Metro Spine PC, George Drakes, MD, and our team look for the root cause of your neck pain to target a treatment plan to address it. 

So, let’s look at a few factors that commonly play a role in neck pain. 

Bad posture

Your head is heavy. It balances on your cervical spine (the uppermost portion of your spine). Your neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments work with your spine to keep it upright and balanced. 

When you have good posture — with your head directly over your shoulders, your shoulders back, and your chest open — your body has an easier time distributing the weight of your head down your spine and into your upper body.

As your head tilts forward, you lose that solid foundation. For every inch the head tilts forward, you add about 10 pounds of weight to your cervical spine. Your muscles have to work harder, causing strain, and your vertebrae can become misaligned. 

Ultimately, poor posture plays a role in many neck pain cases. 

Car accidents

Getting into a car accident takes a toll on your entire body, but it can be particularly hard on your neck. If you have whiplash, you sprained your neck. 

In some cases, that sprain heals on its own. In others, it can lead to chronic neck pain. Fortunately, if you’re still living with pain in your neck because of a car accident, Dr. Drakes can work with you to develop a plan to manage your pain. 

Aging

As you get older, the wear-and-tear on your joints starts to show. Your neck joint is no exception. As your neck tissues wear down through the years, you might experience increasing neck pain. In some cases, your body develops bone spurs as the joints wear. 

You don’t have to sit idly by as your neck pain worsens, though. Dr. Drakes and our team partner with you to develop a neck pain management plan that eases your discomfort and helps your joints stay as healthy as possible.

Whether you think your neck discomfort comes from something on this list or another source, don’t wait to visit any of our offices to start moving toward relief. Call Metro Spine PC in Oxon Hill or Clinton, Maryland, or Washington, DC, or book your appointment online today.