How to Prevent Neck Pain

Neck pain and stiffness can make it difficult to perform your regular daily activities. Simply carrying grocery bags or a gym bag, for example, can put added strain on the neck which ultimately causes pain. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent neck pain, as well as several effective treatments if you are already dealing with it. The skilled providers at Rehabilitation Physicians in Novi & Howell, MI, treat neck pain and can help you take steps to prevent it from returning.

Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can develop due to many different factors. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as stiffness, decreased range of motion, and headaches. Some causes of neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort include:

• Overuse of the neck muscles
• Sprained muscles or ligaments
• Herniated disc or pinched nerve
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Poor posture
• Muscle tear
• Whiplash
• Stress

Treatments for Neck Pain

If you are dealing with severe or persistent neck pain, there are treatments that can help. See a doctor at our offices in Novi & Howell, MI, if your neck pain has not been resolved within a week of self-care, has become more severe, is accompanied by a fever, or is causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm.

Several highly effective methods are available for treating neck pain, including imaging-guided injections, physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation therapy, and acupuncture. Other treatments include anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications, corticosteroid injections, muscle relaxers, and ice or heat therapy. The appropriate treatment depends largely on the cause of your neck pain. Our experienced doctors will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Preventing Neck Pain

Steps can be taken to prevent neck pain from occurring in the first place or to prevent it from returning after treatment to alleviate it. A few helpful tips for preventing neck pain include:

• Practice good posture and avoid slouching
• Exercise or stay active throughout the week
• Avoid carrying heavy bags over the shoulder
• Adjust your workspace to be more ergonomic and to prevent neck strain
• Take frequent breaks to stretch and move around throughout the day
• Sleep on your back and align your head and neck with your body
• Avoid or quit smoking as it increases the risk of developing neck pain

If you are dealing with neck pain or discomfort, we can help. Schedule an appointment with one of our many skilled providers to learn more about treating and preventing neck pain by calling Rehabilitation Physicians in Novi & Howell, MI, at (248) 893-3200.