Neck pain

Neck pain is often as a result of strained neck muscles. 

The two major neck muscles susceptible to strain are Sternocleidomastoid and Scalene muscles.

Neck pain is commonly referred to as mechanical neck pain; Meaning certain movements and positions of the neck are the causative factors.

Such causes include:

• Poor posture while working.

Leaning over your laptop/desktop or work desk exposes your neck muscles to straining thus leading to neck pain.

• Poor posture while driving
   
• Bad sleeping positions

Sleeping on your tummy results in a lot of strain on your neck which may lead you to waking up with a stiff neck.

If you also happen to sleep without a pillow, or a pillow that doesn't provide adequate neck support, you are likely to develop neck pain.

• Prolonged use of a laptop or desktop
• Poor phone habits

This involves bending your neck for long periods of time while using your phone OR Supporting your phone with your shoulder while on a long call

If you have neck pain you may also experience:

• Neck stiffness or reduced neck mobility.
• Tingling, numbness or pins and  needles on your arms.
• Headaches
• Eye pulling or twitching

Physiotherapy Interventions

• Muscle release to relieve the tension on the neck muscles.
• Neck Range of Motion exercises to restore neck mobility.
• Posture education and correction to prevent recurrence of the pain.
• Neck stretches to target the strained muscles.

Prevention Measures

• Maintain an upright posture while working.
• Ensure your laptop, desktop and/or phone are raised to eye level while in use.
   

Adjust your sleeping posture and ensure you have a firm, well supportive pillow.