McKinney TX upper cervical chiropractors say we are often guilty of causing our neck pain. Instead of looking for something big to pin the blame on, it might be time to take stock of some activities setting off the pain.

Unlikely but Possible Culprits of Neck Pain

1. Gadgets

Everyone is glued to a mobile device these days. Our default neck position is downward since we are always checking our phones. It is now an unconscious, automatic action. This awkward, bent position causes significant strain to our necks.

Solutions:

• Use gadget holders that serve as platforms that raise your gadgets to match your eye level. When you do so, you will ease any neck strain by the end of your day.
• Maintain eye contact when talking to someone. During conversations, be mindful and stop yourself from incessantly checking your devices.

2. Bags

We are considering everything you carry around. It can be your purse, backpack, or even shopping bags. A bag filled with your wallet and mobile device is not a bad thing. Once you throw in your charger, hand sanitizer, and everything else you think you might need while you are out, then they do start adding to the weight. In this case, your neck and back are the first to take on the load.

Solutions:

• Lighten your load. Only bring the essentials.
• If you are buying some groceries, consider using a cart when carrying your car bags.
• Use a backpack to distribute the load.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and chronic neck pain, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

3. Sleep position

How you sleep can hurt your neck and trigger discomfort. McKinney TX upper cervical chiropractors note that it can harm your neck and back when you curl into a fetal position for an extended period. If you are conscious and in a relaxed state, this position helps ease any lower backaches. However, you cannot control your body's tension when asleep. So, the fetal position can make you feel achy in the morning due to body strain.

Solutions:

• Relax before you sleep. Let go of any tension. Avoid anything that might have lingering effects when you fall asleep.
• Lie on your back. The most extensive section of your body entirely takes on your weight. When you do so, you are not favoring a single side or part. Sleeping on your back also keeps your neck fully aligned with the rest of your body.

4. Beddings

While still on the subject of sleep, make sure you use the right bed, pillows, and sheets. If your mattress and pillows are lumpy, you will keep tossing and turning all through the night. If your sheets are not smooth enough to make you fall into a deep sleep, then you will most likely wake up sometime during the night as well.

Solutions:

• Buy pillows that provide the right neck support.
• Replace your bed if it has lost its shape and is clumpy. There is no put up with it if you feel like you have been through 12 rounds of boxing when you wake up.
• Use sheets that will make you think you are in for a treat. When shopping, let your hands touch the samplers. Trust your reactions when choosing a new set.

5. Stress

Have you noticed that when you are stressed out, your body starts to feel tense? Shortly after, you might start rolling your shoulders and moving your neck sideways to loosen any knots. These are some of the things that stress does to your body.

Solutions:

• Listen to some music if it helps release tension and manage your stress levels.
• If it helps, take a few minutes to calm yourself through basic breathing exercises.

The Neck's Structure

We have now uncovered some causes of neck pain that we never considered before. You might ask yourself why do they end up hurting the neck.

The neck is a marvelous structure. It is not lengthy like the entire backbone. It is only composed of 7 bones with a disc inserted between each. Here in McKinney TX upper cervical chiropractors refer to the neck as the cervical spine. It serves as the link between the head and the body.

The cervical spine needs to maintain its alignment to ensure that it can take on the head's weight without compromising anything that passes through the column. There are instances when the pathway in the cervical spine and its surrounding areas are affected.

Consider this example: Arthritis causes inflammation and swelling of the joints. It leads to narrow pathways, which can cause buildup at the entry points. As things accumulate, they apply pressure to the muscles, ligaments, and all that surrounds it. The entire event triggers a series of reactions that can affect body parts that are not even near the neck. With such a far-reaching effect, imagine the impact on the affected zones. A likely result is neck pain.

A Solution You Have Not Considered Yet

There is one solution to neck pain that you might not have thought of—sand that is upper cervical chiropractic care. McKinney TX upper cervical chiropractors like Dr. Crowder are skilled in assessing misalignments, particularly in the neck area. Through gentle and precise approaches, they can correct the alignment, which may lead to the restoration of the body's ability to function at its best.

Here at Crowder Specific Chiropractic, Dr. Crowder uses the latest technology in assessing the neck's bones and discs to identify the misaligned sections. He uses a customized approach when restoring alignment. Once everything is back in place, he believes that a realigned cervical spine can help address any neck pains.If you or a family member personally has neck pain, come and see Dr. Crowder for an initial assessment. Find out how upper cervical chiropractic care can help you avoid discomfort. You deserve to live a pain-free life.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Crowder, call our McKinney office at (972) 562-0674. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.