Risk Factors for Neck Pain

 Neck pain may be common, but it doesn’t have to be a normal part of your life. It can impact anyone, but some people are more likely to experience it than others for the reasons we detail below. If you’re suffering from neck pain in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help you achieve relief.

Poor Posture

Poor posture is a top cause of neck pain. Your neck was designed to hold the head upright. When you slouch, your head leans forward, which puts several extra pounds of pressure on the neck.

Poor Sleep Factors

It’s important that your spine remains neutral – even when you sleep. Some mattresses and pillows are available to make this happen. However, if you don’t use them or you sleep on your stomach, you’re very likely to experience neck pain.

Stress

Emotional and mental stress seem to make a home in the neck and shoulder muscles. This leads to both tension headaches and neck pain.

Work Factors

No matter what type of job you have, it can cause neck pain. If you work at a desk, you’re often sitting in one position for a long period with your neck in a forward position. And many people hold their office phones between their ears and shoulders. Physically demanding jobs can lead to repetitive stress injuries in the neck, back, and shoulders. 

Trauma

Any type of trauma can lead to neck pain, including sports injuries, exercise, and auto accidents. You might not always notice neck pain right away. And the injury isn’t always in the neck itself. A herniated disc in the back can cause pain in the neck, too.

Age

It’s not unusual for many people to suffer from neck pain as they get older. Typically, this is due to changes in the spine. Osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis are all more common in older adults. Osteoarthritis impacts the cartilage of your joints, spinal stenosis leads to pinched nerves, and degenerative disc disease increases the risk of herniated or bulging discs.

If any of these risk factors apply to you, regular chiropractic care with Dr. McClanahan in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV can help eliminate and prevent neck pain. Call (304) 776-1520 to schedule your appointment at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.