Cervical Pain in the Neck- Ways to Ease and Prevent It

The cervical spine, commonly known as the neck is the head stabilizer. From supporting the weight of the head to helping us chew, make facial expressions or turn our heads in any direction, our neck does it all. Still, we often are ignorant towards its well-being. Even the habit of hunching in front of our desktops and phone every day has a deteriorating effect on our neck's health as it can lead to stiffness and tension in the neck muscles, thus causing cervical pain in the neck. While neck pain is common and usually there's nothing to worry about, if the symptoms persist even after a few weeks and the pain makes it tough to go on with day-to-day activities, you might need to look for an efficacious solution.

In this blog, we will explain the symptoms that require your special attention, methods to prevent the condition from worsening and a product recommendation that would surely be helpful to you. So, let's get right into it.

What Neck Pain means?

As the name suggests, the pain that affects any of the structures in the neck, be it the muscles, nerves, bones or joints, is Cervical or Neck Pain. Activities such as bending over a desk for long periods, sleeping in awkward positions, poor posture or even twisting or turning your neck with a jerky movement while exercising can be the possible reasons behind neck pain.

Symptoms to look out for Cervical Pain in the Neck

Symptoms for any disease or condition may vary in terms of severity and duration. The same is the case for neck pain. While some last only for a few days or weeks, others can have a chronic effect. However, the symptoms are common, regardless of the situation. Symptoms may include-  

Stiffness- One of the most commonly experienced symptoms in which it gets problematic to move the neck while trying to turn the head in any direction. It leads to decreased range of movement. 

Sharp Pain- A sharp, stinging or stabbing pain localized to one spot and typically occurs in the lower neck area. 

Headache- An irritation in the neck can also affect the nerves and muscles connected to our head. It may produce a headache.

Radiating pain and numbness- This type of pain begins from the neck and radiates into the head, trunks, shoulders and arm. The intensity varies and can be accompanied by a burning sensation. 

Pain with any movement- Doing movements such as twisting, moving or any other actions that involve the affected area may further aggravate the pain. 

Tips and Exercises to Ease Cervical Pain in the Neck

When you have Neck Pain, the easiest and most efficient way to ease it is with exercises as they are key to minimizing pain and easing stiffness or tension in your neck and shoulder region. However, it's crucial to know which ones will work best along with the correct way of performing them to not further worsen the situation. Abiding by preventive tips also plays a huge role to find neck pain relief. It includes- 

Stretching exercises for cervical pain in the neck 

Neck Glide- While keeping your neck straight, slowly slide your chin forward. Stay in this position for 5 secs before returning to the original position. Repeat it 10 times.

Neck Rotation- Look straight ahead and slowly start turning your head to the left. Hold it for 10 seconds, return to the original position and repeat the same for the other side. Perform 10 repetitions. 

Shoulder Shrugs- Start by looking straight. Slowly raise both shoulders and hold it for 5 seconds. Return to its original position and repeat 10 times/ day. 

Few preventive tips to follow

Apart from exercises, you may also include a few tips in your lifestyle to prevent this problem. It includes-

• Avoid sleeping with too many pillows since they can repress your neck's range of motion. Instead, switch to an orthopaedic pillow for better comfort and support. 
•  Don't stay in one position for too long since it can lead to bad posture. Get up and move around after certain time intervals.
• If you have a desk job, make sure to keep your screen at eye level.

Benefits of using an orthopedic pillow for cervical pain

Adopting lifestyle changes has a huge impact on easing your neck pain and an Orthopaedic pillow can be a great addition for anyone suffering from cervical pain or for those desiring to avoid this problem from affecting them. There are various options available in the market but Dr. Ortho Orthopedic Cervical Pillow can be the perfect pick because it has the right size and is budget-friendly. Its skin-friendly fabric makes it suitable to be used by all skin types while the removable, washable cover is easy to clean. The orthopaedic design provides proper support to the natural curvature of the spine, along with your neck and shoulders. So, no matter your sleeping habits, it will keep your neck pain-free and comfortable whenever you sleep. 

Therefore, the next time you experience pain in your neck, try performing the above-mentioned stretching exercises and preventive tips. If the pain persists even after a few weeks, then make sure to visit a doctor.

FAQ's

Q. What are the causes of cervical pain?

The major causes of cervical pain are- 

• Arthritis
• Muscle inflammation
• Strain
• Overuse of muscles
• Awkward sleeping position

Q. Can anyone suffer from Cervical Pain?

Yes, since neck pain is a common problem and is mostly caused due to your everyday habits such as poor posture, injury, strain or trauma. In some cases, it can also occur due to arthritis.

Q. How does Dr. Ortho Orthopaedic Cervical Pillow help with Neck Pain?

Dr. Ortho Orthopaedic Cervical Pillow has been designed to provide apt support to the neck, head and shoulders, regardless of your sleeping position. It also helps in relieving muscular strain on the neck and spine for a comfortable sleep. 

Q. How many variants of Orthopaedic pillows are available?

Dr. Ortho Cervical Pillow and Dr. Ortho Premium Orthopaedic Cervical Pillow are 2 sizes available in this range.