Do You Suffer From Neck Pain in Glendale? Here’s How to Alleviate It

If you suffer from chronic neck pain in Glendale, you’ve probably had difficulty getting through your day-to-day activities in peace. This issue can cause serious discomfort throughout the day, and even prevent you from having a good night’s rest. Studies have shown that roughly 15% of all people in the US have reported feelings of stiffness and discomfort.

With the increased prevalence of mobile devices and laptops, more and more people in Glendale are experiencing neck pain, or “cervicalgia”. Cervicalgia develops when someone spends large amounts of time looking down at awkward or uncomfortable angles. If you look down at your computer or mobile device for long periods of time, several days a week, you may be at risk for or already have cervicalgia. If you practice proper posture while using digital screens or do not own or frequently use this kind of technology and are still experiencing pain, you may have developed cervicalgia from:

• Poor posture
• Stress
• Clenched jaw
• Osteoarthritis
• A pre-existing spinal injury

Here are a few ways to relieve and prevent symptoms of cervicalgia.

Prevention

Cervicalgia can be prevented if you implement a few changes to your lifestyle. Changes could include improving your posture or getting more ergonomic furniture and work tools. Regular exercise can also strengthen weak torticollis muscles and prevent them from getting strained in the future.

If you smoke tobacco products, quitting can also help to prevent neck pain. Of course, quitting smoking comes with a wealth of benefits, though it can be very hard to do. If you want to quit smoking, speak to your doctor about the best way to help you quit.

Workplace Strain

Do you work a desk job? Sitting down at a computer all day can contribute heavily to cervicalgia. People with desk jobs in Glendale also experience back pain and eye strain. It’s important to do everything you can to maintain a healthy posture while at your desk, and allow yourself as many breaks as possible. Here are a few ways to prevent cervicalgia at work:

• Adjust your chair so that the whole soles of your feet are on the floor and your knees are lower than your hips.
• Don’t slouch — keep your back straight and keep your arms at desk level while typing.
• Don’t lean in to look at your computer screen. Instead, adjust your computer monitor so that it sits at your eye level.
• Replace your keyboard and mouse with ergonomic components.
• Remember to stand up and stretch your body once every hour.

Smartphone Use

Be mindful of how often you look down at your cellular device. When you constantly look down at your phone, your neck muscles pull and can become strained. When using your cell phone, try some of these tricks to help keep your body healthy and pain-free:

• Try holding your phone up at eye level.
• Avoid holding your cellphone between your ear and shoulder.
• Use earphones or the speaker setting to talk on the phone.
• Try spending 10 minutes of time every hour not looking at your phone.
• Stretch your muscles after you’ve used your phone.

Avoid Long Drives

Being at the wheel for long hours can have the same effect on your body as sitting down at a desk for the same amount of time. If you drive for long periods of time every day or are planning a road trip during which you will be the main the driver, here are a few ways to prevent cervicalgia:

• Pull over once an hour to stand and stretch.
• Set up a reminder on your phone to check and adjust your posture while you drive.
• Make sure your seat is set in an ergonomic position that allows you to feel comfortable and properly aligned.
• Don’t look down at your phone while you drive. Not only is it illegal and dangerous, but it’s also bad for your posture.

Change the Way You Sleep

If you’re looking for an effective strategy for pain management in Glendale, consider analyzing the way you sleep. If you aren’t sleeping in an optimal position, you could experience discomfort when you wake up in the morning. Sleeping on your stomach can cause muscle pulls that can lead to stiffness. Additionally, an inadequate pillow can keep you from getting the support you need while you rest. Try sleeping on your side and purchase a pillow that offers good neck support.

Remedies

If you are already suffering from cervicalgia, there are plenty of ways you can help reduce your stiffness and discomfort. You can also use these tricks to prevent cervicalgia if you know you’re prone.

• Get an ice pack and apply it to the problem area for approximately 20 minutes to alleviate inflammation. You can also use a hot water bottle, heating pad, or take a warm bath or shower for relief.
• Consider using over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Motrin. These medications reduce inflammation and help reduce painful symptoms.
• Slow stretches can help achieve muscle relief. Be sure to avoid sudden movements, as they can cause more serious injury. Always warm the problem area with the aforementioned methods before starting your stretches.
• Get a massage from a licensed massage therapist.
• Consider acupuncture to help pinpoint specific pressure points.
• Limit your physical activity. If your symptoms feel very uncomfortable, skip going to the gym and take a day to relax.
• De-tense by practicing stress-relief methods like meditation, practicing a hobby, or listening to calming music.
• See your doctor at your local Glendale pain clinic.

If your symptoms are unmanageable and are affecting your ability to accomplish your daily tasks, head to a doctor for more treatment options as soon as possible.