There are a number of factors that can cause neck pain.

Muscle strain is one possible cause.  Hunching over a smartphone, slouching while watching TV or using a home office that’s not set up properly all contribute to this sort of muscle strain.  Poor posture places unusual stresses on the body that can result in pain.

Another possible cause is tension.  If you grit your teeth, “tighten up” when you feel stressed or “pinch” a phone receiver against your shoulder, you’re creating tension in your neck.  Over time, your muscles will ache.

What if you’ve had a fall?  Been in a car accident?  Had an incident in which your body came to a sudden stop?  You may be feeling the effects of whiplash.

The joints in your neck, like other joints, can wear with age.  They are susceptible to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How can I minimize neck pain?

Firstly, watch your posture.

Raise cellphones up to eye level rather than bending over the screen.  Computers and TVs should also be at eye level.  You should not have to crane your neck back to see your TV or lean forward to view your laptop.

Secondly, adjust the chairs in your car, home office, and anywhere else you spend a lot of time sitting.  Make sure that your chairs are properly configured to your body.

Thirdly, move around regularly.  Holding one position for long periods of time increases strain.

Feeling the pinch

Many of us are talking on the phone more these days to stay in touch with friends and family.  Telephones are intended to be held in the hands.  Trying to hold a receiver or cellphone between your shoulder and your jaw is a common cause of injury.  If you need your hands free (for example, typing while talking on the phone), invest in a headset.

Avoid using the shoulder strap to carry overloaded messenger bags, purses, overnight bags, etc.   There are two ways to approach this problem.  First, ask yourself if you truly need all that stuff in your bag.  If not, you can remove unnecessary items to carry the bag safely.

If you can’t lighten the load, carry the bag in your hand instead of slung over your shoulder.

Finally, sleep in a good position.  Experiment with pillows to find a position that works for you.  You may benefit from sleeping on your back with a pillow under your calves, or from a small pillow underneath your neck.

In conclusion, chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for many forms of neck pain.