ADVERTORIAL: A pain in the neck

Research suggests that as many as 71% of adults globally will experience neck pain at some point in their lives.¹ 

Neck tension refers to neck pain when the muscles in the neck cannot relax which can lead to soreness, muscle spasms and headaches.^{1 (b pg 1)}

Muscles either contract or relax due to signals received from the brain.

Muscle tension occurs when a muscle stays contracted despite the brain’s signals to relax. If the muscle contracts for too long it can cause pain.¹ 

Symptoms of neck tension can vary in their severity, but typically include:^{1 (d pg 2)}

• Muscle stiffness and soreness

• Muscle spasm

• Sharp or intense pain that worsens with movement

Common causes include:

• Poor posture can affect the neck muscles. Hunching over a computer or looking down forces the head to bend which can overextend the muscles in the back of the neck, resulting in pain and inflammation.¹ Poor posture affects the body even during sleep.

• People who sleep on their stomachs tend to rest on one side of their face on the pillow, which overextends the muscles of the neck, as does sleeping with large pillows.¹ People who perform repetitive movements can develop motion disorders. Left untreated, repetitive motion can lead to pain, swelling and even permanent tissue damage.^{1 (g pgs 1 & 2)}

• Grinding or clenching teeth while asleep puts pressure on the muscles of the jaw and neck, which can cause neck tension pain and headaches.¹ 

• A person can injure the muscles in their neck if they lift heavy weights, play impact sports, or experience whiplash from a car accident. These injuries may need medical treatment or physio therapy.¹ 

• Stress. When the brain senses stress it signals the release of several hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, which increase the heart rate and blood pressure, and tightening of the muscles. These muscles remain tense and contracted for long periods which can result in neck and shoulder tension.¹ 

There are many ways in which neck tension can be treated, for instance getting a massage, taking a warm bath, applying heat or ice to the painful area and taking medications.² 

Preventative measures include:² 

• Adjust your workstation so that your computer is at eye level. Also adjust the height of your chair accordingly.

• Improve your posture

• Take breaks while working or travelling. Get up and move your body, stretch your neck and upper body

• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week

• Yoga and meditation can help reduce psychological and physical stress

Neck tension is common problem with many possible causes, and treatment often involves a combination of strategies.²

For more information speak to your Healthcare Practitioner about Adcock Ingram's range of pain medications.

^{References:
1.MedicalNewsToday. Neck tension: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327205. Accessed date: 25 February 2020.
2.Healthline. Neck Tension: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/neck-tension. Accessed date: 25 February 2020.}                 

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