The Most Common Causes of Neck Pain

Many people suffer from neck pain from time to time. However, when neck pain is ongoing or becomes so intense that one has a hard time completing everyday tasks, it's time to see a doctor.

That's the first step to coming up with a treatment option that will help to relieve the pain. In order to do this, however, most doctors will start by considering a few of the most common causes of neck pain.

Poor Spinal Support

For those who experience the worst of their neck pain when they first wake up in the morning, it's important to consider that one's mattress or pillows could be the culprit. A mattress that isn't offering enough spinal support (or even one that's too firm) can lead to neck pain, as can a pillow that is too firm or soft. This is an especially important option to consider for those who have not replaced their mattress or pillow in at least a decade. It might be time to consider upgrading to something with memory foam, which offers a great amount of support.

Too Much Time at the Computer

Another increasingly common cause of Neck Pain San Mateo , is that of spending way too much time hunched in front of a computer screen. These days, however, many people have desk jobs that require them at work at their computers for eight hours or more per day. For those who work desk jobs, then, it's important to take regular breaks, preferably once per hour. Furthermore, investing in a desk chair with better lumbar support may also help take care of the problem.

A Cervical or Lumbar Spine Problem

If environmental problems aren't the cause of a person's neck pain, then a physical condition must be considered. A doctor will likely need to take X-rays in order to determine what the exact problem is, whether is be a herniated disc that's causing pain in the neck, a case of scoliosis, or anything in between. Many people make the mistaken assumption that neck pain has to be related to a neck problem, but back problems can just as easily cause that pain as well. Nobody likes living with neck pain, which is why getting help from a qualified and experienced doctor is so important. In the meantime, however, it may be worthwhile to assess one's environment and be on the lookout for common culprits.