Your cervical spine runs from the base of your skull to your upper torso. This area is commonly affected by illnesses and ailments which can cause discomfort, pain, misalignment and stiffness. Poor posture is one of the most common causes of neck pain, and can be found in children as well as adults. Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time or resting on a crooked chair cushion can cause your spine to remain crooked for a long period of time. This in turn causes pockets of fluid to build up around the discs which place pressure on the nerves. In severe cases, muscles can spasm and remain tight and painful in an attempt to compensate for the misaligned spine.
Understanding Your Spinal Discomfort
Known as cervicalgia, neck pain is nothing rare or uncommon. In fact, you can even end up getting cervicalgia in your sleep! Using a pillow that is too large can misalign your upper spine causing strain on certain muscles and joints. Sports can also play a large role in the discomfort, with rough physical sports such as football being top of the list. Auto accidents may very well be the top cause of upper and lower spinal injuries as the sudden jolt one may feel when hitting a stationary object will strain the muscles and shock the nerves from your buttocks to your skull. Spinal issues can also lead to headaches and migraines, which could make your issue harder to diagnose in some cases. Regardless of how you managed to get a crick in your neck, get the best neck pain treatment in Tampa to rid yourself of the discomfort – as well as to find out if it’s anything more serious.
Finding Proven Neck Pain Treatment in Tampa
Many people will simply take a few pain pills and assume it will feel better in the morning, but some spinal discomfort could be the sign of something a bit more serious such as herniated disc or sciatica. Once your physician has ruled out any more serious issues, treatment can begin. This may be through the use of a cervical collar and a reduction in activity, to oral anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections. Should these not relieve your discomfort, a second assessment may be required and surgery could be an option. Never be afraid to ask your physician any questions you may have regarding your pain and treatment options.