Understanding neck pain and when to get help

Many of our patients come to us looking for help with neck pain, aches or stiffness. It’s something that can catch you out after a restless night’s sleep, or slowly build over time because of everyday habits like spending too long at a desk or slouching without realising. 

For some, a few simple changes at home make all the difference, while others need a little extra help to get back to feeling comfortable again. Understanding the possible causes and knowing when to seek professional care can help you find relief sooner and reduce the chances of the pain returning.

What causes neck pain?

There’s a whole host of causes when it comes to neck pain, ranging from sleeping in a poor position, to more severe conditions such as whiplash.

The neck is made up of a complex structure of bones, muscles, ligaments and nerves, all working together to support the head and allow movement. When any of these structures become strained or irritated, discomfort can develop. 
If you spend long periods looking down at a phone, reading, or working on a computer, poor posture may be causing your discomfort. Stress can also be a factor, as it causes the muscles in the neck and shoulders to tighten.  In other instances, everyday activities such as carrying heavy bags, looking over your shoulder in the car, or reaching for something on a high shelf can lead to a sprain or strain. Arthritis can also cause ongoing stiffness and discomfort in your neck.

What keeps neck pain hanging around?

Milder cases of neck pain may ease within a few days, but sometimes they linger. If the cause is still present, the muscles, joints and nerves may not get a chance to fully settle. This is why it can be critical to identify the cause, whether this is a poor desk set up or a repetitive movement that’s causing harm to the structure. 

Inflammation in the joints or soft tissues can also prolong symptoms. Occasionally, pain can become persistent because the body starts to adapt to avoid certain movements, creating new areas of tension. 

More severe conditions can make pain more stubborn and long lasting, including: 

• A herniated disc, which can press on nearby nerves.
• Nerve irritation from inflammation or pressure.
• Underlying joint problems, such as arthritis.

If the discomfort doesn’t fade or starts to interfere with your daily life, we’d recommend a professional assessment as the next step to find the right neck pain treatment.

How can I ease neck pain at home?

It really depends on an accurate diagnosis of the problem for specific advice. For mild discomfort, these simple steps can help with tight some general tightness:

• Apply warmth to relax tight muscles
• Use a cold pack in the early stages to help reduce swelling or inflammation
• Keep moving gently instead of staying still for long periods, as this can make muscles tighten up
• Check your posture during the day, especially if you work at a desk, to avoid additional strain
• Choose a supportive pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral position while you sleep

What is “tech neck”?

Alongside modern ways of working, “tech neck” is becoming increasingly common. “Tech neck” refers to the strain caused by spending long periods of time looking down at phones, tablets, or laptops. The weight of your head when tilted forward puts extra pressure on the muscles, joints and ligaments in your neck. Over time, this can cause pain, stiffness, headaches, or even problems in the shoulders and upper back. 

In some cases, the changes to posture from “tech neck” can also affect the natural curve of the spine. You can work to relieve this by making small adjustments, such as holding your phone at eye level and taking regular breaks from your screen to help prevent this from becoming a long-term issue.

When to see a chiropractor

If your pain has lasted more than a week without improvement, it’s getting steadily worse or it’s interfering with your daily activities, it’s worth speaking to a chiropractor about your neck pain.

At Anglia Chiropractic, we are trained to assess the cause and complexity of your pain. After a full examination, we can provide hands-on treatment to restore movement and comfort, alongside recommending home exercises and lifestyle choices to look after your neck. Seeking help early can also prevent neck problems from becoming long-term issues and speed up recovery.

Bespoke treatment and advice from Anglia Chiropractic Healthcare

If you’re struggling with neck pain, or want to prevent it from coming back, we’re here to help. Our team will listen to your concerns, carry out a thorough assessment, and offer a unique care plan tailored to your needs. 

Request a callback or send us a message today to take the first step towards getting well and staying well.