Neck pain is a common problem throughout the world causing substantial pain, disability and economic cost to families, individuals, businesses and healthcare.

Research suggests that some of the most common causes of neck pain may be genetic, emotional stress, lack of sleep, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, with a higher incidence in higher economic and urban areas (I am yet to find any research done on the necks of the beautiful women in our rural communities who carry sometimes 20 litres of water on their heads with no
apparent neck pain!).

Furthermore, long hours of computer work and traumatic neck injury or whiplash can also be risk factors. Often a headache can be associated with this.

I have found in practice the four main causes of neck pain are emotional stress, long-term computer work, sleeping with pillows that are too soft to support the neck and overenthusiastic weight lifting of weights that are too heavy for a person’s age and build.

If you have an acute episode of neck pain I recommend the following:

• Gentle stretching and movement
• Heat bags on the area and or warm showering
• Gentle massage with a good oil
• Musculoskeletal therapy

Although neck pain is not often a serious condition, there can be an underlying disease that needs medical examination.

See your medical practitioners if neck pain is associated with:

• fever and or flu-like symptoms,
• sudden severe pain,
• neck stiffness,
• pain or numbness down the arm,
• pain after an injury or fall,
• pain with dizziness or blurred vision or nausea and vomiting.

If your symptoms are not listed here but the problem persists, rather have it checked out.

To prevent musculoskeletal-related neck pain I recommend:

1. A good firm pillow properly sized. I did my master’s research on neck pillows and saw how the right pillow for a person helped alleviate long-term neck pain and headaches that had resulted from a previous car accident.

2. Computer workers need good ergonomic workstations. Also, change positions and/or stretch every 45 minutes, and be aware of your posture as you work.

3. Try and manage emotional stress through a well-paced lifestyle, prayer, thankfulness, positivity, exercise, sunshine, community and connection with people.

Dr Tracey Joelson is a chiropractor with 21 years of experience working from Eden Health in Salt Rock. She has four children and a special interest in family wellness and children.

Contact: 073 907 1581

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