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Occasional Neck Tension Can Escalate, Causing Chronic Pain
Daily stress and anxiety are often culprits causing neck tension, something that many people are familiar with. But neck tension usually comes and goes, so people tend to not worry about it too much. While pain can range in severity and frequency, it is important to remain cognizant of the pain in order to prevent future consequences and occurrences.
Neck pain occurs from prolonged abnormal movements or strains to neck muscles. Recent or past injuries can cause joint inflammation leading to a feeling of tightness in the neck. While most suffer from acute pain, this pain can lead to a daily piercing discomfort if it goes unchecked and untreated.
"Most cases of acute pain disappear between three to six weeks," said Rey Bosita, M.D., spine surgeon with Texas Back Institute. "Neck pain can occur from injury, age, disease or infection. You want to restore as much motion to the joints as possible in order to maintain flexibility and alignment within the neck."
Acute pain develops suddenly from injuries or through excess tension placed on the neck muscles. Through the application of ice, and by improving motion through exercise or physical therapy, it is possible to eliminate this type of pain. However, if a person continues to ignore neck pain, these occurrences may turn into a persistent piercing discomfort. Once chronic pain develops, it can lead to side effects such as fatigue, depression, anxiety and headaches.
By monitoring daily body positions, engaging in regular exercise and reducing stress levels, a person can minimize the pain felt and prevent it from spreading continual discomfort throughout his or her body.
Risk factors related to neck pain:
· Remaining in awkward positions for prolonged periods of time.
(for example: bad workstations, awkward positioning or computer monitor and keyboard)
·Being subjected to high levels of stress on a regular basis.
·Engaging in poor posture when sitting and standing.
·Poor physical conditioning and lack of exercise.
visit the Texas Back Institute website at www.texasback.com
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