Anyone that has every suffered from head and neck pain understands just how painful and unpleasant this experience can be. A person’s neck and head region are very vulnerable to stresses caused by things such as whiplash, bad posture, arthritis, accidents, aging, and even common activities such as reading in bed or chewing gum. The neck connects the base of the skull to the spinal column. Head and neck pain is often the result of very common, innocent habits that you do not even notice. Sitting in a chair looking down while reading a book propped on your knee, hunched over while playing games on your computer for any length of time, or sleeping sitting up with your chin resting on your chest, can cause head and neck pain. Sitting in an unnatural position such as having your arms outstretched holding a book while propped up on three or four pillows while you read in bed can certainly cause uncomfortable head and neck pain. Pillows that are too low or high put pressure on your neck causing your head and neck to be on an uncomfortable angle. Investing in a contouring body pillow often helps ease head and neck pain.
There are a few simple rules to follow to help you avoid head and neck pain such as getting rid of bad posture habits and keeping your neck and head in a neutral position whenever you can. If possible, do not hunch or bend your neck forward for an extensive length of time or sit in one position for hours without taking a few breaks to move about. When working at a computer, use a chair with armrests, have the monitor at eye level so you are not bending your neck down or forward, and make sure your knees are a littler lower than your hips.
Emotional stress and tension is another common cause of head and neck pain, which many people experience when going through difficult or trying times. Spend a few minutes relaxing if you find yourself stressed out during the day. Stretching your neck and back muscles by rolling your shoulders backward and forward or doing neck rolls helps prevent a headache caused by neck tension.
There are several over the counter medications such as an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever that reduces the swelling and pain in muscles causing head and neck pain. For people who prefer a more natural or holistic approach, visiting an osteopathic physician or chiropractor for an alignment often helps those suffering from head and neck pain. If the pain lingers for any length of time, talk to your physician so he can diagnose and recommend treatment for your head and neck pain.