Everything we do each day has the potential to support or harm our bodies. While it’s inevitably a balancing act, working long days at a desk, spending hours looking down at your phone, or using a pillow that’s seen better days can lead to a stiff neck and pain that you just can’t shake.
While it’s very common, mechanical neck pain is also very treatable. So, what is it exactly? And how can you overcome it?
What Is Mechanical Neck Pain?
Mechanical neck pain is pain that comes from the structures of the neck itself, such as the joints, muscles, ligaments, and discs. It’s usually associated with how your neck is moving (or not moving) and how well it’s supported by the rest of your spine.
Common signs of mechanical neck pain include:
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- A dull, aching pain that worsens throughout the day
- Pain that radiates into the shoulders or upper back
- Discomfort after long periods of sitting or looking down
What Causes Mechanical Neck Pain?
In most cases, the culprit is poor posture. More specifically, it’s often caused by forward head posture, in which the head sits forward of the shoulders instead of stacked neatly above them. You might know this as “nerd neck” or “tech neck,” and it’s increasingly common thanks to the many hours most of us spend at our computers, hunched over phones, or behind the wheel.
When your head drifts forward by even an inch, the muscles of your neck have to work significantly harder to hold it up. As time goes on, this constant strain leads to tightness, joint irritation, and aches.
Can Stretches and Other Exercises Help?
Stretches and other exercises are commonly recommended for neck pain, and many people find them helpful. If your symptoms keep returning despite consistent self-care, it may be worth having your posture and spinal mechanics assessed by a professional.
Ultimately, recurring neck pain often has multiple contributors, and identifying what’s driving it for you specifically can make your care more effective.
How Posture & Wellness Can Help
At our Finsbury Park clinic, the Posture & Wellness team uses Advanced Biostructural Correction™ (ABC™), a gentle chiropractic technique that aims to address mechanical neck pain by working with the structures of the spine and surrounding musculature.
Curious to learn more? Book your FREE discovery call with our team today. BOOK NOW.