Can Neck Pain be a Sign of Something Serious?

We commonly hear people complain about the stress and pain they feel in the neck and shoulder. Most people experience this pain due to strain muscles. It does sound very common and it can be benign or more serious than we think.  There are several neck pain treatments including medications and home remedies. 

Why do we usually feel neck pain?

Neck is one of the most exposed parts of our body and prone to risk of injury. It is connected to the spinal cord and the most sensitive muscles and tissues. That’s why we normally feel pain not only in the neck area but on the shoulders, back, jaw and head as well. 

What are the common causes of neck pain? 

There are a number of reasons why we feel discomfort in the neck area. It may be due to disease, disorder or simply due to poor posture. Here are some of the most common neck pain.

Degeneration 

When we age, the vertebrae and disc and the neck will wear down. It is a common physical phenomena and a reason why we experience persistent neck pain the older we get. 

Poor posture

Did you wake up feeling pain or stiffness in the neck and shoulders? Your sleeping position contributes to the pain and discomfort in the neck area. Mattress firmness, number of pillows, level of head raised from the body are factors for the stiffness that you feel.

Prolonged sitting and working at your desk can cause discomfort to your lower back, shoulders and neck. Excessive exercise with a lot of jerking movements can lead to bad posture and eventually, neck pain. 

Neck injury 

Neck is one of the most vital parts of the body and one of the most exposed to injury as well. Sports, accidents, falls and other activities that put force and pressure to your neck can cause the muscles and ligaments to sustain injuries. 

Common neck injuries:

• Neck sprain
• Herniated disc
• Crick in the neck
• Neck fracture
• Whiplash or sudden jolt to the neck
• Stingers and burners

 

• Infection 

Virus can cause neck pain and swelling. Infections from as simple as a sore throat to tuberculosis, meningitis and spine infections such as osteomyelitis and septic discitis. It can also be due to rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the common neck symptoms? 

• Headaches
• Weakness/ tingling in the arms
• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Muscle pain
• Throat pain
• Swelling/ tenderness

Neck Pain Treatments and home remedies

Home remedies and neck pain treatments can be done when the pain is mild or moderate. You can easily treat the symptoms in several ways and make it go away within minutes or days. 

For mild and moderate symptoms you can try:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicines 
• Applying cold pack to the strained area
• Changing to a good sleeping or sitting posture 
• Exercising and stretching the neck
• Massaging and reducing stiffness 

Targeted Neck and Shoulder massage 

A 20- 30 minute neck and shoulder massage typically alleviates pain and stiffness in these 2 areas. Targeting these areas provides significant relief from symptoms while at the same time provides relaxation. 

Using a massage pillow such as uCozy 3D neck and shoulder massager helps treat and alleviate mild to moderate neck discomforts. Specifically targeting these areas makes tension and discomfort gone. 

How is uCozy 3D Pillow Massager used as neck pain treatment? 

• Relieves tension headaches 
• Boosts blood circulation 
• Reduces pressure and stiffness
• Strengthens neck muscles 

What are the benefits of using uCozy 3D Pillow Massager? 

• It alleviate inflammation in the neck and shoulders
• It reduces tension and provides deep muscle relief 
• It eases tension and improves movement of the neck and shoulder 
• It relieves fatigue and provides relaxation
• It stimulates good blood circulation

When to use uCozy 3D Pillow Massager? 

As mentioned, mild to moderate neck pain can be relieved by massage and muscle manipulation. Use the uCozy 3D pillow massager when you feel headache, tingling or numbness on the shoulder and arm areas, shooting pain and stiff neck. 

When to see a doctor? 

If symptoms persist after taking medication and massage therapy and your condition does not improve. You might need to see a doctor. Also, if your neck pain is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Neck pain without apparent cause
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Numbness and tingling radiates to your upper and lower extremities
• Inability to move your arms, hands and legs.

Neck pain is very common and one should know a treatment or two to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Using uCozy 3D Pillow Massager offers numerous benefits not only to your neck but also to the entire body.  However, one should also be aware of when it is time to seek a professional help.