Neck pain continues to be one of the most common ailments among adults, yet it’s still frequently misunderstood. As a neck pain doctor, can explain, not knowing the facts about neck pain can prevent you from getting the treatment you need. Here are a few common misconceptions about neck pain.
Neck Pain Is a Natural Part of Getting Old
As people get older, different parts of their body can wear down. As such, it may be easy to assume that neck pain is just a natural part of the aging process. However, there actually isn’t a proven correlation between old age and neck pain. The truth is that neck pain is usually the result of lack of movement. Therefore, a younger person who slouched in a chair all day is more likely to experience neck pain than an older active person.
Lots of Rest Is Necessary to Relieve Neck Pain
When you’re dealing with neck pain, you may think that the best solution is lots of rest. While it’s beneficial to rest your neck for one or two days, you don’t want to remain inactive for too long. Too many days of inactivity can cause stiffness, which can ultimately increase neck pain. Your doctor may advise you to perform gentle neck stretches.
If a Doctor Can’t Find the Cause of Neck Pain, It Doesn’t Exist
Just because a doctor can’t find the exact source of your neck, doesn’t mean that it is not there. Sometimes neck pain results from stress, lack of sleep and other sources that aren’t immediately obvious.
Only Blue-Collar Workers Suffer Neck Pain on the Job
It is true that the manual labor associated with blue-collar professions can cause neck pain. However, that does not mean white-collar workers are safe from experiencing neck pain. In fact, neck pain among office workers is quite common. They often have to sit at desks for hours, which can make it difficult to maintain proper posture. Slouching can strain the muscles in the neck over time.
Surgery Is the Best Option for Neck Pain
Surgery is actually usually the last resort for neck pain. There are many non-invasive treatments, like chiropractic therapy, that should be tried first.
If you are dealing with neck pain, you may want to make an appointment with a neck pain doctor.