Lifestyle factors contributing to neck pain
Most episodes of acute neck pain are attributed to muscle strain or damage to other soft tissues (such as ligaments and tendons). There are however lifestyle influences that contribute to pain in the neck as well. The damage caused by these can often go unnoticed for long periods of time until, eventually, the pain becomes a chronic occurrence.
Strain from carrying heavy items with one arm can often contribute to pain on one side of the neck and shoulders. Carrying a heavy suitcase or an uneven weight distribution of your shopping bags are common examples. Also, the way we sleep can oftentimes lead to strain on one side of the neck.
Given the tendency for a sedentary lifestyle across the board, too much time spent sitting down can lead to neck pain as well, especially if you are constantly looking down at a screen or mobile device. This include working in an office, working from home, and even leisure time. The lack of correct posture and weakness in postural muscles supporting the spine are also contributing factors. At Graceville Physio, we call the onset of pain from such activities ‘Tech Neck’.