If you notice that your neck is starting to have some pain or discomfort, you could be suffering from neck misalignment. In order for your body to function the way that it should, your bones need to line up.
Your bones have a joint between them at the top of your spine called the atlanto-occipital joint. When this joint misaligns, it can have a dramatic effect on the way that your neck functions.
Keep reading to learn more about its common causes and how you can resolve them.
Hunching Over Your Computer
When your head is forward, your shoulders round, and your spine is not in its natural alignment, it puts a lot of strain on your neck and can cause pain. If you hunch over your computer for long periods of time, it can also lead to headaches, tension, and fatigue.
To avoid these problems, be sure to sit up straight and keep your head and shoulders in alignment. Take breaks often to move around and try stretching exercises on your neck and shoulders.
Sleeping in an Awkward Position
One of the most common causes of neck problems is sleeping in an awkward position, this can happen if you sleep on your stomach or on your side with your head turned to one side. Over time, this can cause the bones in your neck to shift out of place and put pressure on the nerves.
This can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in your arms and hands causing headaches. If you experience any of these symptoms, consider visiting an upper cervical chiropractor to repair spinal misalignments in the upper neck area.
Neck Misalignment: Wearing a Heavy Bag
Upper cervical misalignment common cause is wearing a heavy bag. This is usually due to wearing a bag on one shoulder, causing the body to pull to one side, can cause the head to tilt to one side and the neck to be twisted.
Wearing a heavy bag can also cause the muscles in the neck and shoulder to become tight and uncomfortable. If you regularly carry a heavy bag, it is important to make sure that you distribute the weight evenly across both shoulders. Or, you can use a backpack or trolley to help reduce the strain on your neck and shoulders.
Change Your Habits
If you want to avoid neck misalignment, you need to change your habits. First, avoid looking down at your phone or computer for long periods of time. Second, get up and move around every 20 minutes or so to keep your neck in alignment.
Practice good posture by keeping your shoulders back and your head up. Lastly, see a chiropractor or other spine specialist if you are experiencing neck pain. By following these tips, you can help keep your neck healthy and avoid chronic pain.
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