The ramifications of constant neck pain go well beyond simply feeling badly; it can dictate how you live your day-to-day life, which means any treatment or management of constant neck pain should involve seeking the cause of the neck pain and taking proactive steps toward preventing it in the future. While massaging the neck and taking over-the-counter medication may be enough to temporarily relieve the pain, such treatment does not solve the long-term problem of recurrence. Begin by examining your daily routines to identify the potential causes of constant neck pain, including sleeping positions, time spent sitting at a desk, and athletic activities.
Poor posture very often leads to constant neck pain, especially in individuals who spend long hours sitting in a chair staring at a computer. As the muscles in the neck tire, they tend to tense up, which can cause a dull ache in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. To prevent this sort of pain from happening, your posture needs to be examined. Slouching will most certainly cause neck pain, as will a lack of lumbar support. If your arms are raised too high on a desk when typing, the shoulders and neck may tense up, causing constant neck pain. To rectify the situation, consider purchasing an ergonomic chair that features lumbar support as well as neck support. Be sure the chair you choose features adjustable arm rests as well.
Athletic activities are a very common cause of constant neck pain, especially if you are participating in a new sport or one for which you have not properly conditioned your body. Muscle aches are common, and rest and hydration are usually sufficient solutions to the problem. If pain persists, however, it is time to examine the motions you are using during the sporting activities. The new motions may be stressing muscles in different ways, which means strength or mobility training may be necessary. If the muscle is injured, you should refrain from physical activity for a few days or weeks while the muscles heal.
More serious conditions may be causing your constant neck pain. Arthritis or herniated discs in the spine can cause neck pain that is almost debilitating, so if you are experiencing sharp, constant, or shooting pains, it is time to visit a doctor. He or she may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, or even surgery as a last resort. Try other remedies such as gentle stretching and exercise for several days; if this does not alleviate the pain, see a doctor.