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Miss Bodyline's advice column

Neckpain

What causes neck pain?
Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues - the muscles, ligaments, and nerves - as well as in bones and joints of the spine. The most common causes of neck pain are soft tissue abnormalities due to injury or prolonged wear and tear. In rare cases, infection or tumors may cause neck pain. In some people, neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders or arms.
Injury
Injury - Because the neck is so flexible and because it supports the head, it is extremely vulnerable to injury. Motor vehicle or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls may result in neck injury. The regular use of safety belts in motor vehicles can help to prevent or minimize injury. A “rear end” automobile collision may result in hyperextension, a backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, a forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits. Most common injuries are to the soft tissues, i.e., muscles and ligaments. Severe injury with fracture or dislocation of the neck may damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis (quadriplegia).
When should you seek medical care?
If severe neck pain occurs following an injury (motor vehicle accident, diving accident, fall), a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Medical care should be sought immediately. If there has not been an injury, you should seek medical care when neck pain is: continuous and persistent severe accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness It’s so common to find muscular tension building up, especially if you work at a desk job, or at the computer. Tension tends to build up at the back, just below the nape of the neck and between the shoulders. However these simple desk exercises will help relieve the ache in minutes:
Sit with your back straight and shrug shoulders. Pull them straight up towards the ears, hold them for a few seconds and let them drop. Repeat this 8 to 10 times.
Sitting with the back straight, pull the shoulders backwards. Hold it for a few seconds and release. Repeat 8 to 10 times.
Sitting with the back straight, bend head forward (as if to touch chin to the chest), then roll it as far behind as you can. Turn head to the right and then to the left; putting chin in line with shoulders. This stretches the neck and releases tension. Repeat this 8 to 10 times.

Until next time,
Miss Bodyline.