1. Nip Neck Pain
Preventing neck pain begins with correcting your posture. Slouching on the couch at home, hunching over your desk at work or standing in a slumped position may cause neck pain. Slouching strains your muscles and puts your discs out of line, which may lead to pinched nerves. Poor posture throws your whole body out of alignment, including your neck bones and ligaments.
2. Change Your Chair
If your favorite lounge chair or sofa is out of shape, put a pillow behind your back or neck to maintain correct posture. Back and neck pain are often related. Neck pillows are great for lounging on your couch. Adjust your desk chair so that you don't need to lean forward while you work. Your chair should be high enough so that you can sit comfortably without straining to reach your work. Your feet should be on the floor as you sit at your desk. If you can't rest your feet on the floor, put a foot rest underneath you. Don't sit for too long at a time. Get up and move around occasionally.
3. Watch Those Loads
Avoid assuming unnecessary loads on your neck. Giving young children a ride on your shoulders is fun for them, but it may be a pain in the neck for you. Heavy backpacks and purses loaded down with stuff can cause neck pain. Carrying these heavy loads regularly gets your spine out of line and may lead to neck strain.
4. Don't Cradle the Phone
If you cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder while talking, neck pain may result. In that scrunched position, your head is bent sideways, your shoulder is held too high and your neck veers out of line. Hold the phone with your hand. Keep your head and neck in their proper positions. If you feel yourself straining, drop and relax the muscles in your neck and shoulders.
5. Correct the Problem in Your Sleep
Sleep in positions that prevent neck pain. Choose a pillow that holds its shape and doesn't flatten when you lie down. When you lie on your side with your cheek to your pillow, your neck should rest in a neutral position. Your pillow should be high enough and offer enough support so that your chin is centered in line with the middle of your body as you rest on your side.
