Hey Team,

 

Will you answer 'yes' to at least one of these questions? Probably!

When you're relaxing at home, do you look up at the TV screen because it's hung high on the wall? Do you carry your bag on one shoulder when you're out and about? Or hold your heavy briefcase in one hand? When you sleep at night, do you find yourself on your stomach? Or with more than one pillow in a twisted position?

Did you answer 'yes' to one of these questions?

Then it's no surprise that during my time as a PT, one of the most common injuries I see is 'neck pain.' And without even realizing it, things we do daily can cause it.

 

So, let's look at 3 of the most common everyday mistakes I've found my patients doing that cause their' neck pain'...

 

1. Watching TV

Watching TV is a habit – not saying it's good or bad! But the real issue with watching TV is HOW you watch it!

Are you doing it the way I see most of my friends and family watch it... With the TV hung above the fireplace high on the wall, kicked back with your feet up (and neck!) while watching your favorite TV soap opera. Even though you might think it's comfortable and relaxing, the truth is, there could be a problem waiting for you! If you're watching TV like this, it can be strenuous for your neck and head.

Many people make the same mistake; they don't realize that their position can affect their bodies and health.

 

Anyway, how to fix it? There's a reason why TV stands are almost always the same height, and any decent one will mean that if you're sitting on the sofa watching TV, the TV will be at eye level.

 

Watch the TV so your head isn't looking upwards or reaching out, which should help you avoid headaches, eye trouble, and muscle tension.

 

2. Your Bag

 

Carrying your bag on one shoulder or holding a heavy briefcase in one hand is something most of us are guilty of doing, but did you know that's also one of the leading causes of aches and pains in your neck and shoulders?

 

Since all the weight of your bag is on one shoulder or one side of the body, it can throw your muscles and posture off balance, which is why you sometimes see people with one shoulder higher than the other!

 

Another thing, the way we carry our bags can cause our muscles to become stiff as well. The way to solve this problem is to reduce your bag's weight and switch up the side you carry it on periodically. Switching your bag over to the opposite side will help balance out how your body carries the weight, relieving any tension built up in your muscles and solving any posture problems too! Switch it up every 10 minutes or when you walk past two streets.

 

3. How We Sleep

 

Another daily habit that brings on neck pain is the way we sleep.

 

If you sleep with your head propped up on more than one pillow, your neck and back aren't going to be nicely in line – meaning more pressure on your muscles and spine. And if you find yourself sleeping on your stomach, your head will most likely be turned on its side – meaning your body is in a twisted position all night for hours!

 

Now can you see why you might wake up with a sore neck?...

 

Although your neck is designed to rotate from side to side, it's not intended to stay in that position for hours. If you choose to sleep on your side, use a pillow that doesn't prop your head too high but is in line with your shoulder. If you sleep on your back, sleep with one thin pillow so your neck and spine are straight.

 

For more ways and advice to ease neck and shoulder pain, go here next to collect your free tips report: www.sumnerpt.com/neckpain

 

Finally, if you already feel like you have enough information but can't solve your neck problems and are tired of the constant headaches and ruined sleep, CLICK HERE to request a FREE discovery session with one of our expert physical therapists.