Neck pain is a common pain problem among Hong Kong people, but the seriousness behind neck pain is often ignored. A young man even took his own life due to neck pain caused by long-term video gaming. The incident was reported and finally attracted the general public's attention to the health of the cervical spine.

It can get so serious because most people ignore the source of neck pain. When faced with headaches and neck pain, people generally only buy painkillers, use sore patches, massage, or think that doing more stretching exercises can cure neck pain. However, long-term use of painkillers will only mask the symptoms and make the condition worse unknowingly. People often seek medical help only when the neck pain is unbearable and there is no other way to relieve the pain.

Lowering your head for a long time causes the cervical spine to lose its curvature

Lowering your head for a long time or extending your head too far forward while working, playing video games or using smart electronic products are the main causes of cervical spine degeneration. If the cervical spine joints are in an abnormal position for a long time, it will easily lead to cervical spine misalignment. When the misaligned spine presses the nerve lines, pain will occur. The patient's neck movement angle will be significantly reduced initially. Later, the patient will begin to feel a dull pain in the neck. The pain will extend to the shoulders and arms. The arms may also feel tight and stiff. If the patient does not face up to the problem of neck pain at this time, the curvature of the cervical spine that should be curved will gradually straighten, and bone spurs may even proliferate, affecting the nervous system and causing numbness and weakness in the hands. In severe cases, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia and lack of energy will begin to occur, seriously affecting work and life.

Troubled by neck pain and headaches, the patients became increasingly depressed and even had to quit their job. Some people even mistakenly believe that bone spurs are an "incurable disease", or they have suspected that they are terminally ill. In addition, they are under great pressure in life, and they often lose their temper at the people around them, further suffering their emotions.



Cervical spine self-examination

In addition to X-ray examination to determine whether the cervical spine is misaligned or degenerated, it can also be observed in daily life. Good and correct posture means that the entire spine is maintained in a balanced state. When standing, when viewed from the side, there will be a straight line from the ears, shoulders to the hip joint; if the cervical spine is degenerated, the cervical spine will tilt forward.

Another way to conduct a preliminary check is to first raise your head and look upward. If you feel pain in your neck and back or there is a bone protrusion, you should seek medical attention for a detailed examination.

Protect cervical vertebrae and fight headaches

To prevent cervical spine dislocation, in addition to paying more attention and maintaining correct posture, you can also prevent pain through lifestyle habits:

1. The height of the workbench, office chair and computer screen should be moderate. Pay attention to your posture and avoid leaning your neck and head forward when you are too focused on your work.

2. When using your phone, avoid tilting your head to one side of your shoulder or neck. If you need to use the phone for a long time, you can use an ear-mounted or head-mounted hands-free device instead.

3. All electronic products such as smartphones are not suitable for long-term use; when using a mobile phone, you can raise your elbow so that the phone is at eye level to avoid lowering your head for a long time.

4. Take a short break every 30 to 45 minutes while working, and do neck and body stretching exercises.
   

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