Many people get neck pain at some point in their lives. It can be due to stress, injuries, backache, poor postures among others. Especially in seniors, changes in the spine because of aging can cause neck pain. Your elderly parents may be complaining about neck pain, but you do not know why or what to do. To find out what causes neck pain in your elderly parents, read on to find out more, and you can seek out the best treatment options for them.
Bone Changes
The most common cause of neck pain is changes in the upper spine due to aging. The neck constitutes seven bones. These are called the vertebrae. They encapsulate the spinal cord. Muscles and ligaments attach to the vertebrae which offer support and movement of the neck and back. Any changes to the vertebrae can cause the nerves to be affected. The joints to the neck may have undergone wear and tear, causing pain from pinched nerves. This is one reason why elderly people feel neck pain.
Disk Problems
The disks are located in between the vertebrae. As people age, the muscles and ligaments become weaker, and the disks that are located between the bones of the neck can give way. As a result, the disks can become protruded. This condition is called a herniated disk. This can cause pressure on the nerves that connect to the neck.
Poor posture
Poor posture is a common form of back pain. You may be using too many pillows when you sleep. This causes your neck to be misaligned. Your neck may also be stuck in the same position for too long. Without movement of the neck from time to time, the muscles may stiffen up. The stiffening of muscles cause neck pain. In a similar vein, we are all glued to our phones nowadays/ Looking down at our phones all the time can cause neck muscle strain.
Poor Vision
You must be wondering what vision has to do with neck pain. If you are constantly squinting and straining your neck to look at things, this can lead to poor posture. As we have mentioned, poor posture causes many kinds of neck problems. Make sure that your glasses are in the right degree that suits your vision. By resolving this, your neck will more likely be in a relaxed position.
Carrying Heavy Load
If your job requires you to do heavy labor work, it is no surprise that you experience neck pain. The heavy load that you carry on a day-to-day basis can place a huge strain on your neck, arms and shoulders.
A consequence of neck pain is the inability to perform daily tasks that bathing and dressing. At a retirement community like Discovery Commons at South Biscayne, we offer state-of-the-art therapy programs to improve your condition. Our team members and professionals also prioritize your needs and will assist you in your daily tasks. If you are interested in assisted living or other senior living programs, contact Discovery Commons at South Biscayne today!
