Neck Pain, help????!

Neck Pain, help????

I have been getting this pain in my neck. It is localized the the left back side of my neck. When i sit for a long period of time it gets worse and worse. The only way for me to get rid of it is if i lay flat on my back with a pillow supporting my head. The pain is kinda a burning feeling and if i can't lay down right away it gets worse and moves to the right side just not as bad as the left is feeling. I don't get headaches or anything it is all just my neck. I am a 25 y/o female. Also sometimes when i am bending over doing something or bending up and down alot it hurts but not nearly as bad when i sit in a chair. It comes almsot as soon as i sit my butt down. I try to get up and walk around but like i said it doesn't help unless i lay on my back with a pillow. Any ideas?

How is your posture when you sit? If you are like most you round your shoulders and while on the computer - lean in putting yourself in "forward posture" position. Over time this causes problems and is extremely stressful for the neck and shoulders. Burning sensation indicates pressure on a nerve (either from your neck being out of alignment from forward posture or from constant muscle spasms). You neck sounds like it's in a constant state of spasms. You can see a physical therapist or chiropractor. Both can provide you with deep tissue massage and stengthening/stretching exercises for your neck/upper back. The chiropractor can also perform adjustments to relieve the pressure on the nerve. I've included the exercises from my physical therapist for you. But still make an appointment, even if you start with your regular MD.

Neck: Chin tucks: lay flat on your bed, bring chin towards chest (you'll feel stretch in back of neck and base of skull), do this 10 times. Side to Side: in same position turn head to left until you feel stretch - hold for 5 seconds, return to normal position. Turn head to right until you feel stretch, hold for 5 seconds, return to normal position. Do this 10 times. Lateral stretch: In same position, tilt head towards shoulder until you feel stretch, hold for 5 seconds, return to normal position. Tilt head towards other shoulder, hold for 5 seconds, return to normal position. Do this 10 times.

Upper back/shoulders: The exercises are called T's I's and Y's. They are so named because you will make the shape of these letters with your body. Lay flat on your bed face down, roll up a hand towel and put it under your forhead (it will align the neck and keep you from squashing your nose). Bring arms out to the side making a "T". Raise and lower arms 10 times. Next bring arms slightly toward head making a "Y" shape. Raise and lower arms 10 times. Next bring arms along side head making a "I" shape. Raise and lower arms 10 times. Next bring arms down along side your body again making a "I" shape. Raise and lower arms 10 times.

Do 3 sets of these each day (they sound easy but you will feel like you just worked out!)