Neck Pain

Treatments for neck pain

The treatment for neck pain will vary depending on the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Rest: Resting the neck can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Ice: Applying ice to the neck can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Heat: Applying heat to the neck can help to relax the muscles and relieve pain.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in the neck and improve the range of motion.
• Injections: Injections of corticosteroids or other medications can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in some cases, such as when the pain is severe or when there is a tumor in the neck.

When to seek medical help

If you have severe neck pain that does not improve with home treatment or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the arms, you should see a doctor.

Prevention of neck pain

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent neck pain, including:

• Maintain good posture
• Take breaks from sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Exercise regularly
• Strengthen the muscles in your neck and shoulders
• Avoid lifting heavy objects
• Use proper body mechanics when lifting objects
• Get enough sleep
• Manage stress

Diagnosis of Neck Pain

Your doctor will likely start by asking about your medical history and the symptoms. They will then perform a physical exam of your neck. During the physical exam, your doctor may check your range of motion, strength, and reflexes. They may also press on different areas of your neck to see if it causes pain.

If your doctor suspects that you have a severe underlying condition, they may order additional tests, such as:

• X-rays: X-rays can help to identify problems with the bones in the neck.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scans can provide detailed images of the soft tissues in the neck, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans can provide detailed images of the bones in the neck.

Once your doctor has diagnosed the cause of your neck pain, they will develop a treatment.