Neck pain is a common problem that results from either a poor posture leading to strain in neck muscles or an underlying condition such as osteoarthritis. An individual can suffer from an intermittent neck pain due to long working hours, lack of ergonomic seating or even a hunched posture. Neck pain can rarely be a symptom of a serious problem. If a person suffers from prolonged neck pain, however, it can manifest serious problems such as a shooting pain in the shoulder and arms and even loss of sensation. The blog post discusses a few measures of neck pain treatment that provide relief from neck pain.
Therapy
Medical therapy is the first line of treatment that aims at providing strength to the muscles around the neck along with providing pain relief. The following therapies provide relief from neck pain:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy consists of exercises that help in correcting and strengthening the posture and alignment of the neck. A therapist may also use heat, ice or electrical stimulation to relieve neck pain and even prevent recurrence.
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
TENS is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical voltage to get relief from neck pain. The therapy helps in treating conditions of a neck and lower back pain.
Traction
The method involves gently stretching the neck using a few measures such as weights, pulleys, and air bladders. The therapy provides relief from neck pain, especially if the pain is related to nerve root irritation.
Collar Support
A soft collar providing support to the neck can help in relieving neck pain by reducing pressure from the structures of the neck. When the collar eases the pressure from the adjacent neck structures, a patient may get some relief from neck pain.
Medication
A doctor may suggest OTC medications or muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants to relieve pain and stiffness in the neck. A breakdown of the medication can be outlined as:
Steroid Injections
A doctor inject corticosteroid drugs near the nerve roots, the bones of the cervical spine or even neck muscles to provide relief from unbearable neck pain.
Analgesics
Over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen may provide relief from an intermittent neck pain; however, a person needs to consult a doctor before continuing the usage for a longer period.
Home Remedies
Home remedies can also help in alleviating neck pain along with managing the number of instances effectively.
Alternate Heat and Cold
Neck pain often brings a stiffness that restricts movement. An ice pack can help in reducing the inflammation. Using a heating pad or warm shower can also help in reducing the pain. Alternate cold and heat therapy also provide quick relief from neck pain.
Exercises
Regular exercise can help in treating persistent neck pain that may be a result of over-strained neck muscles. A person can start with gentle stretching and eventually add neck and shoulder rolls to the daily exercise regime. A noteworthy fact is to get started with the neck exercises if the pain begins to subside and avoid lifting heavy weights or carrying strenuous activities.
