Q When should I see a doctor for neck pain?
In most cases, neck pain can be treated conservatively with over-the-counter pain medications, ice, heat, massage, and strengthening and/or stretching exercises at home. If you still have pain or restrictions in your movement after a few weeks of conservative treatment, see your doctor for further evaluation.
Q What things I can do to relieve my neck pain at home?
To relieve neck pain you can take Acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help relieve mild to moderate neck pain.
Q What if my pain is not controlled with these medications?
If your pain is not relieved with NSAIDs or acetaminophen, or if you have severe muscle spasm, your doctor might prescribe a muscle relaxant. If this is not sufficient and your pain continues to be severe, they may also consider prescribing tramadol, a stronger pain medication, for a short time. Because tramadol is an opioid medication, it is associated with the risk of dependence or addiction; for this reason, doctors are cautious about prescribing it and often start with the smallest dose for the shortest time possible.
If pain continues beyond six weeks despite treatment with tramadol (or in people who cannot or should not take tramadol), or if pain is disrupting sleep, certain antidepressant medications may be recommended
Q Does using Ice at the sore area will relieve pain?
For some people, ice applied to the sore area can help relieve neck pain. In general, for acute injuries, ice is recommended as the initial treatment, especially if swelling is present.
You can also relieve muscle tightness by placing a bag of ice, bag of frozen vegetables, or a frozen towel to the painful area. The cold source should be wrapped in a thin dry cloth layer before it is placed on the neck to protect the skin. The ice or cold pack should be left in place for 15 to 20 minutes to deeply penetrate the tissues; this can be repeated every two to four hours until symptoms improve.
Q While using ice what should one be careful about?
Skin damage can result from excessive use of ice, especially in people with poor skin sensation; it’s a good idea to inspect your skin each time you apply ice. Look for changes in pigmentation (for example, lighter- or darker-colored areas) and let your doctor know if you notice any problems.
Q Can applying heat also help in relieving pain?
Heat can also help to reduce neck pain in some people. Apply moist heat for 10 to 15 minutes with a shower, hot bath, or moist towel warmed in a microwave. If you use a heated towel, be careful not to overheat, as this can cause skin injury.
Now let us talk about the exercise which you can do at your home to relieve the neck pain
You can help restore and preserve your range of motion with exercises that stretch and strengthen the neck muscles. Range of motion exercises and stretching may help decrease pain from muscle injury.
Q When is the best time to perform these excercises?
It is best to perform stretching exercises when the muscles are warm, such as after the application of heat, or after a few minutes of cardiovascular warm-up exercises. Exercises can be done in the morning to relieve stiffness and again at night before going to bed.
Exercises are most effective if you do them twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
Before doing stretching or strengthening exercises, it’s a good idea to warm your neck and upper back muscles by taking a warm bath or shower or applying a heating pad or moist, warm towel.
Q How frequently should you do the exercise?
Exercises are most effective if you do them twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
Q When should I not trying to do these exercise, can they increase the pain?
If you have had a serious neck injury, do not try any new exercises or stretches before talking to your doctor.
Also, do not attempt these exercises if you have a pinched nerve in your neck, especially if there is pain or numbness into the arm and hand, unless recommended by a doctor.
While these exercises can dramatically improve symptoms of a pinched nerve, they can actually make the problem worse if done improperly.
Q what are the different neck exercises that I can do at home to relieve the pain?
●Neck rotation – Slowly look to the right. Hold for a few seconds. Look straight ahead and rest for a few seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times, then perform on the left side.
●Neck tilting – Look straight forward, then tilt the top of your head to the right, trying to touch your right ear to your right shoulder (without raising your shoulder). Hold for a few seconds, then return your head to the center. Repeat 10 to 15 times, then perform on the left side.
●Neck bending – Tilt your head forward and try to touch your chin to your neck using a nodding motion. Hold for a few seconds, breathe in gradually, and exhale slowly with each exercise. Exhaling with the movement helps relax the muscles. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Relax your neck and back muscles with each neck bend.
●Shoulder rolls – In a sitting or standing position, hold your arms at your sides. Roll your shoulders backwards 10 to 15 times, moving in a rhythmic, rowing motion. Proper neck alignment posture is important during this exercise. Rest, then roll your shoulders forwards 10 to 15 times.
●Scapular retraction – While seated, hold your head in a neutral position and draw your shoulder blades backward (toward each other). Hold for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
●Deep neck flexor strengthening – Lie on your back, on a flat surface, then draw your chin down (toward your chest) and inwards while contracting the deep muscles of your neck. For initial exercises, keep your head in contact with the ground and just “tuck.” Hold for five seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
●Chest wall stretches – Stand in a doorway and hold your arms out to your sides with your elbows bent and your palms facing out. Place your elbows against the door frame, slightly below shoulder level. Then lean your chest forward while keeping your head in a neutral position as you slowly stretch your shoulder and chest muscles. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, and repeat 10 to 15 times.
Q One must also reduce bad posture to decrease neck pain. What are common advise regarding posture maintainance?
You can help prevent or reduce neck pain by doing activities and using positions that emphasize a neutral neck position and minimize tension across the supporting muscles and ligaments. Extremes of range of motion and positions that cause constant tension should be minimized or avoided.
It may help to:
●Avoid sitting in the same position for prolonged periods of time. If you work at a desk, try to take periodic five-minute breaks throughout the day. Avoid looking up or down at a computer monitor; adjust it to your eye level. Visual changes or new glasses prescriptions can also affect the way you hold your head and neck to read.
●Avoid putting pressure on your upper back with things like backpacks, over-the-shoulder purses, or carrying children. Alternatives may include wheeled backpacks or cases and having a child walk or ride in a stroller.
●Avoid doing overhead work for prolonged periods at a time.
●Maintain good posture by holding your head up and keeping your shoulders back and down. Try to keep your neck in line with your body and avoid hunching forward. Pay attention to your neck and arm position when you are using your phone.
●Use the car or chair arm rests to keep your arms supported. Find the optimal seated alignment in your car for your entire spine and make sure the head rest is at a comfortable position for your neck.
●Sleep with your neck in a neutral position by using a small pillow under the nape of your neck (if you sleep on your back) or sleeping with enough pillows to keep your neck straight in line with your body (if you sleep on your side). If you sleep on your back, putting a pillow under the knees can help to flatten the spine and relax the neck muscles. Avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side.
●Carry heavy objects close to your body rather than with outstretched arms.
Q Does massage or acupuncture help in relieving neck pain?
While there is limited evidence for therapies like massage and acupuncture in the treatment of neck pain, some people find that they are helpful (at least in the short term), and they are unlikely to be harmful.
Massage — Massage can be helpful for relieving muscle spasm. There are different types of massage, and people have different preferences about the technique and amount of pressure used. If you want to try massage, it’s best to seek out a licensed massage therapist with experience in treating people with neck pain.
Acupuncture — Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into specific points, as determined by traditional Chinese maps of the body’s flow of energy. Many acupuncturists have experience in treating people with neck pain; if you would like to try this, always consult your doctor before trying.
Q Does reducing stress can relieve my neck pain?
Emotional stress can increase neck tension and interfere with or delay the recovery process. Reducing stress may help to prevent neck pain from recurring. Relaxation techniques can relieve musculoskeletal tension. An example of a relaxation exercise is to take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale completely. Breathe normally for a few seconds, and then repeat.
Other activities that may help to reduce stress include meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, or progressive muscle relaxation.
Q What are mindfulness-based stress reduction programs? What benefit does it produce?
Some people also find that “mindfulness-based stress reduction” helps. This involves attending a program virtually or in-person to practice relaxation and meditation techniques with someone trained in this approach. It may be helpful in improving your ability to relax, cope with stress, and help manage your pain.
Q What is Cognitive behavioral therapy?
People with chronic neck pain may benefit from something called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves learning about your condition (including addressing any misconceptions and fears that you may have about your pain), learning how to develop a more positive way of thinking, and setting activity goals and working toward those goals. CBT techniques may be performed by a psychologist or other trained professional.
Q Will yoga help in pain relieving?
Some people find activities with a mind-body focus, such as Tai Chi and yoga, to be beneficial. Whatever exercise program you follow, the goal is not only to improve pain but to help you regain function and be able to do your normal daily activities. In addition, staying active can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Q How good is physical therapy to relieve the pain?
Depending on your situation, your doctor might recommend working with a therapist or athletic trainer to develop an individualized exercise program. This typically involves a combination of stretching, strengthening, and stabilizing exercises. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that you can continue to do at home between treatments
Q Should I try spinal manipulation for my neck pain?
“Spinal manipulation” is a technique sometimes used by chiropractors, physical therapists, doctors, massage therapists, and others to relieve neck or back pain; it can be effective when used in conjunction with exercise. Manual therapy and joint mobilization are gentle types of manipulation that can help improve joint and soft tissue movement and flexibility.
While some people find that spinal manipulation helps with their pain, some studies have found that treatments that include quick “thrusting” of the neck are associated with a possible risk of serious injury. Aggressive manipulation or adjustments to the cervical spine should be avoided in people with certain conditions including cervical stenosis, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, or cervical radiculopathy.
Q What is trigger point injection? Is it recommended?
This involves injecting a local anesthetic medication (such as lidocaine) into the muscles at specific areas of tenderness. Some doctors may also do something called “dry needling” in nearby muscle fibers when doing the trigger point injection.
Trigger point injections may be recommended if conservative treatments do not significantly improve pain. However, there is no good evidence that trigger point injections help to reduce pain or speed healing in the long term. Trigger point injections with steroids into the neck muscles are not recommended due to the risk of injury to the muscles and lack of additional benefit.
Q What is the role of cervical collar?
A soft cervical collar is a piece of foam covered with fabric that is worn around the neck to support the head. While occasional brief use of a collar may be helpful in certain situations (for example, if you have periods of increased pain that interfere with sleep), long-term or routine use is discouraged as this may delay recovery or allow the neck muscles to weaken.
Q Does electrical stimulation always helps?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a treatment that involves applying a mild electric current to the skin with the goal of decreasing pain and increasing mobility and strength. Evidence for its efficacy is mixed; your doctor can talk to you about this approach if you are interested in trying it.
Q When should I think of surgery to relieve my neck pain?
Surgery may have a role in relieving symptoms related to a pinched nerve caused by a herniated disc (cervical spondylotic myelopathy or cervical radiculopathy) if conservative therapy is not effective.
To know more about this condition and discuss treatment options you can book appointment with doctor
- Note –This is a condensed summary of diagnostic, therapeutic, and medication information and is not intended to be exhaustive. It serves as a guide to aid in understanding potential diagnostic and treatment options and should not be considered a complete source of information. It does NOT encompass all details regarding conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or potential risks that may be relevant to a particular individual. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, which is based on a doctors assessment of a patient’s unique health status after examining them. To receive comprehensive information about their health, medical queries, and treatment options, including the risks and benefits of medication use, patients should consult a doctor. This information does not guarantee the safety, efficacy, or approval of any treatment or medication for a specific patient.