Anatomy of the Neck
Neck pain develops either from isolated incidents such as a bad night's sleep or because of the cumulative effects of bad posture or an inadequate set-up of a work desk and computer. Pain relief treatment depends on the severity of the neck pain and how long you have experienced it. See a doctor for proper evaluation.
Home Care
For an isolated incident of neck pain, try home care before you visit a doctor. To relieve the pain temporarily, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil. In addition, ice your neck for 20 minutes and then apply a warm compress for 20 minutes. Repeat this cold/hot alternating throughout the day as necessary. If the heat further aggravates your sore neck, stick to icing.
Rub your neck or have a friend massage your shoulders to relieve neck and upper back tightness. Turn your chin slightly toward your left shoulder and hold the position for 30 seconds. Then slowly turn back to center and turn your chin to your right shoulder.
Approach at-home neck stretches with caution. Improper stretching technique may exacerbate the situation and sometimes even lead to neck damage.
Physical Therapy and Immobility
If your neck pain persists for more than a few days, visit a doctor. If the doctor determines that the neck pain is due to muscle tightness or other musculoskeletal problems, she will refer you to a physical therapist. A physical therapist will teach you stretches and exercises to strengthen your neck, back and shoulders. As the areas around your neck grow stronger, you will place less stress on your neck.
If your doctor determines that you have pulled a muscle or strained a neck ligament, he might give you a special neck brace to wear until your body heals. After your muscles heal, you will work with a physical therapist to regain full range of motion.
Surgical Treatments
Serious neck pain and neck pain that results from structural damage to other parts of your body might require surgery. Doctors opt for surgery mainly when your neck pain is the result of a herniated disc, a tumor or another serious underlying condition. Rather than traditional surgery, many doctors rely on minor procedures to target the pain. These procedures include injections of numbing medications and other medications such as corticosteroids that help reduce inflammation.
Depending on the nature of your neck pain, a doctor might work with a physical therapist to perform traction therapy. During traction therapy, your doctor will use weights to stretch specific parts of the neck and relieve pain. Chiropractors use similar methods to reduce neck pain.
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