Neck pain is a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors, including muscle strain, poor posture, arthritis, and herniated discs. It can range from mild to severe and can be a chronic condition. There are a number of treatments available, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, physical therapy, and surgery.

Who is affected by neck pain?

Neck pain is quite common. It happens in about 1 in 3 people every year. It occurs more frequently in women than in men, and your likelihood of getting it increases with age.

What are the possible causes of neck pain?

Many different medical problems and injuries can cause neck pain. Conditions that may cause neck pain include:

Aging: Degenerative shapes, such as osteoarthritis (the wearing down of bone joints) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spaces in the spine), can lead to neck pain as you get older. With time, tension and movement may cause spinal disc degeneration, which can lead to a herniated disc or pinched nerve.

Injury: Sudden forced movement of the neck or head may cause pain and tissue damage in the spinal cord in the neck. The muscles, ligaments, discs, vertebral joints, and nerve roots in the spinal cord of the neck may be harmed by trauma injuries.

Mental stress: Frequent tightening of your neck and shoulder muscles can lead to neck pain and stiffness.

Physical strain: Repetitive movements or strenuous physical activities may be among the reasons you are stiff and in pain.

Conditions that affect spinal balance: Poor posture (sitting for long periods of time or poor computer keyboard chair positioning), being overweight, and weak abdominal muscles can cause abnormal spinal postures that lead to neck pain.

Growths: In rare cases, masses such as cysts and bone spurs that are attached to the spine may cause neck pain.

Other health conditions: Meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

How is neck pain managed or treated?

The approach for neck pain treatment varies depending on what caused the issue. The aim is to relieve the pain, restore function, and fix the problem. The conventional treatment options for neck pain include physical therapy and rehabilitation. Standard treatments for this symptom include:

1. Drugs including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and muscle relaxants to facilitate recovery.
2. Physical therapy (exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening the neck and muscles).
3. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) relieves pain at the source of the pain by disrupting the pain signal with a low-level electrical current applied to the skin near the nerves causing the pain. Traction is commonly used to alleviate discomfort with the assistance of inflatable devices.
4. An injection of steroids near the nerve roots is administered in order to promote pain relief and fight inflammation.
5. Surgery is used to restore compressed or injured spinal disks or fuse some vertebrae in the body.

How to ease neck pain at home?

If you have minor stiffness or neck pain, simply follow these steps to relieve it.

• Apply ice for the first two or three days. Afterward, use heat with a heating pad, a hot compress, or by taking a hot shower.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, for example, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Withdrawing from strenuous physical exercise, strain-instigating activities, and heavy lifting is recommended for a few days. Afterward, begin by resuming healthy activities.
• Be certain to stretch your neck at least several times every day. Slowly twist your head sideways and up and down to stretch it.
• Practice good posture.
• Try not to put the phone between your neck and shoulder.
• Change your seating position often. Do not stand or sit in one spot for too long.
• Get a gentle neck massage.
• Use a special neck pillow for sleeping.
• A neck brace or collar should not ever be worn without your health care provider’s approval. You must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for appropriate use. Using them improperly could make your symptoms worse.

If you’re dealing with neck pain, you might want to consider cervical traction. This is a type of therapy that involves gently stretching the neck. It can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion. Cervical traction is usually done with a machine that applies gentle pressure to the neck. It’s a safe and effective treatment for many people with neck pain. You may visit our website cervicaltractions.com or give us a call at 770-441-9808.