Treatments for neck pain range from home remedies to spinal fusion, depending upon the source and extent of damage. Causes may include uncomplicated muscle strains, arthritis, spinal stenosis, whiplash, neural and vascular damage and other more complex medical conditions. A mild muscle strain can gain pain relief through home treatment. For more severe pain and symptoms such as numbness or difficulty breathing, the University of Maryland (UM) Medical Center advises a doctor's diagnosis and treatment prescription.
Rest From Exercise
Whether the cause is known or not, patients should immediately refrain from normal activity and cease exercise when symptoms first arise. Playing or working through pain can compound damage to muscles and vertebrae, as well as the nerves and blood vessels that serve them.
The Mayo Clinic reports that inflammation from a muscle strain requires 48 hours to subside under home treatment. Rest is one form of immediate pain relief.
Pain Medication
Patients can control inflammation from soft-tissue strains taking medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen and acetaminophen. MayoClinic.com recommends trying these home treatments for pain relief from moderate symptoms, and doctor-prescribed muscle relaxants and stronger analgesics for neck pain that doesn't respond to other medications.
Corticosteroid Injections and Surgery
Pain that doesn't respond to medications may respond to corticosteroid or lidocaine injections. These can be administered for nerve, vertebral or muscular pain symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Underlying conditions such as spinal spondylosis, stenosis or osteoporosis may require surgery to relieve neck pain.
Hot/Cold Therapy
The UM Medical Center endorses the use of ice packs for pain relief during the first two days of inflammation, and then alternating hot and cold therapy. Sufferers should apply compresses for about 20 minutes at a time.
Patients who don't enjoy an icy sensation can keep a reusable gel pack in the refrigerator. This home treatment provides enough chill to ease pain and residual inflammation in the neck when they place the compress directly against the skin.
Orthopedic Pillows
Chronic neck pain may result from an inadequate pillow. The American Chiropractic Association reports that a pillow should maintain a person's neck posture level with the shoulders and spine. Buying an orthopedic pillow designed for both back and side sleeping positions will ensure that the neck is not too high or too low in either posture.
Physical Therapy
Once inflammation subsides, patients will need to stretch and exercise the area to regain a comfortable range of motion, the UM Medical Center relates. Stretching the neck side from side and up and down will increase strength and flexibility. Patients with moderate pain can begin at home, and those with more serious cases can obtain a doctor's referral for physical therapy.
