When soreness and stiffness temporarily affect the back and neck, home treatments can bring relief fast. Doctor-prescribed medications address back and neck pain, but don't eliminate the source of musculoskeletal problems.
Self-care is appropriate in the aftermath of minor overuse and accidental injuries caused by strenuous work or sports play, prolonged computer use and other posture-related activities. Some degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, may be managed at home. Serious traumas and spinal conditions, such as spondylosis, require medical management.
Activity Restriction
An immediate remedy for neck and back pain is rest, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Resting the muscles fibers that were stretched during strain also allows the tissue to begin regenerating.
Chair rest, with proper support, eases neck pain and takes the body's weight off the back. Bed rest breaks to relieve the neck of carrying the weight of the head are also recommended. Rest should accompany other home treatments for the first day or two after the onset of muscle strain symptoms. When inflammation and pain lessen, normal activity can be resumed gradually.
Cold and Hot Therapy
Initial inflammation from an acute injury lasts from 24 to 48 hours, but can recur periodically until muscle tissue heals. While inflammation is high, the APTA recommends applying a cold pack for 20-minute sessions. After heat and swelling subside, a hot pack can be used for the same period to relieve back or neck pain.
Alternating temperatures helps some people manage neck and back pain with home treatment. A reusable gel pack can be kept in the fridge for a comfortably cool compress, while another pack can be microwaved for warmth.
Support Aids
Both back and neck pain can be caused by old or incompatible bedding, the American Chiropractic Association reports. Mattresses that are five to seven years old should be evaluated. If poor support led to a health condition, a new mattress chosen for a patient's body type could eliminate chronic back pain. Pillows also break down in about a year's time and need to be replaced. An orthopedic design will properly align the neck and spine for long-term pain relief.
The APTA counsels against using too many pillows; one good model should suffice. Patients should support the neck with a pillow during bed rest and may use a soft cervical collar for this purpose during chair rest.
Nonprescription Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to along with nonmedicinal home treatments. The Cleveland Clinic recommends nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for any type of neck or back pain. These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.
