Musculoskeletal pain that involves the cervical spine can indicate conditions that are mild, moderate or critical. Acute pain in the cervical, or neck, region can be caused by stressful lifting, car accidents or sports injuries. Chronic pain in the neck area may result from issues as varied as sleep posture, spinal degeneration, cancer and infection. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), however, most neck injuries are due to simple muscle strain. Treatments will vary accordingly.
Bed Rest
The absence of stress on the neck provides immediate pain relief. Following an acute strain or during a resurgence of chronic pain, the UMMC suggests ceasing the usual daily activities for up to 72 hours to rest the neck. MayoClinic.com advises lying down frequently during the day as well, to remove the stress of carrying the weight of the head. Constant bed rest for more than a day or two after neck pain onset is not recommended, as the muscles can stiffen or weaken.
Pain Medications
For pain relief following moderate injury, MayoClinic.com suggests a short-term regimen of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. This brings down the swelling caused by muscle inflammation, which may also occur in chronic situations of prolonged muscular stress or painful joints. More severe neck pain can be treated by doctors with stronger opiates, muscle relaxants or anesthetic injections.
Cold Packs/Hot Packs
Both acute and chronic pain in the neck area can be tempered with cold or hot compress applications. A chilled reusable gel pack should be placed on the neck for 20 minutes at a time, for up to three days following an injury, when swelling is present.
The UMMC reports that packs warmed in the microwave can be used in a similar manner after inflammation settles. Either temperature is appropriate for pain relief of chronic conditions.
Support Aids
Neck muscles weakened by muscle strain may benefit from short-term use of a soft cervical collar, notes the UMMC. Neck pain brought on by poor sleep posture can be addressed through use of a firmer mattress or orthopedic pillow.
Stretching
The American Physical Therapy Association recommends performing stretching exercises after any inflammation has passed. Neck rolls, shoulder rolls and standing stretches can loosen up the muscles that are causing neck pain.
Surgical Treatments
Chronic pain in the cervical joints, or neck symptoms that include numbness or shooting pains in the arms, may indicate a more serious health problem. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the cervical spine, or disc degeneration may require surgery to achieve pain relief. A laminectomy, discectomy or spinal fusion surgery may be prescribed in rare instances.
